Air Force veteran finds next mission at San Jac

As Tonie Marshall crossed San Jacinto College’s commencement stage wearing a veteran stole and honors cord, a golden Labrador padded beside her in a miniature mortarboard.

Rocco has helped the veteran navigate public spaces since she left a rehabilitation center eight years ago. Back then, Marshall couldn’t have imagined that the next chapter of her life would involve returning to school.

But her military service has taught her to keep moving forward, and at San Jac, she’s preparing to turn that experience into a career helping others face their own struggles.

Returning with a purpose

Though her uncle served in Vietnam, Marshall enlisted in the Air Force not for family reasons but for the education benefits.

“I joined because of education, but I stayed because of the camaraderie and the mission,” she said. “I developed a deep sense of patriotism.”

Deployed just weeks after 9/11, Marshall served throughout both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Working in tactical communications, she helped set up radio and computer systems that connected aircraft, ground teams, and commanders.

“What I’m most proud of was working with different people from different walks of life,” she said. “We came together to complete one mission. We found the pieces where we connected: Where I’m weak, you’re strong.”

While that work strengthened her commitment to serve, serious complications from a chronic inflammatory medical condition changed the course of her life.

“It was bad enough that I had to go to a physical rehab center and learn how to walk again,” she said.

My journey — pain, healing — that’s how I got into behavioral health. I could help other people realize you can get through it.

In 2018, her service dog trotted into her life. Rocco helps her balance, navigate crowds, and even remember medication.

“He’s been connected to me at the hip since he was 8 weeks old,” she said.

As her health stabilized, Marshall began asking how her experiences could help someone else. That question launched a new mission.

“My journey — pain, healing — that’s how I got into behavioral health,” she said. “I could help other people realize you can get through it.”

Finding support at San Jac

After retiring from the Air Force, Marshall enrolled at San Jac in 2024.

Although she had attended college on and off throughout her military service, she had never completed a degree. Now, determined to finish, she was unsure whether she could attend classes regularly.

“I didn’t think it was possible because of my disabilities,” she said.

Marshall started with two classes at a time, Rocco at her side. Veteran services staff helped her understand her benefits and build her schedule. She also leaned on accessibility services, tutors, and professors who stayed with her until the material clicked.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect,” one English professor told her. “Just keep writing. Never take a zero.”

Psychology and sociology courses triggered memories and connections.

“I was able to connect the dots with the stuff I had experienced,” she said. “I had a lot of aha moments — it ignited my zeal to learn.”

In fall 2025, she earned her associate degree in social and behavioral sciences. Today, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake while completing San Jac’s mental health and addiction studies certificate program.

“I did transfer, but I found my way back,” she said. “I just love this school.”

Making room for the next veteran

Marshall’s long-term goal is to counsel veterans, women, children, and other communities that may struggle to find support. She also hopes to expand her nonprofit organization Gertrude’s Table, which provides lunchkits to people experiencing homelessness, into a place where everyone can access mental health support, animal-assisted therapy, and the arts.

Those plans might seem daunting, but college once seemed impossible too. Although Marshall has modified how she navigates the world, she doesn’t let her disability define her.

“I’m capable, even with my barriers,” she said. “The military taught me to make it happen.”

Marshall wants to make room for other veterans who are wondering whether college is still possible. They don’t have to wait until every fear or uncertainty resolves before taking the first step.

“Do it afraid,” she said.

Learn more about veteran support

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the The Commission on Colleges and Universities.