HERo Stories

Episode 9- Karen Hennigan- Becoming the Calm in the Storm

• Amy

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Content Warning:

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual assault and rape, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

"Hero Stories" Episode Featuring Karen Hennigan

In this powerful episode of Hero Stories, Karen Hennigan, a 23-year Air Force veteran, attorney, and leader, shares her extraordinary journey of service, resilience, and healing. From pioneering an all-female combat mission to navigating personal grief amid a global pandemic, her story is a testament to the strength and grace of women warriors.

Main Topics Covered:

  • Karen's military career, including her experience as an Air Force prosecutor and her role on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft
  • Her international experiences working in Laos, Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Korea, supporting global anti-corruption and law enforcement efforts
  • Personal journey of grief after losing her parents to COVID-19 and how she found healing through music, meditation, and community
  • The creation of the Athena Grace Foundation to support women veterans and service members in recovery and connection
  • The importance of mental health normalization in the military and the unique challenges women face after service

Timestamps:

00:04 - Welcome to Hero Stories with Karen Hennigan, a veteran, attorney, and healer

01:52 - Reflecting on the impact of service and beginnings in officer training school

02:34 - Karen's motivation to join the military inspired by family of public servants

03:23 - From law school in DC to the military prosecutor role

04:15 - An amusing courtroom story involving her brother, a police officer in NYC

05:11 - Experience as a military prosecutor and training others in court

06:22 - Over 23 years in the AF Reserve, with international law missions abroad

07:23 - Working in Laos on anti-corruption initiatives and repatriation missions

08:56 - Recalling emotional moments with U.S. human remains and personal connection to Vietnam veterans

10:33 - Discussing the challenges Vietnam veterans faced with VA benefits

14:39 - Personal story of her father's struggle with PTSD and VA support

19:20 - Navigating her own grief during the COVID pandemic and her parents’ passing

25:57 - The mental health challenges of military service and normalization of seeking help

30:07 - Key moments as a prosecutor helping victims and mental health resilience

36:44 - Experiences in Saudi Arabia, navigating cultural differences and service abroad

39:54 - Supporting international legal efforts in Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Bosnia

44:03 - Transitioning to work with DOJ on financial crimes and international investigations

50:18 - Her move to Meta/Facebook and ongoing reserve service

54:45 - Personal reflection on her parents’ loss and coping with COVID’s toll

64:51 - Building community and healing through travel, music, and meditation

75:25 - Launching the Athena Grace Foundation for women veterans and service members

83:18 - Supporting women’s networks and the importance of shared experience

86:54 - Her experience on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft

90:23 - Closing thoughts on resilience, community, and honoring service

Resources & Links:

Connect with Karen Hennigan:

Follow us on Instagram @herostories2025 for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more inspiring stories!

Closing note:

Karen’s story underscores that resilience is about continuing to show up, heal, and find peace even in the face of profound life changes. Sharing stories like hers inspires us all to honor service, support mental health, and build communities of healing.

Your support helps amplify the voices of women veterans and service members. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

@herostories2025