Loree Sutton

NYC Mayor's Office of Veteran Affairs Commissioner vistis the 106th Rescue Wing 150308-Z-HB515-003 (cropped)

Loree Sutton is a retired Brigadier General in the United States Army and a prominent figure in the fields of mental health and public service. Throughout her career, Sutton has been dedicated to the welfare of military personnel, veterans, and their families, focusing on mental health care, policy development, and advocacy.

Early Life and Education

Loree Sutton was born in a military family and grew up in various locations due to her family's military postings. She pursued her higher education with a focus on medicine and psychology, recognizing early on her passion for serving those in uniform and their families. Sutton graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, making her one of the early female graduates of this prestigious institution. She furthered her education in medicine, earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which laid the foundation for her future career in military medicine and mental health advocacy.

Military Career

Sutton's military career is marked by her pioneering work in the field of mental health within the armed forces. She served in various capacities, including as a psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and policy advisor. One of her significant roles was as the founding director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), where she was instrumental in developing and implementing programs aimed at providing comprehensive mental health services to military personnel and veterans.

Throughout her service, Sutton advocated for the destigmatization of mental health issues within the military, promoting open discussions and encouraging service members to seek help without fear of repercussion. Her efforts have contributed to a broader understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges among military personnel and veterans.

Post-Military Career

After retiring from the military, Loree Sutton continued her advocacy for veterans and mental health through various roles in the public and private sectors. She has been involved in non-profit organizations, policy think tanks, and advisory boards, focusing on mental health care, veteran services, and community resilience.

Sutton also ventured into politics, running for public office with a platform that emphasized mental health, public safety, and community well-being. Her campaign brought attention to the critical issues facing veterans and the importance of mental health care in the broader public health context.

Legacy and Impact

Loree Sutton's contributions to the military and mental health fields have been widely recognized. Her work has paved the way for significant advancements in how mental health issues are addressed within the military and veteran communities. By breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of support and understanding, Sutton has left a lasting impact on countless individuals and families.

Her leadership and advocacy have also inspired others to join the cause, furthering the efforts to improve mental health care and support for those who have served in the military. Sutton's legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of betterment for military personnel, veterans, and their families.

See Also

• United States Military Academy
• Mental health in the military
• Veterans' affairs in the United States