Vedia

BY SHERYL BINETTI

Vedia Barnett served in the United States Air Force from 19931997 as an aerospace medical services specialist. She worked in the Labor Delivery and Obstetric Intensive Care unit at Wilford Hall Medical Center on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. She worked with the most severe pregnancy cases. It required empathy and compassion to assist the thousands of families during their stressful and often devastating experiences. She developed a great sense of pride in being able to give others grace by withholding rash judgements. Her most meaningful takeaway was the opportunity to provide comfort, friendship, and care to numerous families as they navigated some of the most profound and delicate moments of their lives.

Vedia has been married to her husband, Donald, a United States Army Veteran, for 25 years. They have three children: Gabrielle, a Coast Guard veteran; Donielle, who is currently in graduate school; and Jakim, who works for Delta Airlines. Additionally, their family includes their 6-year-old grandson, Weylan, as well as their two dogs, Dusty and Roxie.

Currently serving her community, Vedia is the executive director and founder of The Vet Space, www.TheVetSpace. org an organization dedicated to empowering women veterans through nature. The Vet Space helps reconnect women veterans with joy, healing, and sisterhood by offering inclusive activities and experiences in the great outdoors. As executive director, her responsibilities include community engagement, educating women veterans about available resources, and advocating for their needs at the local, state, and federal levels. She volunteers her time as a board member for the Minority Veterans of America as well as a member of the Women Veterans Caucus of Common Defense. When she has free time, Vedia can often be found hiking, glamping or simply riding her bike!

Vedia believes it is crucial for the community to recognize that women veterans exist and are deeply dedicated to our country.

As a fellow Veteran, if you find yourself struggling, Vedia encourages, “Come see me! Together with my mom and my daughter, we can assist you and support your transition.”