PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. — This Veterans Day, we are celebrating those who served.
One metro Atlanta veteran used her military skills to launch a local small business that has been up and running for over six years.
Out of almost 700,000 veterans in our state, about 97,000 own a business, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Marty Commons wants others to know that they can do it, too.
"I was a civilian nurse at the end of the Vietnam War and joined the Navy," Commons said. "And I served in Charleston, South Carolina."
Finding a moment to take care of themselves is not always at the top of a veteran's list.
We live in an ever-changing world," Commons said. "And it is not a great place, at the moment, if you're military, but we signed on for it."
That's because men and women in uniform are used to sacrificing, just like many did for our country. However, Commons made a business out of finding time to unwind. She has three years of service in the military to thank for it.
"It afforded me an opportunity in life to have a graduate degree, to buy a house," Commons said. "And it was also the building blocks for a fabulous career."
Commons understands the plight of finding direction after hanging up your uniform. For example, the most recent information from the Veteran's Data Central shows that over 600 veterans are homeless in Georgia. Almost eight percent live in poverty. And seven out of every 10 veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
"I do have friends who were actually active duty—people who separated and then had PTSD," Commons said.
Commans wants other vets to know that they, too, can seize the moment at any time. She and her husband came out of retirement and created My Salon Suite in Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville—a place where clients can focus on relieving stress.
"In my time, during the Vietnam War, the public didn't like the military," Commons said. "And they were not interested in helping, but there are many, many resources available to veterans now."
Commons recommends resources such as the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Georgia and The Veteran's Administration. She also recommends interning in your field of choice as soon as you get out.
"Someone has gone through this process," Commons said. "They can help you. They can advise you."
Inside Common's salon is a hub of beauty and relaxation—a place she helped build -- brick-by-brick. Though, outside her windows is a constant reminder of her past. There is a brick monument honoring veterans. Her name is engraved right next to her father's, who also served as a Navy obstetrician. She hopes her story of a successful business inspires other veterans to do the same,
"First, is not be afraid; decide what it is they think they want to do and be curious, ask questions, and to remember that someone did this before," Commons said.