Lenna Lerch

Machinist’s Mate Nuclear Petty Officer 1st Class Lenna Lerch enlisted in 2017 in U.S. Navy to serve her country while she thought about her next steps after college. She went on to earn two more degrees through the military, a master’s in human biology and a second bachelor’s in nuclear energy engineering technology. Working, going to school, and parenting, despite her autoimmune condition was, as Lerch defined it, the hardest thing she ever accomplished, yet among the best. After her injury left her with a traumatic brain injury, Lerch sought ways to stay active, despite her new limitations. Her Navy Wounded Warrior care team encouraged her to try adaptive sports. Ever the competitor, she gravitated to sitting volleyball. She appreciated the challenge of learning a new game and found fellowship in the team dynamics, as everyone was pushed out of their comfort zones together. Meeting a host of other Sailors and Coast Guardsmen inspired her to change her perspective and mindset about her recovery, to know that she still has so much to offer and does not need to be defined by her limitations.