Valerie Watkins

Ret. Sgt. 1st Class Valerie Watkins dedicated 15 years to the National Guard, including a deployment as a door gunner on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to Kuwait and Iraq in 2017 and 2018. Before deploying, the 35-year-old served her community as a peace officer. After returning, Watkins moved back to Michigan and excelled as a recruiter, advancing through leadership roles before transitioning to the National Guard Bureau. There, she experienced life-altering health issues requiring brain surgery, followed by a stroke two weeks later. As she worked to adjust, Watkins was introduced to adaptive sports through the Soldier Recovery Unit’s Adaptive Reconditioning staff. She found a new path forward, rediscovering a sense of community while rebuilding her mental and physical strength. In retirement, Watkins continues her journey with faith, determined to inspire others to never give up and to trust that purpose can still be found after life changes.