Air Force veteran sets her sights on new chapter by running for Congress

SALEM, S.C. (WSPA) – Sheri Biggs story in the service isn’t like most. While caring for veterans in a long-term care setting, she decided she wanted to serve her country on another level.

After fulfilling her duties as a nurse for more than 30 years, she decided to enlist in the Air Force.

“For medical people, that age cap is a little bit higher,” Biggs explained. “So I, I commissioned at the age of 40. I was probably a little older than most of the candidates, they were about half my age.”

Biggs said that motivated her to push harder.

“We would be on a run and I could hear some of the younger girls behind me coming up behind me. And I was like, ‘Oh, no, not today,” Biggs giggled recounting the memory. “I might drop dead at the finish line… But you are not passing me today.”

She eventually graduated from flight school to become an Aerovac Nurse.

“So I run the medical crew in the back of the plane taking care of veterans,” Biggs explained. “I am a Lieutenant Colonel, currently still serving and it has been very rewarding.”

In 2017 Biggs deployed to the Middle East.

“And I had an encounter with this young man who had been in the middle of a battle and had a mental breakdown,” Biggs began to explain. “And in my care for him, I saw that that was not only a military member, not only a patient but someone’s son. “

That’s when she said she saw a huge need for mental health services for our service members.

“One thing I’ve noticed in the civilian side with my non-profit work is that the spiritual piece is really missing and needed for people to completely heal,” said Biggs.

When she returned from her deployment, Giggs got a degree in Christian Ministries

“And I think that has been very helpful in my work with veterans and those struggling with PTSD and suicide prevention,” she said.

Now in her civilian role, Biggs spends her days providing counseling and mental health support to veterans and first responders.

“I’m not just a site Mental Health Professional, you know?” Biggs said. “I am a veteran. I’ve been in a deployed environment. I’ve been in a combat area. I’ve seen it firsthand. So I feel like kind of goes back to that camaraderie that I mentioned among veterans. I think they feel a connection to me.”

Even now… Biggs said she feels like she is being called at a higher level to do even more.

That’s why she’s running for Congress, vying for the Third District of South Carolina after Jeff Duncan announced he would not run for re-election.

“I’ve never held a political office before… But in my work with the veterans and seeing those that are homeless and struggling with mental health issues, and just physical issues, and not getting the help that they need, or having the resources readily available… I feel like I’m being called at a higher level to do something else,” Biggs shared. “Something more, I feel like I’m here to serve.”

Some of the other candidates running for office in District 3 include Byron Best (D), Kevin Bishop (R), Mark Burns (R), Franky Franco (R), Frances Guldner (D), Phil Healy (R), Stewart Jones (R), and Elspeth Snow Murday (R).

Biggs added she does not see any problems serving her constituents while remaining active in military status.

“There are several men and women in Congress who are able to do and balance both,” she explained.

Biggs said it’s also her faith and family that play a huge part in her work in continuing to be a leader.

Sheri Biggs, Thank You for Your Service.

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