MVAA highlights Army National Guard veteran

MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. - In the agency's most recent 'I Am a Veteran' story, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has highlighted Alexis Nelson, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran who endured a service-related injury and recently received recognition from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). With assistance from a MVAA veteran service officer, Nelson was granted a 100% disability rating after years of physical and mental health challenges. The 'I Am a Veteran' campaign aims to motivate veterans to identify, tell their stories and get connected to the benefits they earned for their service.

While growing up in a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Nelson always knew she wanted to join the military. Her grandfathers served in the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps and she wanted to follow in their footsteps, but most importantly she wanted to be the first female in her family to serve. As a present to herself, she enlisted into the Army National Guard on her 17^th birthday.

Soon enough, Nelson went to Fort Leonard Wood, MO in May of 2013 to begin basic training. During her physical fitness test, just under a mile in the run, her life would change in an instant when her hips locked up and immense pain radiated through her body. Nelson finished the run without maxing and was sent to the athletic trainer. After multiple tests and doctor examinations, she was diagnosed with stress fractures in both hips.

She spent that time completing her high school education and resting so she can return to basic training. By the time she was supposed to return to Fort Leonard Wood, her fractures had not healed enough and she was given a general medical discharge. This unexpected discharge completely altered Nelson's life and was detrimental to her mental health.

Nelson fell into severe depression, alcohol and substance use and she attempted suicide. It would take years for her to receive therapy and begin recovery. On Jan. 1^st, 2026, Nelson celebrated three years of sobriety.

"I still stutter when I call myself a veteran," said Nelson. "However, I raised my hand and swore that oath and I want people to know that they're not alone and their stories matter too, because I spent so long thinking that my story didn't matter."

Read Alexis Nelson's full story.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.