Valerie Ellen Lewis is an OEF/OIF Army Combat Veteran. She claimed her True Identity, Purpose, and Belonging at the June 2021 Rite of Return. She is actively involved in Veteran Rites and is barefoot on the earth sharing her deep wisdom, resilience, and gifts with the world.

Distant Woman

Who is the woman that can be seen far in the distance
Can I run and catch her to ask the burning questions in my soul
I want her confidence in the beauty of her Black skin
Ask her how did she develop such an adventurous and relentless spirit
Ask her how did she discover and walk in her God-given purpose
I am determined to catch her to get her insight and advice
As I am finally close enough to tap her shoulder
She stops as if she can sense my presence behind her
As this distant woman turns to face me, I see that she is me

- Valerie Lewis

What do you see upon meeting me?

Do you see a black woman or just a woman with grace and her own style?

Do you see the story that dwells in my eyes?

It may seem to have more downs than ups but don’t be fooled.

This woman, me, Valerie Ellen Lewis, have used those downs as fuel in my journey to fulfilling greatness and embodying my ancestors’ greatest dreams.

I am the second-born child of Ernest and Modester Lewis, Sr.

As a child, I was molested by two male cousins but did not let that dampen my fire.

I became an introvert that would achieve excel both academically and athletically.

I used that energy to also be a leader throughout my k-12 years where I would serve fervently in many clubs and became class president as both a freshman and senior setting the groundwork for me to be a leader among my peers.

While working on my first degree, I assisted in the establishment of a new club and would serve as its inaugural president. That club was the Georgia Southern University Exercise Science Majors club.

After earning my first bachelor's degree and working to earn my first graduate degree, I joined the U.S. Army where I served proudly on active duty for four years completing two combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq respectively.

During that time, I would continue to build my leadership skills and increase my courage level. I would be raped by a brother in arms while home on leave from my second combat deployment.

I would continue my military service for another four years in the Georgia Army National Guard where I would continue to be a leader and serve honorably as a Preventive Medicine technician and Combat Medic.

Although I would excel during my military service, it would lead me into a temporary downward spiral that come to an end via a trip to the land that reinvigorate me to continue my journey to greatness

Although hiccups would arise on this reestablished journey, I would earn a second bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and be featured in the February 2022 issue of National Geographic magazine with my family.