The work was already there. Then the mission came into focus. White Lace & Combat Boots has grown through storytelling, children’s books, advocacy, speaking, and policy change. Through the Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, I found the thread connecting it all: elevating military-connected voices, illuminating policy barriers, and advancing solutions. This is the story behind our mission, vision, and the next chapter already taking shape.

Walking through Arlington National Cemetery made the weight of military service impossible to keep at a distance. Each headstone holds more than a name, rank, or date. It holds a story, a family, and a burden someone still carries. This reflection explores remembrance, the hidden sacrifices of military families, and the tension between mourning and tourism. It also offers a reminder to say their names, choose joy, make the memories, and have the dance party.

What started with one servicewoman showing me that policy could be changed became a journey I never expected. A simple Pixar storytelling exercise helped me see just how far that journey has taken me, and where I hope it leads next.