Honoring the Legacy of Virginia 'Ginny' Sweetser

​Ginny's Military Service and Personal Battle

Ginny was not just a healer in her professional life—she was also a soldier. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she served as Sgt. Ginny with the 443rd Transportation Company, leading convoys through Iraq during her deployment from 2003 to 2005. Her service left an indelible mark on her, and despite her courageous efforts to help others, she fought a personal battle with PTSD after returning home.

Sadly, Ginny lost that battle on December 11, 2020, when she died by suicide. Her passing was a profound loss to her family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched. In her memory, this scholarship fund was established to support female veterans pursuing higher education in social work, psychology, or psychiatry—fields where they can continue Ginny's mission of supporting those struggling with PTSD and mental health challenges.

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Ginny and IGY6;: A Message of Hope

The phrase IGY6;, which stands for "I Got Your 6" (military slang for "I've got your back"), became deeply significant to Ginny. The semicolon (;) at the end of IGY6; represents a pause, a reminder to those struggling with PTSD to hold on, as the pain will eventually pass. Before her death, Ginny posted a heartfelt video on TikTok, using IGY6; to express her battle with PTSD. That message resonated with over 17,000 followers, spreading awareness about the invisible wounds of war.

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Continuing Ginny’s Legacy

Ginny’s story is one of resilience, service, and compassion. Through this scholarship, her legacy of giving back lives on, helping to equip the next generation of women veterans with the tools to support those who, like Ginny, face the unseen wounds of war.