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OS1 Dawana Brown Named Warrior of the Month

April 8, 2024 | Story by Alyssa Ross | Navy Wounded Warrior

WASHINGTON - OS1 Dawana Brown was consistently counted as a top performer throughout her career, but her trajectory was abruptly altered by an unforeseen illness.

In 2008, she had her first seizure, though at the time, it was assumed she lost consciousness in a syncope episode. She spent some time on limited duty before embarking on a 12-month tour at sea. When she returned home, she was energized to start the next phase of her professional journey. 

"I was eager to embark on my first shore tour with a renewed sense of purpose and determination," she said. 

Brown injured her back during a tour as an individual augmentee, which caused her to have seizures more regularly. She still had aspirations for advancing in her Navy career, but everything changed. Though she had a zeal for excellence, all her evaluations were overshadowed by her medical condition. She was even accused of faking it. To cope, she began to hide her episodes and avoided treatments, hoping to keep her head down long enough to get to retirement.  

"I felt like I was being written off by those around me. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake of the label that had been unfairly attached to me." 

Despite these challenges, Brown never stopped believing in herself. She remained focused and pushed herself to be counted among the top performers again. She's working on her bachelor's degree and completing an internship with the Department of Homeland Security, where she hopes to transition into becoming a mission support specialist. 

She has a strong desire to help the people around her advance, and has proofed many Chief and Officer packages for colleagues. Once she joined Navy Wounded Warrior, she's offered valuable assistance to junior Sailors, so that they know someone understands their circumstances, too. 

"I made a personal vow to myself to help and support my fellow Sailors so that they never have to experience the same dark place that I once did," she said. "I am driven to be a source of inspiration and hope for others, and I take pride in demonstrationg how Navy Wounded Warrior can help individuals achieve all of their goals and beyond."

Numquam Navigare Solus – Never to Sail Alone

Navy Wounded Warrior is an unbiased advocate that bridges the needs of commands, care teams, and service members in planning a way forward after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Staff guide Sailors and Coastguardsmen, with their families and caregivers, to create a comprehensive recovery plan, which provides a holistic approach tailored to individual recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to feel empowered and supported as they adapt to their new normal. To date, nearly 10,000 seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from Navy Wounded Warrior.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team. Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997, or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.

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