War, Wounds, And A New Beginning: Judy Charles' Path To Greater At Virginia State University

Following her post-9/11 military service, Charles channeled the challenges from her war injuries into a new chapter at VSU.

Soon-to-be Virginia State University graduate Judy Charles was just miles from Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, watching the tragedy unfold from Brooklyn.

Originally from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Charles moved to the U.S. in 1991 at age 23. After 9/11, she became a U.S. citizen and wanted to join the Army, but postponed her plans due to her mother's health. Six years later, still feeling the impact, she enlisted.

"They should not have killed so many innocent people," said Charles. "If I could help prevent something like that from happening again, I would."

Charles served as a logistics specialist in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, she was injured when a vehicle carrying 2,000 pounds of explosives detonated at Forward Operating Base Salerno, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD.

The recovery was grueling. "Before, I was like a walking computer," she said. "Now, I get migraines and blackouts. Loud noises are still a trigger for me."

Charles was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the White House in 2015 and medically retired after eight years of service. However, none of the commendations she received for her military service brought her the sense of peace she had long been searching for. Luckily, creating art did.

"Art calms my nerves and allows me to express myself in ways I have never imagined," said Charles. "It helps relieve my anxiety and fear. I often tell people that art is my lifeline."

After moving to Virginia in 2016, Charles earned her Associate of Applied Arts Degree from a nearby community college. When her graduation was held at the VSU Multipurpose Center, Charles immediately knew where she wanted to continue her education.

Charles enrolled at VSU in 2019, majoring in Visual Arts with a concentration in Studio Art. Needing breaks due to her condition and the passing of her father, it would take six years for Charles to complete her degree. For someone who had already been through so much, Charles never got discouraged.

"Without VSU, I wouldn't be the artist I am today," she said. "I received so much support from advisors and faculty, who were patient with me and offered guidance when I was struggling. I learned that there is a light at the end of the tunnel during dark times. VSU was my light."

Charles will be among the approximately 650 students graduating during Virginia State University's two Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. The 8:30 a.m. processional/ceremony will honor graduates from the College of Education and College of Humanities & Social Sciences, with Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott delivering the keynote. The 1:30 p.m. processional/ceremony will celebrate graduates from the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering & Technology, College of Natural & Health Sciences, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. Virginia Senator Louise Lucas will serve as the guest speaker.

Both ceremonies will be live-streamed on the University’s YouTube and Facebook pages.