Honoring Those Who Served: Tina Turner, MSW '16

What branch of service did you serve in?

Army

What got you through basic training?

I didn’t go to basic training because I entered the Army through ROTC in college.

Where were you stationed while in the service?

I was stationed at Fort Knox, KY, Fort Leonardwood, MO, and Fort Campbell, KY.

Can you describe your experience of military culture in one word?

Describing military culture in one word is so hard! I can’t pick just one, so I’m going to cheat and say “challenging yet fulfilling”. Being in the military is not easy…every day everyone and everything challenges you to go outside of your comfort zone, push yourself, fail but try again, make mistakes, and do things you’ve never done before…but all of it is to make you better at your job, a better person, a better leader, and develop you for the next task, unit, duty station, or rank you achieve.

What are some recommendations that you would give to our fellow social workers who are providing services to former or current military personnel?

Remind them just how strong they are – they have been through things that most could not imagine. Seeking help and support is a sign of strength more than it is a sign of weakness. Having been in an environment where so many things are dictated for us by others, giving them a sense of control over things can go a long way.

If applicable, what did you go on to do as a career after your service?

I left the service in July of 2015, and was in the classroom two weeks later working towards my MSW at the University of Illinois. After receiving my degree, I continued working at the university while my husband finished his MBA, and when we relocated I became the Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the New Mexico Army National Guard. When that contract ended, I transitioned into the field of human resources where I still currently work as an Area Human Resources Business Partner for Lowe’s.

How did your service and experiences affect your life?

The military pushed me farther than I ever thought I could go physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has shown me just how much I can handle, which has helped me during times of increased stress or adversity. It has given me a deep appreciation for the pleasures of life, having been away from friends and family or in austere or challenging environments. Through the ups and downs, it made me the person I am today and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

How has your service and experiences intersected with your role as a social worker?

*I’ll answer this one from the perspective of a human resources professional*

Lowe’s is ranked as one of the most military friendly companies, so I get to interact with veterans and service members daily while talking to employees in the stores that I support. I am able to connect with them on a deeper level, provide a higher level of understanding when they have to miss work for drill or other training, and commiserate about our shared experiences. I am also able to provide a unique perspective to other leaders when we are discussing veteran recruiting programs, military appreciation events, and ways to best serve our military-affiliated customer base.

Do you have a memory that you want to share?

Wow – it’s hard to pick just one! I would say either the day my husband came home from his first deployment, or the day I came home from my deployment. Those days were true highlights because being safe and back home with my husband and family after being apart or worrying for so long was the absolute best feeling in the world.

Is there anything you wish others knew about military service that you wish more people understood?

Being in the military isn’t always how it is portrayed in movies and TV shows – spend some time with a veteran you know learning about their service and I think you’ll be surprised to learn what it is really like! No two people have the same experience, which is what makes the military such a diverse melting pot of people from different backgrounds and who bring unique experiences to the table.