Sharon Clermont: Wings of Valor A Black Woman's Journey in the Air Force

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April 2024

Sharon

CLERMONT Wings of Valor: A Black Woman’s Journey in the Air Force Embrace Your Community

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Viewpoint In the last couple of months there have been celebrations of Black History month, Women’s History month and in April we celebrate Black Women’s History month. Each celebration carried an importance and significance that could not be ignored. This year has been off to an excellent start!

Ujima will celebrate the Black Women that may not always be recognized but play a vital role in our lives and a bigger picture… the world. There are many women who we all can identify that made a difference in our lives which is why we celebrate these Black women. Ujima will celebrate all Black Women who have served in the U.S. Military.

These women have fought for our country and ensured freedom and have endured sacrifice for their family and country. We celebrate these women this month for all of their courage. Our feature is Sharon Cleromont. She served in the United States Air Force. I hope you are inspired by her story and journey as a Black Female Veteran.

“Serving my country is not just my duty, it’s my honor.”

Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazineAds@gmail.com

Have You Heard of Dr. Sebi?

By Christina Gobert, Contributing Writer

If you are someone who has researched healthier ways of eating, it is likely you have come across the teachings of Alfredo Bowman, affectionately known as Dr. Sebi. Dr. Sebi was an African man born in Honduras in 1933. In various videos of Dr. Sebi found on YouTube, he recounts how he came upon the knowledge he later shared with the world that led to curing many people of serious illness and disease.

Dr. Sebi explained that he was overweight, experienced psychosis and had other ailments.

Dr. Sebi happened upon a healer in Mexico named Alfredo Cortez, who he reports was instrumental in teaching him the truth about why he was suffering with the illnesses he had. Dr. Sebi learned and went on to teach the world about mucus as the ultimate cause of disease in the body. Mastering this concept, Dr. Sebi went on to teach about the Ph of food and herbs and their effect on the body. From this research, Dr. Sebi created a list of foods he deemed the “least detrimental”. Dr. Sebi taught that p2

when you eat foods that Mother Nature created, they are naturally alkaline on the Ph scale. Foods that were created and altered by man, result in an acidic PH, and ultimately cause dis-ease in the body. Foods that are acidic in nature cause an overproduction of mucus in the body and over time, result in dis-ease.

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Honoring Black Women's History Month: Celebrating Empowerment

By Jacqueline Johnson, Contributing Writer

April is Black Women’s History Month. Black Women's History Month holds profound significance in recognizing the invaluable contributions and resilience of Black women throughout history. It provides a platform to honor the often-overlooked achievements and struggles of Black women who have played pivotal roles in shaping societies worldwide.

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his month serves as a reminder of the intersectional struggles faced by Black women, acknowledging their roles as mothers, leaders, activists, artists, scientists, educators, and more. From civil rights icons like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman to trailblazers like Maya Angelou and Shirley Chisholm, their legacies inspire generations to challenge injustice and pursue excellence.

Getting involved in Black Women's History Month can take many forms.

One can educate themselves on the achievements and struggles of Black women by reading literature written by Black female authors, watching documentaries, or attending virtual/in person events that highlight their contributions. Supporting Black women-owned businesses and organizations, amplifying their voices on social media, and participating in discussions about intersectional feminism are also impactful ways to show solidarity.

As we commemorate Black Women's History Month in April, let's pause to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Black women who have blazed trails for generations to come. Moreover, let's reaffirm our dedication to the continuous pursuit of equality and justice for everyone.

Contributing Writer, Jacqueline “ooh” Johnson Jacqueline Johnson, a proud Texan, currently resides in Denton, TX, Jacqueline is the visionary behind Jacquie ooh, an online resource hub committed to equipping women with the tools they need to think well and live well. Additionally, Jacqueline has spearheaded the development of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an exceptional line of all-natural skincare products. Jacqueline is also very involved in her community where she volunteers and is the precinct chair in her county. She is the author of: “Glow Through It” 21-Day Devotional Journal for Women, and “Dare to Sparkle” Entrepreneur Guide plus Dream Big 4-Day Devotional. And, most recently her remarkable show, “Motivational Monday with Jacquie ooh” received the 2023 Bronze Telly Award for being an exceptional online talk show. For more information on Jacquie ooh please visit www.jacquieooh.com

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She Speaks Wellness: Discovering Your True Self in Shadows

By Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributing Writer

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omen often seek a safe space where they can reveal their true selves without any fear of judgment. Without it, they tend to hide flaws, failures, anxiety, and stress and question their worth. By engaging in selfreflection, by reflecting on thoughts and feelings and noticing the recurring patterns or suppressed emotions, women can understand their "shadows, " a term used in psychology to describe the parts that are hidden or cannot be seen.

Acknowledgment is crucial for personal and spiritual development. It requires honesty with oneself and God. It is easier to see someone else's than our own, but taking the time to understand is crucial for our well-being.

Living in shadows can lead to various emotional imbalances, and stress is a pressing concern in today's fast-paced world. It can also lead to opportunities for self-awareness and growth.

Since 1992, we have observed Stress Awareness Month in April to draw attention to this issue.

Increasing awareness and prioritizing selfnurturing is necessary for leading happier and healthier lives.

