The Mission at Home

As a professor and nurse that practices with and teaches about individuals with special needs and other disabilities, I am often asked to review articles or books related to their care. Most books are well written but really just reiterate known information with a few updates. The Mission at Home, written by Jaime and Elizabeth Parent, is just the opposite, sharing their personal journey as a military family that includes a child with special needs. In particular, their candid nature gives us very important chapters like one addressing gender identity. This book comprehensively guides the reader in navigating complex systems, both military and civilian, to obtain the best care for families as a whole. Anyone who knows an individual with special needs, particularly autism, should consider this as their “go-to” reference, which surely will become highlighted, rabbit-eared, and respectfully worn. I loved this very unique book and will use it frequently in my future practice and teachings to help healthcare professional students relate to this very special population. – Dr. Tanya R. Friese, DNP, RN, CNL, USN (RET) * Asst. Professor, Department of Community, Systems, and Mental Health Nursing Americans With Disabilities Act Committee Member *
The Mission at Home is a powerful, compassionate guide for military families raising a child with autism. Jaime and Tracy’s tender and authoritative memoir blends lived experience with practical expertise, translating complex systems - such as assignments, EFMP, TRICARE, SSDI, and estate planning - into clarity and hope. It is a profoundly human testament to advocacy, and enduring parental love. – Lon Thompson * Former CIO for Naval Health Clinics New England and Acting Deputy CIO for Navy Medicine *
A pervasive disorder demands a pervasive response. The Mission at Home details the decades long journey of one family coexisting with rigor of a military career and the constant flexibility of dealing with autism. This gift of experience can assist other military families as they move through their own unique experience. The book lays a firm foundation as a starting point for the military family impacted by autism from the perspective of a successful journey that never ends. – Monte Parker * , Retired SLP and Education Specialist at Education and Education Service Center, Region 13, Austin, TX *
The Mission at Home is a must read for all of us to understand what life is like with a child on the spectrum while serving our country. I had the opportunity to have the author, Lt. Col Jaime Parent, serve as my Chief Information Officer (CIO) when I was the Director of TRICARE Northeast. LTC Parent was superb in position. He understood that the mission was his first priority. One would never know he was involved in a personal battle to make sure his autistic child was receiving the medical and life skills necessary to live a happy and productive life. Read this book and understand his journey. Then read it again. He and Tracy (Elizabeth) have forged the way for military families with autistic children to live happily as part of the military community while serving our country! – Steven Cardenas, Col, USAF, MSC (ret) * Director, TRICARE Northeast *

Jaime B. Parent is a retired USAF lieutenant colonel of the Biomedical Science Corps and a passionate advocate for military veterans and individuals with autism or other intellectual disabilities. He is a sought-after speaker at veterans and disability events as well as conferences in healthcare, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, including the College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME). Parent also established the EN-Abled Vet program, a one-of-a-kind internship that teaches disabled veterans’ entry-level healthcare computer skills, which was featured on television (CBS2 Chicago) and radio (WCBT Chicago). He currently resides in Deerfield Beach, FL.

Elizabeth “Tracy” Parent, ED. S is a dedicated educator, administrator, trainer, autism advocate, and military spouse with over twenty years of experience supporting children with autism and neurodiverse needs throughout multiple military moves. As a skilled consultant and presenter, she has partnered with school districts across the United States and internationally, including in Russia. Tracy has developed online trainings and courses used globally, equipping educators and families with practical strategies for inclusion disability awareness, behavior management, executive functioning, and educational intervention.

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