Adele Loar
Adele worked in Security Forces for 8 years before cross training into the AF OSI (Air Force Office of Special Investigations). Adele started in criminal investigations and then helped to start a European Anti-Terrorism Team, deploying throughout the US Central Command AOR (Area Of Responsibilty). Adele then moved to Strategic Counterintelligence Operations, and whilst assigned there, deployed to the Strategic Counterintelligence Directorate - Iraq. Adele was wounded on a mission outside the wire, when her vehicle was hit by an EFP (Explosively Formed Projectile). Her partner, Dan, was killed along with the driver, Jessie. Adele lost her right eye, sustained shrapnel injuries to her left eye, along with damage to her left shoulder, and sustained a moderate TBI and now suffers with PTSD and depression. Adele was forced to leave OSI due to her loss of sight, and transferred back to Security Forces again. Adele spent the last 2 years of her service in Colorado, retiring in 2010. She then worked as a contractor for the DIA (Defence Intelligence Agency) for 3 years in the Joint Counterintelligence Training Academy in Quantico, VA
I am happy to support any organization that brings attention to mental illness. After I was wounded, I had amazing medical care in taking care of my eye and the reconstruction process with obtaining a realistic prosthetic. They also did a wonderful job getting my shoulder back to working, as well as it can. However, it took me four years to become diagnosed with my traumatic brain injury and PTSD with depression. In those four years, I felt like I was insane and I had no idea what was happening in my mind. Once diagnosed, I understood more of why I acted and reacted the way I did, to certain conditions. However, others don't always understand why I can't remember common things or react in a different way than they may. They especially don't expect a female to have sustained these injuries in combat. And I feel it is important people understand healing the outside physical wounds are sometimes a lot easier than coping with the emotional/mental injuries that are also sustained in combat.