Pain/Opioid Veteran Engagement Panel (VEP)

Meet the VEP Members

Meet Becky from MN

Tell us about yourself...I am a U.S. Air Force Veteran and retired after 26 years of service. During my career I spent 9+ years overseas, which included combat tours and hazardous duty. I retired from the Air Force in November 2014 and my husband and I settled back in MN, our home state. Upon retirement, I returned to school to become an occupational therapist and in June 2018 I passed the national boards, just 3 weeks after graduation. I have worked at Mayo Clinic ever since. Pre-COVID my husband and I enjoyed spending time with family and expanding our world-wide travels -- we hope to return to both of those activities when it is safe to do in the future.

Why were you interested in serving on the VEP...As with many Veterans involved in the VEP, I also suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain, and have for many years. As a patient in the pain clinic at the Minneapolis VA, I learned of an opportunity to join my first VEP and thought of it as a way to “give back”. As a VEP member, I was provided insight into the immense breadth and depth of research being done in support of Veterans across the country, and I quickly gained a profound appreciation for the dedication and passion of the researchers involved in VA programs. I feel blessed to participate and provide a voice for female Veterans.

Meet Carmencita from MI

Tell us about yourself... I'm a second-generation Navy Veteran and served as a Religious Program Specialist in both the Navy and Navy Reserves. After medically retiring a few years ago, I started working with Pay It Forward to pass the time and keep busy while still using my professional background and knowledge to help fellow Veterans and their family members. I am a strong advocate for better quality of care, including promoting alternatives to medication, and striving for my best quality of life is my top priority.

I am also a mom to three beautiful daughters and a grandma to my witty grandsons. I love traveling, reading, visiting family, and talking to people from different backgrounds.

Why were you interested in serving on the VEP... I strongly believe that wellbeing depends on the partnership of research, clinicians, Veterans, family members, and caregivers to create the best outcomes. We, the Veterans, are the experts in treatments and providing care beyond just putting a "band-aid" on our issues. I'm interested in providing input to influence the implementation of non-drug therapies and best practices for physical health, mental health, and recovery, so that all Veterans can be empowered to live our best lives.

Meet Evelyn from GA

Tell us about yourself...Dr. Lewis earned her medical degree from the University of the Health Sciences, the Chicago Medical School and completed a residency in family medicine at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL. She completed a faculty development fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center and Pacific Lutheran University and earned a Masters degree in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. In 2003, Dr. Lewis retired from the United States Navy after 25 years of service. Currently, she serves as Chief Medical Officer for Warrior Centric Health, LLC; President and Chair, Veteran Health And Wellness Foundation; Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Clinical Instructor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science; appointee to the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation; and serves as the American Academy Family Physician’s Delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates. Dr. Lewis is nationally recognized for her expertise in the areas of community outreach, engagement and enablement; public private partnerships; Veteran health and healthcare issues; content/program development and evaluation; cultural competency; health and healthcare disparities; women’s health, health impact of military service on Veterans and their families; PTSD/TBI and clinical trials and minority participation. She is also a Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors and the American Academy Family Physicians.

Meet Jo from MN

Tell us about yourself… I am a US Army Veteran and separated in 2015 after 10 years of service. My husband and I are both Army veterans and we live in MN. I am currently in school for my Doctorate in Social Work with a focus on Military and Military Families at the University of Southern California. Currently, I work as a Homeless Program Coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).

Why were you interested in serving on the VEP… I am a VEP member because I want to give back to the military community and especially other Veterans. I suffer from chronic pain and want to help be a Veteran voice in VA research and care. Being on the panel continues to give me insight into research that helps other Veterans, and especially younger female Veterans.

Meet Kathryn from CO

Tell us about yourself...I'm an Army Veteran, and I served as a medic and had an opportunity to meet many people and travel many places. I loved my job, learned many rewarding lessons, and had a chance to offer the best part of me.

Why were you interested in serving on the VEP...Since I've experienced injuries and disabilities, I wanted to be a part of the VEP panel to share my point of view. I want to help shape policy, programming, and research surrounding Veteran health, chronic pain, and alternatives to pain management. I am excited to be a part of the panel. I simply want to make a difference and ensure that the lives of Veterans will improve from a mental, physical, and emotional standpoint. I am thankful that the VA, researchers, and the VEP panel are collectively working to address chronic pain and opioid use to improve the lives of both the Veteran and their families.

Meet Kyle from IN

Tell us about yourself...I served in the Army and IN Army National Guard and retired after 26 years. I was stationed in Germany as a young Soldier from 1985-1987. Most of my service was spent in domestic response units with an emphasis on Disaster Response and Preparedness. I am a retired First Sergeant. The Veteran experience is multifaceted and incredibly varied. I believe it is critically important that the full spectrum of this diversity is represented in developing chronic pain management strategies and treatments for substance abuse disorder.

Why were you interested in serving on the VEP...I have managed chronic pain for years. Over the course of several years, I became addicted to opioids and alcohol. I am in recovery now and place a very high value on sobriety. I am very interested holistic pain management strategies based on mindfulness and awareness as well as traditional medical and pharmaceutical approaches. I am very grateful to participate in the Veteran Engagement Panel because it gives me an opportunity to share experiences and offer unique perspectives to researchers.