Jessica Rambo Collection
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- Oral history interview with Jessica Rambo
- Primarily documents the life of Jessica L. Rambo and her service with the United States Marine Corps. Rambo shares her thoughts regarding mental health and the military, including how soldiers shouldn't feel as if they have to hide the fact that they are seeking help for mental issues; how mental health should be taken more seriously by senior-ranking members of the military; and, when she was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, bi-polar disorder, and contemplating suicide, how the military made no attempt to help her deal with the trauma she was experiencing. Rambo recalls being pregnant while serving and the reactions from other soldiers, as well as her disappointment at missing out on various promotion and travel opportunities during that time. She also describes feeling extremely alone during the pregnancy, the intense post-partum depression she experienced, and the small group of friends who helped her cope. Rambo recalls being intrigued by art from an early age, her desire to be in a military position where she could document the ongoing overseas conflicts and missions that the military was carrying out, and how the skills she learned in the U.S. Marine Corps helped her transition into being a civilian by giving her the resources to start Painted Buffalo Traveling Studio; a converted school bus used by veterans for art therapy.
