Tyrsa Pratcher
2017
Born in Stamford Hospital, Tyrsa Pratcher was already in uniform by the age of nine, marching in the Guardians Color Guard, an association of the Stamford Police Department and the Junior Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10446. Her stepfather, Police Lieutenant Merle Nicholson directed the color guard.
After graduating from Westhill High School, Tyrsa attended UConn-Stamford. She left in 1985 to join the Marine Corps, completing boot camp at Paris Island, S.C. She was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and at Camp Lejeune, N.C., serving initially as a personnel financial records clerk and completing her tour as an Office Manager for the Military Police, for which she received the Navy Achievement medal.
In 1989, a few days before the end of her enlistment, Tyrsa, who intended to re-enlist, canceled her plans when her stepfather unexpectedly died. She received an honorable discharge and worked in Stamford before enrolling in Hampton University in Virginia. After just one month there, she was recalled to active duty to participate in Operation Desert Shield/Storm at Camp Lejeune and in 1991 was discharged at the final rank of Sergeant.
On her return to Stamford, Tyrsa completed her bachelor’s degree in English at UConn. During her tour of duty, Tyrsa had begun writing poetry to help ease the stress of service. She self-published her book of inspirational poetry, Keeping the Store. Tyrsa has been featured for her poetry on News12CT, News Channel 8, the Advocate, several radio stations and at Barnes & Noble. Most recently, she held readings during Older Americans Month and the Veterans Award Dinner, both at the Stamford Senior Center. Tyrsa currently works for the City as an Office Support Specialist and continues to write and publish her poetry.