Moving from Invisible to Invincible

“When I attended SongwritingWith:Soldiers back in 2015,
my PTSD was so severe that I did not want to be seen…”
— Sandi Primous, US Army Veteran

“As a 20-year Army Combat Veteran, I led 197 soldiers into a hostile combat zone in Iraq during the war on terrorism. By the time I attended SongwritingWith:Soldiers back in 2015, my PTSD was so severe that I did not want to be seen, much less seen or captured on film. I was so ashamed of who I was and what I represented.

I started healing after writing just two songs with SW.-S. One Called ‘Questions’ and another, my anthem, called ‘You Can’t Break Me Down.’ It was like I transformed from INVISIBLE to INVINCIBLE! I am Sandi (with an T) the T stands for INSPIRATION.

Thank you, SongwritingWith:Soldiers for giving me the courage to make my first step towards fresh air six years ago. I cannot imagine where I would be if I had not attended your workshop when I did.”

Sandi has returned as peer support at our Texas retreats and assists at special events. Her son, Stephon, spent a day helping out at a retreat, too, and surprised us all by sharing a poem he had written, inspired by his mother’s courage and the Me Too movement.

You Can’t Break Me Down

Sandi Primous / Georgia Middleman

I don’t wanna live like this
I just wanna have somebody
Who adores me
Is that too much to ask

I don’t wanna live with all this fear
Always looking over my shoulder
All this time on my hands
Now that my kids are older

I wanna say that I’m strong
Though I’m not right now
I wanna say I’ll get through this
Though I really don’t know how
But I’m a strong, strong woman
And I know I’m gonna be alright
You know why?
I’m Sandi with an i

I signed on at 17
Was a combat Veteran
I was airborne air assault
And master parachutist

I retired from the army
After serving 20 years
As a signal first sergeant
Not bad for a career

I wanna say that I’m strong
Though I’m not right now
I wanna say I’ll get through this
Though I really don’t know how
But I’m a strong, strong woman
And I know I’m gonna be alright
You know why?
I’m Sandi with an i
I’m Sandi with an i

I wanna tell that MST
Just try to get in my space
And I’ll slam the door of my past
Right in your face
‘Cause the good news is
You can’t break me down this time
You know why?
I’m Sandi with an i
Sandi with an i
Improving
Independent
Inspiring
Sandi with an i

© 2015 Middle Girl Music / SongwritingWith:Soldiers Music (ASCAP)