Master Sergeant (Ret.) Crystal C. Romero is a decorated Army National Guard veteran, seasoned entrepreneur, and nationally recognized advocate for veteran mental health and psychedelic policy reform.

Crystal served over 16 years-primarily on full-time active duty in New Mexico-holding four Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) and excelling in roles across logistics, public affairs, human resources, and CBRNE operations. She was the first enlisted female to serve on the elite 64th Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, supporting major missions including the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery and hurricane disaster relief (Katrina, Rita, and Ike). She also served with the New Mexico Counter Narcotics Task Force and held key leadership roles such as Platoon Sergeant, Senior HR Specialist, Joint Substance Abuse Program Coordinator, and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate.

After her medical retirement, Crystal transformed her lived experience with PTSD, moral injury, and depression into purpose-driven advocacy. She played a pivotal role in the passage of The Brandon Act, a federal law enabling confidential mental health access for service members, and New Mexico Senate Bill 219, the Medical Psilocybin Act, which established the first state-regulated psilocybin therapy pilot program in the country.

In parallel with her advocacy, Crystal has been an entrepreneur since 2012, operating a successful online resale business on Poshmark, where she combines business savvy with creative branding and customer engagement. Today, she educates military leaders, clinicians, peer support specialists, and academic institutions on moral injury, trauma-informed care, and psychedelic-assisted healing. She has presented at national events including Psychedelic Science 2025 and the UNC Moral Injury Webinar Series. She is affiliated with:
• S&P Global VALOR (Veteran PRG)
• West Point’s Benavidez Leadership
Development Program (BLDP)
Former National Legislative Affairs
Subcommittee Chair, LULAC Military & Veterans Initiative.

Based in New Mexico and a proud mother of three, Crystal continues to lead with courage, compassion, and int