Welcome
to the Always Forward series! The story of Emily has been part of Garcia's long healing journey. To understand how Emily Sanders came to be, let's take a deeper look into Garcia's own Army experiences.
Garcia was 17 years old when she joined the Army. She lovingly jokes that her parents had to legally sign their custodial rights over to the US government in order for her to swear in before her 18th birthday. Reflecting back on joining so young, Garcia attests to the fact that joining so young completely molded her into the adult she is today. The Army instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of pride for her country.
She also met her spouse while serving on active duty, which has led to having two brilliant daughters. Without joining the military, she wouldn't have the family she has today.
Regardless of Garcia's current views on the military, joining at 17 made her the woman she is today.
Garcia's biggest lesson from basic and advanced training? Never volunteer unless you are willing to take the lead on the task at hand. Keep your head down and your mouth shut. That is the best way to survive training!
In 2004, Garcia deployed to Iraq as a transportation specialist. Her unit's mission was to support Army and Marine units by delivering supplies to forward operating bases.
During this year long deployment, Garcia would meet many local Iraqis that were kind, soft spoken humans, who were opposed to violence.
She had the opportunity to meet farmers, artists, and former royal guard soldiers, who began working with the US Army.
During her deployment, her unit would experience multiple insurgent attacks. During this time, Garcia began to develop the story line for Always Forward.
It's morbid to think about, but Garcia was faced with the dark thoughts of what would happen to her if she was ever taken as a prisoner. What would happen to her husband and young daughter back home.
Thus, the plot of Always Forward was created. Sgt. Emily Sanders became a full time resident in Garcia's mind. Garcia would silently obsess over this fictional character and the atrocities that she would face as a prisoner of war.
On May 25, 2004, the vehicle Garcia was driving was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). Her battle buddy who was the assistant driver, was injured by the IED. Garcia was also injured, but had not choice but to continue driving their vehicle.
Garcia would have to extract her injured battle buddy and wait for assistance to get him to a secure location. Once he was secured, she learned that she had shrapnel injuries to the right side of her head, ear, and neck.
Garcia received the Purple Heart medal for injuries sustained in combat.
Fortunately, her battle buddy survived, and to this day they remain in contact with each other.
Although Garcia's combat deployment is well over 20 years behind her, she continues to heal from the traumas of war.
Writing the Always Forward series has been instrumental in her healing journey.
Living with complex PTSD is a daily rollercoaster of emotions. With the support of her family and friends, as well as her mental health team at the VA hospital, she is able to live a fulfilling life.
Garcia's main goal is to not only share her story of war, but to help others, veterans and civilians alike, heal from their past traumas.