Tonya Oxendine stresses support over silence

Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak spokesperson Tonya Oxendine speaks with Cadet 1st Class Nasir Rashid on stage at Arnold Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., April 22, 2024. The National Character and Leadership Symposium Bridge Event introduces the 2025 theme of “Warrior Ethos as Airmen and Guardians.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco)

By Randy Roughton
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. – Wounded Warrior Project spokesperson Tonya Oxendine engaged U.S. Air Force Academy cadets in a fireside chat about the healing power of openness on April 22 at Arnold Hall Theater.

Oxendine stressed the importance of sharing personal struggles to foster healing in others.

“It would be wrong not to share our experiences and insights,” she said. “I’m no longer ashamed of my past adversities. It’s crucial to speak out so others might heal. I aim to pass the torch and keep it ablaze by sharing my story.”

2025 NCLS Theme Launch

The chat introduced the 2025 National Character and Leadership Symposium theme, “Warrior Ethos for Airmen and Guardians.”

Parent, the Center for Character and Leadership Development speaker team lead who met Oxendine at a veterans’ conference in Washington, D.C., highlighted her story’s strong impact on the cadets.

“Her ability to make her experiences relatable resonated well with the cadets, making her an ideal candidate to introduce next year’s theme,” Parent said.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets listen to Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak spokesperson Tonya Oxendine during her fireside chat at the National Character and Leadership Symposium Bridge Event in Arnold Hall Theater.
Cadets listen to Wounded Warrior Project spokesperson Tonya Oxendine during her fireside chat at the National Character and Leadership Symposium Bridge Event April 22, 2024. The event was intended to link the 2024 NCLS theme to the 2025 theme of “Warrior Ethos as Airmen and Guardians.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco)

Journey from Adversity to Advocacy

Oxendine, a retired U.S. Army command sergeant major and a 30-year veteran, did not confront her experiences of childhood and military sexual assault until a tumultuous deployment to Afghanistan. She likened her emotional state then to “sinking in quicksand.”

Her recovery was significantly aided by the support and medical treatment provided by the Wounded Warrior Project, particularly through WWP Talk telephone support line. Oxendine is now an active participant in the organization, helping to tackle veteran issues such as PTSD and military sexual trauma. “Being part of an organization that facilitates healing has profoundly impacted my life,” she stated.

A Message of Hope

Cadet 1st Class Nasir Rashid, who moderated the discussion, recalled his inspiration from meeting Oxendine in Washington. “Her story offers hope and shows that it’s possible to overcome the challenges we face, particularly here at the Academy,” Rashid commented.

Cadet 2nd Class Samantha Welstead, left, Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak spokesperson Tonya Oxendine, and Cadet 1st Class Nasir Rashid pose for a photo after the National Character and Leadership Symposium Bridge Event April 22, 2024. The cadets presented Oxendine with a gift after her fireside chat with Rashid. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco)

Engaging with Teal Rope Cadets

Earlier that day, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response staff and CCLD organized a lunch meeting between Oxendine and the Academy’s teal rope cadets. Cadets with the teal rope are trained to support peers dealing with sexual assault. Oxendine shared her experiences and the challenges of reporting assaults within the military’s past climate. She commended the teal rope program for promoting open dialogue.

Cadet 3rd Class Mary Allen reflected on Oxendine’s message: “She emphasized her strength to overcome her challenges and encouraged those who might feel voiceless to speak up.”

Nominations for speakers for NCLS 2025 are open until May 1. See Nominations for NCLS 2025 for more information.

More photos of the NCLS Bridge Event, are available on Flickr.