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CTT1 Jiesyl Rama Named Warrior of the Month

September 27, 2023 | Story by Alyssa Ross | Navy Wounded Warrior

TRIGGER WARNING: MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA

Cryptologic Technician First Class Jiesyl Rama has been with Navy Wounded Warrior for two years, where she’s had guidance and assistance navigating her non-medical care, from navigating her medical board process to connecting with adaptive sports.

Jiesyl shared her personal trauma-survivor story via the Woman Warrior Tribe podcast (Language / Military Sexual Trauma). She chose to compartmentalize her experience and throw herself into her work to try and move past it. She began having panic attacks and sought out therapy services, but it was disrupted after transferring assignments. The new ship was the USS Fitzgerald, which was docked on the opposite side of the pier from the USS Bonhomme Richard. On her first official day on duty, she was knocked down by the force of one of the explosions on the Bonhomme Richard. In the aftermath, her panic attacks worsened and she sought more intense help with behavioral health. Eventually, she learned about Navy Wounded Warrior from a shipmate.

“I have spent most of my career on smaller decks. Those of us who have been on them can agree that life on a small boy is rough, but we rely on each other,” she said. “When my Medical Board initiated, I found myself lost and unsure of who I could rely on. There were so many new challenges to face daily and I was struggling. It was not until a friend of mine took me aside, sat me down, and told me how much Navy Wounded Warrior supported him. It did not take me very long to want something new.”

As part of her healing journey, Jiesyl got involved as a mentor, athlete, and ambassador for the We Defy Foundation, a veteran-founded nonprofit to support other vets in their daily challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness. She also connected with Next Step Service Dogs and was paired with Hugo.  

She participated in adaptive sports camps in early 2023 and was hooked. She ultimately went on to compete in six events as part of Team Navy in the 2023 Department of Defense Warrior Games Challenge.

“Adaptive sports have changed my perspective of what I can accomplish despite my health conditions. These camps have been amazing and have truly saved my life.”   

Jiesyl credits Navy Wounded Warrior with reigniting her desire to keep trying. She is still in the midst of her transition journey, but she’s on much better footing than before.

Numquam Navigare Solus – Never to Sail Alone

Navy Wounded Warrior coordinates the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, and provides resources and support to their families and caregivers. Regional non-medical care providers tailor support to each enrolled service member’s recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to focus on recovery without distraction. To date, nearly 10,000 seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from Navy Wounded Warrior.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997, or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.

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