Loyal and Dedicated; Selfless and Courageous Veterans Forever Soldiers
SFC (Ret.) Jocelyn Mushala, U.S. ARMY RESERVE
Jocelyn K. Mushala joined the U.S. Army Reserve in September of 1985 as a Personnel Records Specialist. The majority of her military career was spent with the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade (CA Bde) from 1989 to 2004. During her time with the 354th CA Bde, she served in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The CA mission is to provide humanitarian support and rebuild the government of a war torn country.
It was during the time in Iraq that Jocelyn discovered her talent for poetry. She had never written before, however the prompting from others to find a way to deal with the stresses of war created a vehicle for expressions to be written. The poetry reading inspired the compilation of poetry by those who served with her and who allowed her to put their feelings in print. After returning from Iraq, she spent the remainder of her time at Headquarters, Department of the Army working in the Military Awards Branch processing awards for Soldiers killed in action, as well as Soldiers deserving of combat badges and the Purple Heart Award.
She aspires to continue working with the military population in the capacity of a Mental Health Counselor. Through the encouragement of fellow comrades and friends, she is pursuing an M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling.
“A Passionate, Powerful Poet!”
HerStory:Jocelyn share’s a part of her experience
“... I was medivac'd to a 21st CombatSupportHospital because our TMC was ill-equipped to handle my illness. I was transported via ground ambulance first to the BIAP (BaghdadInternationalAirport) where I spent the night and medivac'd the next day. I spent 6 days at the CSH and I believe it was Tikrit, Iraq.It was the day after the United Nations bombing and I shared an IC unit with about ten other wounded and sick servicemembers and UN workers. The incoming rocket attacks were continuous and we had to take cover, and some had to be helped out of bed and others managed on their own and there were a few who were unable to because of the severity of their injuries. It so reminded me of MASH episodes.”
It was here that Jocelyn wrote “Faces,” one of the heart-grabbing expressions in the book.
“The Issue is in the Poem”
Real Issues…Real Expressions…Real Dialogue
From Real People Surviving the War in Iraq
Book Release … It’s Here
The long awaited compilation is an eye-catching, tear-jerking ensemble of poems, pictures and messages that were written to relieve anger and stress and to bring comfort and laughter during uncertain times.Anybody and everybody can relate to at least one expression!
SFC (Ret.) Jocelyn Mushala received a Veterans Forever Soldiers award at Wishing Well’s 2nd annual outreach and benefit dinner on February 7, 2009.
The Ballroom became still as she recited "Faces"
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