From Soldier to Advocate: A Lifelong Commitment
After serving ten years in the Army as a Human Resource-Finance Specialist, Brittny Tschetter faced the struggles that many veterans know all too well. PTSD, a condition affecting nearly 23% of veterans according to the National Library of Medicine, had become part of her life(Home | University of Arizona News
). Yet, rather than letting the trauma define her, Tschetter used it as a catalyst for change. She channeled her experiences into becoming a certified professional dog trainer, specializing in training service dogs for disabled veterans and individuals with PTSD.
Service dogs have been shown to make a significant difference in the lives of veterans. According to studies, veterans with service dogs experience fewer PTSD symptoms, less anxiety, and improved overall well-being. Through her training work, Tschetter is helping veterans find stability and emotional support, making day-to-day life more manageable.
"I have seen firsthand how a service dog can change someone's life," Tschetter said in an interview. "It's not just about physical assistance—it's about providing emotional stability, which is just as important when you're dealing with PTSD or other mental health challenges."
Educating the Next Generation: A Professor's Mission
Beyond her work with service dogs, Tschetter is making waves as an educator at William Penn University. Joining the faculty in 2021, she quickly became known for her hands-on approach to teaching, combining business principles with a deeper understanding of social issues, particularly the challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life.
Tschetter believes in educating her students about more than just business. She incorporates her personal experiences and veteran advocacy into her curriculum, encouraging her students to engage in community service projects. One such initiative involved her students creating care packages for veterans, filled with items like hygiene products and inspirational notes. This project allowed her students to connect with veterans on a personal level, fostering empathy and awareness.
"Teaching is about more than just passing on knowledge—it's about inspiring students to make a difference," Tschetter said. "I want my students to leave my classroom with not only the tools to succeed in business but also with a broader understanding of the world and the challenges that others face."
Ms. Veteran America: Advocacy on a National Stage
In 2024, Tschetter's advocacy work took center stage when she became a finalist in the Ms. Veteran America competition. This event is more than just a pageant—it's a platform to showcase the strength, courage, and resilience of women veterans. It also serves as a fundraiser for Final Salute, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for homeless women veterans and their children.
The Ms. Veteran America competition was founded to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of homelessness among female veterans. Women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in America, and many of them are single mothers. Final Salute has provided thousands of days of transitional housing and raised over $832,000 for women veterans and their families.
For Tschetter, being part of this competition is not just about personal achievement—it's about using her platform to advocate for those in need. "Being part of Ms. Veteran America is a way to give back," she explained. "It's about raising awareness for women veterans who are struggling, many of whom are facing homelessness and poverty."
Impacting Lives Across Communities
Through her diverse roles, Tschetter is making an impact in multiple areas. As a service dog trainer, she's providing veterans with life-changing support. As a professor, she's educating the next generation about the struggles veterans face while encouraging them to be part of the solution. And as a finalist in Ms. Veteran America, she's advocating for homeless women veterans, using her voice to bring attention to this critical issue.
Brittny Tschetter's life is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and service. Her work reminds us that veterans' struggles don't end when they take off their uniforms—and that through compassion, understanding, and action, we can all play a part in supporting those who have served.
