From Drill Weekends to Disability: Susan McCain's Path Through Military and Civilian Life

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal conversation, Susan McCain takes us on a journey through her life as a Michigan Army National Guard combat medic, special education teacher, and eventually, a proud advocate for women veterans. Born in Mount Clemens in 1962, Susan's path was shaped early by her brother Curtis who had Down syndrome—inspiring a lifelong dedication to working with special needs children.At 23, Susan joined the National Guard primarily to fund her nursing education while keeping her teaching position. She vividly recounts basic training at Fort Dix where she became "X703" instead of Susan, and the moment she realized she was training to be a combat medic rather than a "medical specialist" as her recruiter had described. What's particularly striking is how Susan didn't identify as a veteran for decades after her service. "I never viewed myself as a veteran," she confesses. "I just did what I did because I did it."Susan's personal life took a beautiful turn when her college algebra tutor (whom she initially wasn't attracted to) became her husband after sweeping her off her feet—literally—on the dance floor. Their story includes conscientious family planning around her military obligation, resulting in their son being born just months after her service ended. Her 35-year career working with special needs students mirrors her own journey through challenges, including serious health issues that forced her onto disability leave at age 47.The conversation ultimately reveals how military service creates lasting ripples throughout one's entire life. For women veterans especially, who often struggle to have their service recognized, Susan's evolution from reluctance to embrace her veteran status to becoming an advocate for other women veterans demonstrates the power of community. As she powerfully reminds us: "It's okay to not be okay... And in those moments, we need somebody else to tell us that it's okay." Support the showwww.veteransarchives.org