Toni Grimes
mbg Contributor
Antoinette “Toni” Grimes is a U.S. Army retired Major and an Afghanistan war veteran. Toni served from 1991 – 2011 both as enlisted Solider and as a commissioned officer. She enlisted in the United States Army Reserves as a Combat Medic in 1991 and was commissioned from the University of Arizona in 1995.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Science in Health Services with a concentration in Wellness Promotions from California College (2006) and an Associates of Applied Science in Strength, Nutrition and Personal Training from Maricopa Community Colleges (2014).
After being medically retired in February 2011 due to Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to fight against itself, and her PTSD, she continued her service after taking off the uniform focusing on female Veterans and Lupus Warriors. She serves as a Community Health Mentor for medical student training at the three Arizona university medical programs, Peer Mentor for the Wounded Warrior Project, and is a member of the Class of 2018 Arizona Veteran Hall of Fame. Her true purpose and passion is spreading lupus awareness where she is a Lupus Foundation of America Constituent Engagement Liaison, Ambassador, Support Group Facilitator, Survivor, Advocate and Spokesperson.
She resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her boyfriend and emotional support animal Duke.
