Kirsten Laha-Walsh

I realized as my spouse struggled with guilt, pain, and shame, that they would need me to be the strong one in those moments.

What are you most excited to do as a Dole Caregiver Fellow?

I am proud to be a veteran (US Navy) caregiver of a veteran (USMC) who is a transgender individual (MTF). I am excited to give a voice to LGBTQ+ veterans and caregivers who have been historically underrepresented. I am excited to also be one of the few Fellows who is a veteran and hope to bring awareness to veterans who are called to serve in the role of a caregiver as well.

What is one piece of advice you would offer to other military and veteran caregivers?

Be mindful of comparing your journey to others. Every military veteran and every individual who serves in the role of a caregiver has their own baggage and burdens to carry. We are stronger as a community and should use our strengths to help others when we are able to, but it is not an obligation. Take care of yourself and your family first.

How has your life changed since you became a caregiver? What sacrifices have you had to make?

My entire life has changed because of my wife. I found a passion in advocacy and fighting for those who aren’t able to because of my experience of being a caregiver and being turned down for resources. I don’t consider myself having made sacrifices because everything I do for my spouse has made our lives better and our marriage stronger.

My Story

Kirsten Laha-Walsh met her Marine veteran spouse Emily while she was an active duty Navy Corpsman. As soon as they began dating, Kirsten naturally stepped into the role of a caregiver and helped Emily find the medical care she needed but had not arranged for herself. Within the first year of their marriage, Kirsten had compiled a full binder of Emily's military experiences during the initial invasion of the Iraq War, the circumstances around her being shot outside Fallujah, and all her medical battles, including losing mobility of her arm, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), a brain cyst, incidents of toxic exposure, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the time of Emily's first alive day with Kirsten, which was one of the hardest nights she ever lived through, she was asking herself, “What have I gotten myself into?” However, as a Corpsman, Kirsten would never leave her Marine behind. 

Kirsten received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California shortly after she left the Navy. They soon relocated to Alabama to be closer to family and for Kirsten to begin her Ph.D. program at the University of Alabama. While living in Alabama, Emily came out as a transgender individual (MTF) and wanted to seek care and resources for transitioning. While it took time for Emily and Kirsten to choose the path that best suited their family, Emily began her transitioning journey in February 2022. 

Kirsten manages life’s logistics and planning for herself and Emily including budget management, physical activities that require two hands, and navigation of medical needs and situations. In addition to caring for Emily, Kirsten also began exploring advocacy on a national policy level. In 2021, she accepted a fellowship from HillVets and Wounded Warrior Project that has allowed her to work in Congress for the For Country Caucus as well as with the Wounded Warrior Project government relations team. 

Kirsten also is working on her dissertation for her Ph.D. in social work research with a focus on the military and veteran-affiliated communities. On a state level, she serves on the state of Alabama Head Injury Task Force and the leadership council for the Central Alabama Veterans Collaborative. Within the University of Alabama, she performs research as a member of the Veterans and Media Lab and as a team member of the Office for Military Families and Veterans (School of Social Work). She plans to continue her advocacy and journey to support veterans nationwide on several issues, including LGBTQ+ services and resources specific to veterans and military-affiliated populations.