Marsha S. Martin is an Army veteran, advocate, author, and founder of You Are Still a Veteran (YASAV), a nonprofit organization created to help veterans understand their rights, navigate the VA system, and pursue the benefits they earned through military service.

Marsha served 11 years in the United States Army. After a difficult chapter in her life led to a felony conviction and a Bad Conduct Discharge, she experienced firsthand what it feels like to believe that one mistake, one season, or one discharge status could erase years of honorable service, sacrifice, and identity.

For 462 days, Marsha lived in a 48-square-foot room that held only a bed, desk, wall locker, toilet, sink, and mirror. That season forced reflection, accountability, and a decision that her story would not end there.

When she came home, Marsha began rebuilding her life through faith, discipline, research, and determination. She studied the laws, regulations, and VA policies connected to disability compensation, character of discharge, VA eligibility, and discharge review options. What she discovered changed everything.

Marsha learned that a veteran’s past mistake does not automatically erase their service, their eligibility, or their right to seek benefits and support. She advocated for herself, learned how to navigate the system, and used that knowledge to reclaim what she had earned.

That journey became the foundation for You Are Still a Veteran.

YASAV was born from Marsha’s lived experience and her belief that veterans deserve clear, accurate information before they give up on themselves or the benefits they may be entitled to receive. Through education, advocacy, claims readiness, discharge upgrade guidance, and community outreach, YASAV equips veterans to move forward with confidence.

Today, Marsha continues to expand YASAV’s impact through veteran education programs, claims clinics, outreach events, public speaking, and strategic partnerships.

Her message is simple:

You served. You matter. And you are still a veteran.