Retired USAF Col. Lisa Carrington Firmin presents a gallery talk and poetry reading from her new book, “Stories from the Front: Pain, Betrayal and Resilience on the MST Battlefield,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 7 at Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road. A book signing follows her presentation.

The event, titled “Healing Through Writing: One Latina Combat Warrior’s Journey,” is in conjunction with Bihl Haus’ current exhibition, “Perceptions - Reality – Projections,” by Patrick Putze that explores his love of film along with his 21 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force and how the two intersect and profoundly impacted him. Of particular interest to the artist are the ongoing attempts by Hollywood studio systems to fully mimic war experiences with visuals and action that always feel over the top.

“I write personal and powerful expressions of military sexual trauma (MST) and PTSD from my own deeply entrenched lived experiences,” Firmin said. “My poetry is an intimate reflection of the invisible wounds of MST, PTSD, trauma, hardship, combat, and disparities while serving. Much of my art is deeply personal, offering insight into the grim realities of service and resonates with active duty, veterans, and civilians.”

Firmin is a Latina, leader, poet, author, and writer. She retired as the Air Force's most senior ranking Latina officer in 2010, having served 30 years in uniform leading at all levels, including squadron, group, joint and at the Pentagon. Highly decorated with two Legion of Merits and a Bronze Star, Firmin led in Iraq's Sunni Triangle as the 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander in 2004. She is also the founder of the Veteran and Military Affairs Department and the UTSA Top Scholar program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Her book, “Stories from the Front: Pain, Betrayal, and Resilience on the MST Battlefield,” includes 14 stories from the Vietnam era to present day of diverse active duty and veterans who have experienced MST. Also included are combat experiences and incidents of gender, racial, ethnic and LGBTQ disparities while they served. “It is important for me to capture the lived experiences of those whose stories are not widely told.”

For a more comprehensive bio and additional information about Firmin’s art and work, visit https://www.lisacarringtonfirmin.com