Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Price.
Hi Tonya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am Tonya Price, a retired Army Staff Sergeant serving over 20 years. During my transition to civilian life, my journey took me to my newly profound mission. My uncle, Leonard Thomas, a Vietnam Veteran, was my mentor before transitioning from the military. My uncle battled numerous disabilities stemming from exposure to Agent Orange during his service and shared his struggles and frustrations with navigating the VA disability claims process.
Moved by my uncle’s journey, I was determined to make a difference; I immediately embraced the opportunity to learn the process of VA disability claims. Little did I know that this newfound knowledge would become the cornerstone of my uncle’s final wish. After retiring from the Army, my uncle placed his trust in me to handle his disability claim and, most important, ensure that his wife (Aunt Dot) was taken care of after his death. The claim I was responsible for handling was the one that ultimately led to my uncle’s passing.
I wanted to honor the memories of my uncle by continuing the mission of helping other veterans and family members. It became a duty and obligation to continue to serve my country as a civilian and retired Army combat veteran. Little did I know that this mission was not going to be a short tour but a lifetime commitment to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey through the ranks of the military and into civilian life was marked by my dedication and service, but also my struggles mirrored those of the soldiers whom I once served. As a retired Army behavioral health counselor, my commitment to my duties left me neglecting myself. The weight of my responsibilities as a combat soldier, parent, spouse, and counselor became overwhelming and left me battling with depression and PTSD.
While dealing with my mental health crisis, I continued to prioritize the well-being of others. The pain of fibromyalgia and depression left me feeling unlike the energetic soldier I once was. Despite my efforts to remain engaged and supportive, the tragic loss of a comrade to suicide shook my life. The guilt of feeling unable to save my friend weighed heavily on my heart; it only intensified my struggles with depression.
Volunteering was the one thing that energized me. Despite of facing resistance from some of the individuals within the Organization I volunteer with, I found purpose in reaching out to veterans in need. I would meet veterans and their families in the public places or visit them in their homes, I felt that was there was hope in getting back to my old self.
In 2017 I was offered the opportunity to step into the role as a Veteran Service Officer for the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Augusta Georgia Chapter, I embraced the challenge to served veterans and families from all over. The opportunity to advocate for my fellow veterans and families in a different role opened up an opportunity for me to do more than I expected. During my tenor as a VSO, it became a challenge to find locations to meet with veterans and I continued to go from home to home. I was denied support from our local VA and finally decided to pay for an office space out of my pocket.
In 2018, after seeing first-hand the struggles that many of our homebound veterans and surviving spouse were going through, I was motivated to make a difference in their lives. I founded Veterans and Services Assistance LLC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vital assistance and support to those in need. My goal was to provide some type of assistance to Veterans, Surviving spouses, and homeless veterans. I wanted to let them know that they were not alone.
In September 2019, Tonya Price faced with obstacles of advocacy and service. I became frustrated by the lack of support from certain organizations and determined to make a more significant impact, I decided to take step forward and expand my ability to advocate for veterans and their family members, I submitting my application to the Office of General Counsel with the goal of becoming accredited as an Accredited Agent. In the path of my effort, I encountered resistance from a few NABVET members who attempted to assassinate my character with accusations alleging that I had taken money from veterans for services.
Despite of these unfounded and embarrassing accusations and obstacles, I graduated in 2020 with a master’s degree in management, became a Certified QPR suicide prevention instructor with QPR (Question, Presude and Refer). QPR certification empowered me to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges, ensuring they have the support needed to navigate during difficult times. During Covid, I decided to keep myself going by volunteering with rape crisis.
As I waited through the lengthy process of becoming an accredited Agent, I returned to my role as a Chapter Service officer and enrolled in Troy University Clinical Counselor master’s degree program.
With the support of the several departments within our local VA and other accredited organizations, I spearheaded numerous outreach events aimed at educating veterans and their families on the VA disability process, VA benefits, and other vital community resources. These events proved instrumental in empowering veterans to access the support and assistance they deserved.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Warriors and Family Assistance Center?
As a VA Accredited Agent, I act as a trusted ally and advocate, guiding veterans, families, and survivors in the pursuit of compensation, pension, and other benefits before the VA.
My non-profit (Veterans and Service Assistance) focus is on the well-being of the veteran. I understand the unique challenges and obstacles that veterans may face; I enjoy offering personalized support and guidance to help them navigate through any difficulties they encounter. It may connect veterans with mental health resources, housing assistance, employment opportunities, or educational programs.
I am blessed to have the unwavering support of my family and friends, who serve as the backbone of my success. I wish my uncle Leonard Thomas Sr. was alive to see the success of what we started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewfac.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-price-6a49b639?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BhOQT3bTxQpOmG8D2tNGlnA%3D%3D
