Petty Officer Second Class Heather Brister

As a proud veteran of the United States Navy, Heather Brister became the first in her family to serve, and despite all odds excelled in the field of naval aviation as an aviation electrician’s mate. After four years full of the sea, sacrifice, travel and friendship, Heather was honorably discharged, setting her course next toward a PhD in clinical psychology, while holding a quiet self-confidence and a sense of belonging to something much greater than herself.

When faced with the loss of her only sister two years ago, the lessons she learned during four years of military service and connection shared with her therapy clients became vital sources of courage, perseverance and strength that allowed Heather to endure personal tragedy with the grace that all who have served possess. It is with this renewed sense of camaraderie and duty that Heather plans to devote her life to working with veterans returning from combat as a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of post-traumatic stress and substance abuse disorders.

As a member of this fellowship of veterans, Heather pursues her life’s purpose of continued service currently by serving at the Veteran’s Affairs Mental Health Clinic in Austin, Texas. She will continue to work with this heroic population and plans to transition into administration in order to craft policy ensuring that all veterans receive the highest quality of care and services that a grateful nation can offer.