Cortni Potts, a veteran of the Air Force and current graduate student at Arizona State University (ASU), is transitioning from serving dignitaries to focusing on the mental health of veterans. Potts aims to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist those suffering from PTSD, particularly combat-related trauma.
From Flight Attendant to Counselor
Potts, who spent 17 years as a flight attendant for the Air Force, provided service to high-profile figures, including First Lady Jill Biden and former President Barack Obama. She originally joined the military at 18, intending to use her service as a stepping stone to a college education. However, her perspective changed significantly following the events of September 11, 2001, which inspired her to take on more active roles within the military.
After realizing her initial position as a personnel specialist was not fulfilling her desire to be more involved, Potts accepted a deployment to Turkey, which became pivotal in her military career. That experience deepened her understanding of the responsibilities and significance of military service.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Potts’s career as a flight attendant began when she decided to withdraw her separation paperwork to join a relatively new career field within the Air Force. Over her 17 years in this role with the 89th Airlift Wing, she managed high-profile missions and provided five-star service while navigating the complexities of flying with important figures, including many who were involved in national security.
Upon retiring in 2021, she continued working in a civilian capacity as a protocol officer while still deeply embedded in the same military environment. However, after experiencing physical and emotional tolls from her extensive career, Potts took a step back to reassess her life.
Finding Purpose Through Healing
After being diagnosed with PTSD following her military career, Potts recognized the need for therapy and began to confront the challenges she had been compartmentalizing for years. This realization led her to seek a new path in life focused on healing and service. She had previously earned a Master of Science in business management, but her desire to help others prompted her to pursue a master’s degree in counseling at ASU.
Potts moved to Arizona before being accepted into ASU’s program, drawn by the university’s supportive environment for veterans. She quickly became involved in the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, where she has offered her yoga teaching skills to fellow veterans as part of a holistic approach to wellness.
Advocating for Veteran Therapists
At 45, Potts is determined to become a licensed professional counselor specializing in helping veterans, particularly women, who often face unique challenges in seeking mental health support. She emphasizes the importance of having therapists who understand military culture and the nuances of the veteran experience.
Potts believes that many veterans struggle to ask for help due to ingrained training to persevere through difficulties. She aims to bridge that gap by providing empathetic and knowledgeable care to those in need. Through her work and studies at ASU, Potts is committed to serving the next generation of veterans and ensuring that they receive the support they deserve.
Source: Arizona State University
