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Ms. Wheelchair Washington: Fort Lewis careerwoman spreads message of strength, determination
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; The News Tribune • Published June 23, 2009
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Jannette Saxton is a woman of action.
It’s easy to see as she navigates the crowded hallway in Fort Lewis’ Waller Hall, quickly guiding her wheelchair between knots of soldiers and civilian workers going about their daily business.
Her progress might be more rapid, if only she weren’t wearing the crown and sash of Ms. Wheelchair Washington. Co-workers repeatedly stop her to congratulate her on the title.
Saxton chats, smiles and moves forward.
Her dedication to getting on with it – her work as a civilian mobilization and deployment specialist for the U.S. Army, life with a disability, her determination to serve as a role model for others – helped earn the 31-year-old Lakewood woman her state title in February. In August, she’ll head to Rapid City, S.D., to compete for the crown of Ms. Wheelchair America.
“I don’t see myself as a beauty queen,” says Saxton. “I see myself as a woman called to make a difference. If that means putting on a sash and a crown, then I’ll do it.”
At Waller Hall, Saxton’s desk is one of 14 stops for soldiers as they make their way through the Soldier Readiness Processing Center.
She is there to make sure each member of the Army has a plan in place to ensure that the soldier’s family is cared for while the soldier deploys.
As Ms. Wheelchair Washington, she has visited soldiers in the spinal cord injury unit at the Seattle V.A. Hospital. She said their courage and the depth of their sacrifice impressed her.
She believes she owes a debt to soldiers wounded in past battles who have returned home and fought for the rights of people with disabilities.
“I believe because of the veterans returning from combat that we as a community (of disabled people) have the rights we do,” she says.
Using a wheelchair to get around is part of who she is, says Saxton. But she tries not to let the device define her.
“It’s not constantly on my mind,” she says.
Sometimes, when she sees her reflection in a shop window, she has to remind herself, “Oh. That’s me.”
So far, her tenure as Ms. Wheelchair Washington has been a busy one.
Saxton spoke earlier this year to members of TACID – Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities. In July, she plans to visit Spokane to volunteer at athletic events for paralyzed veterans.
At the national competition in August, she’ll talk about the philosophy that sustains her. She summarizes it with the acronym ACTION: Achieving Confidence Through Inspiration, Optimism, and Nurturing.
It’s the story of her life.
Born prematurely, she developed cerebral palsy. She was unable to walk until the age of 6, and she wore metal braces on her lower legs. When she was 11, she had spinal cord surgery, and spent a month in the hospital, then a year doing daily therapy.
“Being so young and facing that made me put my priorities in order quickly,” says Saxton. “My family was always by my side, celebrating small victories.”
Saxton’s parents, Robert and Beverly Saxton, along with her sister, Sarah Buckholz, have helped encourage her in achieving her goals.
Her parents, both retired educators, supported her dreams as she crossed one academic milestone after another – leaving home for Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, then earning a master’s degree in counseling from the University of San Diego.
She says her journalism training and love of the written word has helped her as Ms. Wheelchair Washington. Her three-minute speech during the competition was titled “I grew up sitting down.”
But as a teenager at Lakes High School, she wasn’t so confident.
“I think every teenager thinks they’re a maverick, struggling against the grain,” Saxton says. “But by having a disability, that’s magnified.
“Growing up having a disability put the fire in me. It helped me grow up faster.”
Saxton entered the Ms. Wheelchair contest because she “wanted to do something to inspire other people to achieve their dreams.”
Whether someone uses a wheelchair, struggles with ill health, worries about job loss or battles demons of the mind, Saxton believes that everyone has challenges in life that they must overcome.
Right now, one obstacle Saxon faces is raising the money needed to compete nationally.
The entry fee for the national contest is $1,500. That doesn’t include clothes, air travel or ground transportation. Last month, her church held an auction to help with fundraising for the trip.
As Ms. Wheelchair, Saxton wants to inspire people of all abilities to rise above the barriers they face.
She believes her title can draw attention to her message, just as her crown catches the eyes of co-workers.
Saxton says it’s hard getting up some mornings, when pain threatens to cut her down. On those days, she says, she feels lucky to get out the door and off to work.
