Gretchen G. Evans

Athlete, Explorer, Performer, Public servant, World traveler, Writer/Editor

I served 27 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest NonCommissioned rank in the military. I have over 27 medals to include the Bronze Star. I served 6 combat tours. I was wounded in Afghanistan in a rocket attacked which resulted in me losing my hearing, incurring a traumatic brain injury, PTSD and moral injury along with other injuries. My transistion from soldier to civilian was very difficult. I had spent my entire adult life in the military. Although I tried various types of protocols to help myself regain my passion for life and my purpose they all fell short of being the silver bullet. I like many veterans had thoughts of suicide. A battle buddy recommended to me one day to apply to go on an expedition with No Barriers. I had no hope that this 7-day hike would change anything in me but applied because my friend asked me to. I received a call from the No Barriers doctor to discuss my medical issues and I told him all the things that were wrong with me. His reply was "well, you are exactly what we are looking for." It had been a very long time since I heard those words. The expedition did, in fact, change my life, put me on a new trajectory and helped me define and fined my new passion and purpose in life. We all need to have opportunities to have transformative moments, to be able to step away from the fray of the world so we may hear, see and find. The expedition allowed me to experience a transformative moment. Since then, I have written a book, I speak nationwide, I have competed in the World's Toughest Race in Fiji, the Eco-Challenge which will air on Amazon Prime in 2020 and many other wonderful things. I am an advocate for women, veterans, and anyone who has a disability or been kicked to the curb in life. I believe in people! I feel hope. I have a hearing service dog, her name is Aura and she hears for me. She has also brought independence to me, along with joy and laughter. She is my battle buddy. I am married to a great guy, former Navy Chaplain and currently a VA Hospital COO. I have a daughter who is married to an Air Force guy who flies drones. How cool is that? They live in Okinawa and I will see them in January. What keeps me up at night: Did I do my best? Did I help someone? Did I give my all? Am I living my purpose? Am I still on target? Am I kind?

Helping others find, achieve and live their passion and purpose. I'm passionate about acceptance for all. I'm passionate about a great belly laugh once a day.

People don't care what you know until they know that you care. People are the most valuable resource in the universe.

This is my first TED so the story has not to be written yet.

Taking over small countries who violate human rights