Mary Swanson

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Juris Doctorate, University of the District of Columbia

Growing up in foster care and unsure where her future may lead, Mary Swanson joined the military at 17, serving as an ammunition and ground safety specialist. Throughout her eight years of service with the U.S. Marine Corps, she was stationed at several military installations. Early on in her military career, while stationed with the 2nd MLG 2nd Supply Battalion Ammunition Company, Mary was assigned a 6-month temporary assignment at the Field Ammunition Supply Point in 29 Palms, CA. In July 2011 her unit experienced a training incident that resulted in an ammunition explosion. The events of this day, including being witness to the traumatic injuries her best friend and fellow service members received, brought invisible wounds that Mary carries with her every day. Despite this experience, Mary went on to serve for six more years, ultimately becoming a platoon sergeant leading over 160 Marines.

Following her discharge from the Marine Corps Mary sought higher education, completing her Bachelor’s of Psychology from the University of Southern Maine in 2020. While attending the University of the District of Columbia for her Juris Doctorate, Mary was introduced to Sentinel Britney Domine through the Warrior Scholar Project. Britney encouraged her to apply to the Sentinels of Freedom Bridge for Education program during her final year of law school. Mary was accepted for the Fall 2023 cohort for mentoring and networking support. As Mary progressed through her final year of studies, she participated in a housing clinic at Rising for Justice, assisting tenants who were facing addiction. This reinforced her desire to help others while they navigate the legal system.

As Mary approached graduation, the realization of being unemployed while studying for the BAR exam, all while needing to maintain her household expenses for herself and her two young children became a major stressor. Sentinels of Freedom stepped in to provide five months of housing assistance while she prepared for the BAR exam. After a challenging job search, Mary proudly accepted a position with the Virginia Defenders, Indigent Defense Commission. Mary is working as a Law Clerk while she waits for the results of the bar exam.

Quote: “Throughout this journey, I learned an invaluable lesson: asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength that fosters growth and connection. This program taught me that we are stronger when we allow others to support us, and I am now more equipped to navigate life’s challenges with this perspective.”

– Mary Swanson