Alumni Feature: Gina Burnett MSW’22 Fulfills Her Mission Through Counseling Veterans

Efigenia (Gina) Ferrer Burnett's, MSW '22, family did not believe her when she came home from school one day and announced she was going to join the U.S. Army. Burnett was in high school, and aspired to become a police officer. While connecting with a cop through a school elective, the officer shared that law enforcement employers love hiring veterans. The seed was planted, and Burnett was committed to pursuing her goals. Little did she know how different the trajectory of her life would be through serving in the army.

Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Burnett's family moved to the U.S. when she was a child. Growing up in Pomona, Calif., Burnett learned English mainly by watching cartoons with her seven sisters. As the third oldest sibling, she was surrounded by a strong support system, and is grateful for her sisters, who are her closest friends.

In 2003, two months after graduating high school, Burnett started training camp in Hawaii. At just 19-years-old, she was sent to Afghanistan for her first deployment. Burnett was a generator mechanic, but fulfilled whatever each mission dictated, whether that be bomb security, escorts, searches, or supporting units. She returned to Hawaii for another year, and when her contract was due she reenlisted for Fort Irwin, Calif. Burnett was deployed twice to Iraq. The most intense period of her service was her deployment to Guantanamo, Cuba, which is notorious for its unique, high profile setting, consisting of correctional facilities. After six-and-a-half years of active duty, ranking as a sergeant, Burnett joined the reserves in 2010, and focused on raising her daughter. Burnett's dream of working in law enforcement came to fruition through her role as military police MP.

Burnett served in the military for a total of 12 years. Transitioning to the reserves and later back to full civilian life presented a number of challenges. She wanted to pursue her personal career goals, but often struggled when the mission always had to come first. When she left the military completely, Burnett went through a period of soul searching, feeling as though she had nothing to offer in any career path other than law enforcement. She later discovered that the leadership skills she learned in the army would last a lifetime, but she was holding onto a thread of hope. "Having to grow up in the military takes you away from having a normal social life and influences," she said. "My experience in the army made me more grateful for the things I have now because I don't take anything for granted."

Burnett attended Mt. San Antonio College, and later earned a degree in sociology with a social work subplan at Cal Poly Pomona. Burnett's guidance counselor suggested going to graduate school to broaden Burnett's opportunities as a social worker. Azusa Pacific University's proximity to Pomona, accredited Master of Social Work program, faith based values, and veterans resources led Burnett to choose APU in 2020. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at APU. The professors are supportive, understanding, and genuinely care about students," she said. Learning about social work from a Christian perspective offered Burnett a foundation to enter the field with ethical values at the forefront of her thinking.

"Social work was founded by faith-based Christians, and who else would care enough to help others than those who live by the word of God?"

The best part about APU for Burnett was the community of veterans that she found through the Office of Military and Veteran Services (OMVS). Everette Brooks, executive director of the OMVS, created a lasting impact in her life. "The passion Everette has is contagious, and he always goes above and beyond. Coming together as veterans feels a bit like returning to the military, in a good way, because we're fulfilled again," Burnett said. She had a student employment position as a liaison through a grant Brooks received, allowing herself and other veterans to conduct research about veteran experiences on campus. Being surrounded by such a tight-knit community offered a rewarding sense of purpose.

After graduating in 2022, Burnett worked in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program for six months aiding homeless veterans. While the job was rewarding, she wanted to provide one-on-one counseling to veterans instead in order to deepen the impact of her support through their transition to civilian life. She now works for the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System at the San Bernardino Vet Center as a readjustment counselor fulfilling her passion for developing connections with veterans to offer them the support they need.

Burnett's life has been filled with many unexpected opportunities and challenges that have allowed her to discover that purpose comes from not only completing the mission, but making a difference in the lives of people she meets along the way. "You never know where you're going to end up, so you should set goals for yourself and be driven, but remember that God has a way of putting people and opportunities into your life who share the same goals and passions to lead you where you are valued and belong," she said. APU was a vital part of her growth after the military, and continues to be a part of Burnett's life. "Anything APU or the OMVS needs, I'll be there."

Posted: April 8, 2024