The O

My Father Otis, a Texas native, was a very proud Vietnam Veteran. Indeed, the drill sergeant of our household and a proud Texas Cowboy. He grew up a great athlete known for his relay team in track and field and his running back position in football at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas. Early in college, my dad was later drafted into the military, which of course altered the trajectory of his life.

My dad suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I can attest how meetings for PTSD at the local VA hospital really helped my dad process his grief and trauma. The love for my father and the love he had for the Army he served in, encouraged me to be passionate regarding our US Military.  

In 2016, my father had a stroke the same day and time I was in another state taking my mother to get a biopsy. This was devastating and almost impossible to process both parents having health issues at the same time. Several months later, I loss my father due to complications related to his stroke. He was my real-life hero.  

My goal is to utilize my foundation to help our country’s heroes as well. My husband and I are Global Ambassadors, proudly supporting our Armed Services. This is how I can continue to salute my father and the proud life he lived.