Ep. 48 Resiliency-Leslie‘s American Story

2021-10-08

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Leslie wasn't a good soldier, she was a great soldier. Leslie excelled, gaining accolades and awards including: Distinguished Honor Grad & Junior Leader of The Cycle in basic and AIT school; Soldier of the Year at a brigade level; and earning a place on the Army 10 miler team. Leslie grew up in Utah, the sixth of seven children. She was not the only one to join the U.S. armed forces. Leslie's sister, Julia, and brother, Edward, became marines. Leslie gravitated to the army. Leslie remembers watchi...

Leslie grew up in Utah, the sixth of seven children. She was not the only one to join the U.S. armed forces. Leslie's sister, Julia, and brother, Edward, became marines. Leslie gravitated to the army.

Leslie remembers watching September 11, 2001 on a t.v. during combat medic training. Her situation and training became very real.

Leslie spent a year in South Korea, and then was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2003. Leslie was a dutiful soldier, driving herself to be the best at everything.

Leslie was a lifer, the army was her dream occupation, but her deployment changed everything.

Leslie came home a different person. The experiences she had and the things she witnessed drove Leslie to the suicidal brink.

Leslie made the heart wrenching decision to leave the army. She was distraught. How was this rock star soldier suddenly not able to handle life. Deep feelings of shame engulfed Leslie.

But this is not a story of dispair. Leslie's story is one of hope, perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Through therapy and the solace she finds in mountain biking, Leslie has learned to live with her PTS. Does she have bad days? Absolutely, but they are overshadowed by the great days.

Leslie became personal friends with George W. Bush, first meeting him through the 2015 W100K Bike Ride on President Bush's ranch in Crawford, TX. Leslie is on the front cover of his book, Portraits of Courage.

Leslie is a wife, mother, and author of several children's books including: "When Mom Deploys" and "When Dad Deploys."

Leslie and her sister, Julia work together as peer mentor coordinators for the court, organizing mentors for vets going through the court system.

You can find Leslie at the following places:

lesliezimmerman.org

authorlesliezimmerman on Instagram

thezpack on Instagram

You can also catch Julia's American Story, Ep. 39 "Best Shot In The Marines" by visiting the We The People Our American Story Podcast Website and finding your favorite podcast platform.

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