I met Kayla on my first visit to the Hickory Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. I was having a bad day dealing with anger. Right from the beginning, Kayla let me know she enjoyed working with Veterans. She began asking questions on why I was so angry. I told her that the protest in support of Palestine brought back memories of protesting the Vietnam War. I served in Thailand. When I came home to catch a commercial flight, as I started into San Francisco airport and I was in my “dress blues”, a protester spit in my face and it angered me so much I lunged at him.  

Kayla listened to everything I had to say.  She let me know that I wasn’t the only Vet to feel this way.  She made me feel like someone was listening and understood how I felt. Just her calm demeanor and constant reassurance I was not alone, helped me to calm down.

I hope the VA Management understands the valuable asset they have in Kayla Singleton. I would highly recommend Kayla to assist any Veteran who is angry and in a bad place. I told Kayla things I had not told anyone, including my wife. Civilians can’t understand what a military Veteran went through, but Kalya did.  I look forward to future visits and conversations with her.