INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN CLELAND

By Rita Prochazka and Deborah Malone

Questions by Rita:

Susan, can you share some of your testimony with our readers?

I’m a wife, mom of three, honey (grandma) to two grandsons. I couldn’t be more blessed. My job is doing hair, but not in a salon. I’m a traveling hairdresser to all kinds of people that need flexibility. I absolutely love caring for others and making them feel better about their appearance. Four years ago, I joined a club no one dreams of joining. We lost our oldest son, who was a veteran of the Air Force, to veteran suicide. Later, I found out that close to twenty-two lives were lost daily to this, and it hurt my heart so much. I have worked hard to find my joy, love for living again, and the purpose God gave me.

Two years after our son, Michael, passed, our family formed a nonprofit to help those in our state, Mississippi – serving either in the military or their communities as a police officer, firefighter, or first responder, as well as family member – to spread the awareness of suicide. PTSD happens daily. We help those seeking anonymous counseling, offer funds to cover church materials on GriefShare classes as well, and assist with some funeral expenses when a loved one’s service member has passed. My friend, Sherye Green, and I worked together to have my story published. Mission Vigilant: A Mother’s Crusade to Stem the Tide of Veteran Suicide was released in August of 2023. Sixty percent of sales go back into our nonprofit.

You are not alone in your struggles, and there is hope.

In your walk with God in this season of your life, what have you learned?

He gives, and He takes away. Nothing belongs to us; we forget this so often. He is in control of our story, and our lives belong to Him. Love like you have no tomorrow, give as you never have without expecting something in return, and find joy in every bit of your life.

Let people see Jesus alive and well in you, and they will want to know Him, too.

How have you prepared/been prepared for your ministry?

I have talked and researched and helped others who are either living the same life I am or have lost a loved one and want to educate others so they may save a life. Sharing with others that there is hope is so important.

Questions from Deborah

Susan, thank you for sharing with our readers on such an important topic. What advice would you give other “seasoned” women to stay active in ministry?

I remind myself that we are here to plant seeds and show others love. God takes care of the rest. I voice to God my requests, write down things I pray will happen, and watch God lead.

Then He surprises us everywhere we look.

Susan, can you tell us a little more about your ministry?

We provide awareness in our state, Mississippi, on veteran suicide, signs, and ways to help and support others. We pay for anonymous counseling, help churches with funds on GriefShare materials for classes, and provide a portion of funeral expenses for your loved one who has served. We partner with other like-minded organizations to help in their events and do our own to raise funds. Last year, we published my story on sharing hope after losing a loved one. Sixty percent of the proceeds go back into the nonprofit.

What challenges have you had to overcome in this time of your “seasoned” ministry?

Not to be afraid to ask for help and let others do it. Also, don’t assume people know about what you’re doing. Share the message compassionately to make them eager to think about who they may know you can help.

Don’t get discouraged when having an event, you think may be profitable, and it turns out it wasn’t. You never know if you were there to encourage another or share your story.

God’s plan is bigger.

Bio: Native Mississippian, Susan Cleland, is committed to supporting surviving families of veteran suicide through the nonprofit organization she and her husband Eric have founded – Mission Vigilant – For the 22. Susan wants to share lessons learned along her challenging and sorrowful journey as the mother of an Air Force vet lost to suicide. Eric, himself an Army veteran, also has personal insight into the unique stressors of military life.

After working in various professions, Susan returned to school in 2000 and obtained her cosmetology license. While operating her first salon, she became aware that many clients needed their hairstylist to come to them rather than the client coming to the salon. Since that time, she has offered this service. Stepping out on faith in October 2018, she followed her dream of filling this unique niche. Susan left the world of brick-and-mortar salons, launching her new business, The Traveling Hairstylist.

Susan enjoys crafting, journaling, going to movies, and traveling in her spare time. Susan and Eric have three children – Michael, Gabby, Conner – and two grandsons. They attend Grace Crossing Baptist Church and make their home in Madison, Mississippi.

Contact informaiton:

Speaking engagements: 601-278-5575/sscleland@gmail.com

For more information, please visit: Mission Vigilant – For the 22/www.missionvigilant.org