Sharing a Journey of Resilience: The Story of Technical Sgt. Kaitlyn Maricle

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy – Under soft lighting, an audience sits waiting as a vibrant woman in civilian attire steps onto the stage. She introduces herself, cleverly breaking the ice with a self-effacing joke about her nerves, and begins discussing her entertaining alter ego, known as ‘Shady Katie’.

“There are many ways to paint the picture of Shady Katie,” she explains. “She’s a bit eccentric, loves sports, cracks plenty of jokes, and resembles a drag queen who’s had too much caffeine. That last descriptor is the most fitting.”

This persona belongs to Technical Sgt. Kaitlyn Maricle, a broadcast journalist with the American Forces Network at Aviano. While she embodies this character during her work, she acknowledges that it only partially reflects her true self. “When I’m not being Shady Katie… I’m just Katie Maricle,” she shares, admitting, “Sometimes I deal with insecurity, and yes, I can be shy.”

Maricle reveals her personal battles with anxiety and depression, a struggle that began in 2014. At that time, she was stationed at Langley Air Force Base and faced multiple challenges: a new job, complicated relationships, her grandmother’s terminal illness, and the painful memory of losing her father the previous year.

Recalling one fateful day in August, she describes waking up feeling detached and overwhelmed. “It was like swimming and not being able to move efficiently,” she elaborates. As she recounts the overwhelming feelings of despair that followed, she emphasizes, “I felt like I wanted nothing more than to just die.” The audience listens closely as she conveys her struggle to seek help.

Fortunately, she remembered a friend who had experienced similar feelings. Mustering the strength to reach out, he stayed on the phone with her until she felt safe enough to face the next day. Maricle made an important call to mental health services and began treating her emotional struggles as she would a physical ailment. The outpouring of support she received surprised her: “My friends and co-workers treated me as they always had,” she remarks, feeling appreciative of their acceptance.

As time passed, Maricle learned to manage her anxiety and depression with professional help, recognizing her progress in identifying signs of distress before they escalate. Her father’s comforting words resonate with her: “Whatever you’ve faced, you’re still here, which means you have a 100 percent success rate.” Explaining the significance of sharing her story, Maricle hopes to inspire others grappling with similar issues, reminding them they’re not alone. “I’m living proof that it gets better,” she declares.

Maricle has recounted her experiences on Aviano Air Base multiple times as part of a resiliency initiative championed by Brig. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, the 31st Fighter Wing Commander. If you or someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help from the resources listed below:

Aviano Resources:
Command Post (24/7): 043-430-3100
Chaplains: 043-430-5211
Mental Health: 043-430-5321
Military and Family Life Consultant: 349-566-6285

National Resource:
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)