But she doesn’t want able-bodied people to mistake her for some kind of Super Woman.
“I don’t have a cape,” she says. “But at the moment, I do have a crown.”
And she plans to use it.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.comOnline
To read more about Jannette Saxton’s experiences as Ms. Wheelchair Washington, check out her blog at http://mswheelchairwashington.blogspot.com
All the contestants at Ms. Wheelchair America during "Fun Day" at Mt. Rushmore
PHOTO: Jannette, 1st Runner Up with Ms. Wheelchair California, 2nd Runner Up)
Both Tammy Wilber (State Coordinator) and I are former Shiner's patients, and I was so pleased to see how far research has come to help children and their families heal. Your tireless efforts to help children are selfless and beautiful. I am so glad you will be able to continue your work. The tour of the hospital with Doug from Rocklyn Medical, Tammy Wilber and myself, was enlightening and thank you so much for your time! 
To Doug and Robin and the folks at Rocklyn, thanks for the wonderful welcome lunch. Your staff was amazingly welcoming and food, well, the chicken salad was the best. You are truly a company who puts the customer first and promotes independence. The Harley ride was a dream come true, it was better than I can ever imagine running to be. The countryside was beautiful and the bike....WOW!
I was invited by Rocklyn Medical Supply, Inc. to come and speak to their staff about my role as Ms. Wheelchair Washington. Tammy Wilber, the State Coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Washington works for Rocklyn Medical Supply, as the Northwest Sales representative and it was so great to meet who she is working for.
The opening ceremony was moving and made me swell with American pride. Veterans, you sense of independence and victory was felt by every onlooker who came to cheer you on. Even the National Anthem held fresh meaning for me as it played. You march into the convention center is what freedom is all about; in spite of numerous obstacles you have pressed forward and demanded nothing but the best from yourselves as veterans and as Americans.
TILITE WHEELCHAIRS
During the week I am privileged to spend the work day as a Mobilization and Deployment Specialist for the US Army at Fort Lewis, Washington. I see Soldiers prepare for deployment to the Middle East. They willingly separate themselves from their families and friends all for a cause and a call of duty. Often, I see Soldiers as they return at the deployment cycle's end happy to be on American soil and prepare for a homecoming often full of love, joy and the lives they left behind. Recent involvement with the Paralyzed Veterans has opened my eyes how far the arm of service reaches and takes hold of the image we hold dear: the image of the self and how we perceive it and use it to change the world. Over four days in Spokane, I marveled at the strength and humor and determination of service members who rose to the challenges of disability and displayed amazing athletic ability and patriotism. During the Expo, I enjoyed meeting veterans and smiling for pictures with America's finest heroes. To the Vets I greeted, thank you for sharing your stories. You make me proud to be an American and an American with a disability. Your years of struggle have cleared a path for individuals with disabilities who desired a place of meaning and significance in this magnificent country. Your supportive friends and family deserve recognition as well, the community of people with disabilities would not have progressed without your courage. So many veterans asked for a photo with me, I have to admit I was befuddled. I felt instead, that I should be asking for a photo with you; my real life, flesh and blood heroes.
It was a great pleasure to speak at Saint Joseph-Saint John Episcopal Church, (Lakewood, Wash.) this last Sunday. I am grateful for the opportunity to address my desire to encourage others to achieve confidence and inspire others. I consider it a joy to share my story. I have learned many individuals may be facing an obstacle or challenge in their own personal journey. Often, it all about how we see that challenge, perhaps it is an opportunity in disguise! What a beautiful, sunny day it was! Thank you to Mother Gail and Father Rich. Your kind hearts and open arms allowed me to speak from the heart. Your congregation’s listening ears and giving spirits have spurred me on as continue on the path to Ms. Wheelchair America this August. Your generosity will not soon be forgotten. Many thanks.
On Saturday, May 30, 2009 community members gathered at Oberlin Church in Steilacoom to bid on auction items, listen to live music and sample delicious desserts during Taste the Sweet Life: a fundraiser for my expenses related to participating in Ms. Wheelchair America in Rapid City South Dakota.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday set aside for the United State of America to commemorate all the men and women who have died while in the military service. We are reminded to take a moment to remember the people who have served our country, and pay tribute because without them we would not have the freedom we have.
