Lieutenant Commander Uses Her Experience to Support TBI Survivors

By: Stephanie Cohen, Development Manager, BIAA

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Jeanne Van Gilder, a native of Webberville, Mich., always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the Navy, particularly as a submarine officer. Inspired by her father’s service as a Naval Officer, her determination never wavered, even when submarines were not open to women. Her persistence paid off when, during her time at the University of Michigan, submarines were finally opened to women.

LCDR Van Gilder has served aboard multiple submarines including USS FLORIDA (SSGN 728)(GOLD) and USS MINNESOTA (SSN 783), demonstrating her leadership and dedication to duty. Notably, she played a significant role in the conversion of USS FLORIDA to support enlisted women on submarines, She holds a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Systems Engineering and Design from the University of Michigan and has completed the Submarine Officer Advanced Course and Joint Professional Military Education (Phase 1) certification from the Naval War College. Her naval career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of fourth award) and the Navy and Marine Achievement Medal.

Throughout her service, LCDR Van Gilder witnessed firsthand the dangers inherent in submarine operations, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained by two of her shipmates. They both will battle with the effects of their injuries for the rest of their lives.

For most people, the knowledge of submarine life is based on movies and therefore they do not recognize how dangerous submarines can be. In addition to injuries sustained at work, LCDR Van Gilder has also learned about TBIs through her role as a certified Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Her goal as a Victim Advocate is to make people feel safe and to protect and help her shipmates.

LCDR Van Gilder’s commitment to supporting those affected by traumatic brain injuries extends beyond her work in the Navy. Recognizing the personal and often invisible nature of these injuries, she actively supports organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America. By supporting the BIAA, she aims to facilitate access to vital resources and programs that empower servicemembers and sexual assault survivors to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.