Sergeant (Retired) Christie Lynne Strazza, CD, is a strong advocate for and supporter of Veterans, with a special devotion to those survivors of military sexual trauma.
Christie has been a member of Veterans UN-NATO Canada for 12 years. She has served in many leadership roles within the organization. She is the current National Vice President for Western Canada. She also serves as provincial President of the group in Alberta. She is a champion for the group’s mission to give Veterans social outlets to prevent the isolation that many feel when their military careers conclude. She has had a huge positive impact on Veterans and to the efficient administration of the group, which boasts 16,000 members nationally, making it the second largest organized Veterans association in Canada. She consistently puts herself forward to support others, organize events, and get Veterans out of their homes and into the community. She is described as reliable and professional. Her input and advice are routinely sought after and followed by her peers.
Christie is also a staunch advocate and strong supporter of Veterans dealing with the after-effects of military sexual trauma. Her gentle and genuine approach has an easing affect on the Veterans she works with. She ensures a caring and judgment free space. Her work with survivors of military sexual trauma has led to her participation as a Defence Representative for the Canadian Armed Forces with the class action members. The support she offers has been instrumental in many Veterans confronting the realities of this difficult part of their past.
Christie also assists other Veterans with their claims and applications for benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. Using her familiarity with government administration, she has made herself available to countless other Veterans in assisting with the intricacies of applications for benefits, gathering supporting documents, and engaging with representatives of the department in constructive ways. Her manner is subtle, unobtrusive and discrete, much appreciated by the Veterans she helps.
Christie is always searching for ways to support fellow Veterans. Often, this can be as simple as going for coffee or a motorcycle ride providing a listening ear. In other ways, her acts of kindness are much larger, like delivering food to underprivileged and immuno-compromised Canadians (including many Veterans), who were unable to leave their homes due to the associated risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Christie volunteered seven days a week with two other volunteers to deliver food.
Through her dedicated support to fellow Veterans, advocacy for righting of past wrongs, and her willingness to do whatever is necessary to support her peers, Christie exemplifies the Minister’s mandate to support diverse Veterans and those who have experienced military sexual trauma.
If you are a Veteran, a family member or a caregiver who needs mental health support, the VAC Assistance Service is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year, at no cost. Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional today.