The spiritual and mental health and well-being of women are essential for restoration and discovering one's true self.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a powerful step towards reclaiming your life from the shadows of trauma and narcissistic relationships. Discover your true self in the shadows. Visit ironsharpensiron4mysisters.com to learn about She Speaks Wellness and Aiki Healing programs. These programs offer safe and luxurious spaces and long-term support that empower you to revitalize your health.

Psalms 51:10 - “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at https://www.ironsharpensiron4mysisters.com.

Thoroughfares

By Aubrie, Contributing Writer

This weekend I flew home from California for the first time since I’ve lived there. I had one layover in LAX, and of course I was three hours early to my flight out of SMF. There’s something about airports that I love. Maybe it’s the people watching, or maybe it’s the unique melange of chaos and novelty, the rare feeling of timelessness and spacelessness, the state of non-being. I find liminal spaces intriguing; their uncanniness feels strangely nostalgic and safe. There was a conference room in my dorm freshman year that felt like it didn’t exist. It was cold and outdated, almost completely untouched. Throughout the year, it was used only by boys on the floor above us who were eager to meet girls. It was a ghost in the hall. I used to go there at night to call my friends from home when my roommate decided to enforce an 11:00 curfew in our room. Needless to say, we did not get along.

When I was at LAX, I went to a place called BUILT Burger. I stood in line waiting to order a custom burger. When I got to the front and ordered from the cashier, he looked at me inquisitively.

“So, you just want a plain cheeseburger?” he asked. I was confused. I looked at the menu and back at him. “I can just make a note about the cheese and sauce,” he clarified, “I’d feel bad about making you pay like ten dollars extra for a plain cheeseburger.” I thanked him and waited for my burger. It was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

I’m not used to kindness at airports, especially not at LAX. It’s a prehistoric landscape: eat or be eaten. You cut people in line, take up too much space, and live selfishly. You watch families lose track of their rowdy toddlers, flight attendants gossip, and couples fight. It’s the perfect spectrum of humanity: a thoroughfare of life.

Booking page: https://calendar.app.google/jWYVPTJnkpy58tHU9 p4

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SHARON CLERMONT: A BLACK WOMAN VETERAN Thanks for Your Service Our United States Military protects our country, our freedoms and our rights. Within this work are many women who stand beside their fellow men every day making sacrifices to be a part of the bigger picture of getting an education, travel and a future career.

I spoke with Sharon Clermont about her time in the Air Force and this is what she had to say.

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haron Clermont’s inspiration for joining the military was “I Dream of Jeannie”, lol. Maybe subconsciously anyway. In high school, she had a desire to join a branch of the service as an officer. She had received a Congressional Nomination to apply to the Air Force Academy, West Point, and the Naval Academy. When Clermont got the Naval Academy’s call and not the Air Force Academy, she passed on the opportunity without regret. After going to college for a couple of years, taking gen ed courses, the desire to join was reignited. A friend was going into the Air Force, and was talking to a recruiter. Clermont went on one of her friend's trips to the recruiter. Clermont was hooked UjimaMagazine.com

by a “Donnie Simpson” look-alike recruiter. However, what sold her were the benefits for joining: an education, the job opportunities, and the travel potential. She signed on the dotted line, even though her friend did not. She said it was “the best decision she has made to date.” Even though, there have been others since then.

Some of the highlights of her time were: being stationed in South Korea; working on the flightline with RF-4s taking off to do Sorties; being in the Cafeteria at Austin Community College in between evening classes when Desert Storm started, and watching the SCUD missiles on CNN, and getting married and having two beautiful girls.

Clermont’s career in the Air Force was in the electronics field, and the various electronic careers were dominated by men. As a black woman, “I stood out with no place to hide often.” She was in during a time where I never had to say, “it’s because I’m black” or “it’s because I am a woman”. Her mouth got her in trouble and if that was Feature continues on p6

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because she is a black woman, well. Seriously, Clermont always was aware that she was the “only one” in the room for either/or being both black and a woman. She thinks for those reasons she worked harder than some other folks. And she stayed somewhat quiet, because she didn’t want the men to think she was less than them if she said something incorrectly. Clermont remembers one specific instance where they had a service call about equipment not working and a black male staff sergeant and herself went out to work the equipment. As they were troubleshooting, she diagnosed the issue. And she remembered him saying “You’re smarter than you let people know; you know a lot”. And her response was “I

Clermont always was aware that she was the “only one” in the room for either/or being both black and a woman. never said I didn’t know anything; I just have never been asked.” His comment resonated with her and it appeared to be the perception by the shop she worked in.

When Clermont got out of the military, it was after Desert Shield/Desert Storm had ended, the first war since the Vietnam War. America was more supportive of our veterans, instead of spitting on or turning their backs on them. Clermont chose to leave the military during the downsizing of the troops and the mass base closures that were occurring under President Reagan’s administration. The job market was pretty open and she

was a stay-at-home mom for the first 6 months while her then husband was on the road for extended periods working during that time. Being a stay-at-home mom was not her strong suit, especially the unemployed part.

There weren’t long term transition programs or organizations set up to assist them. A veteran had about 6-months support and after that we were pretty much on our own to find employment, etc. She wasn’t confident of how to pursue the benefits she was eligible for, and the VA was short staff, so answers were hard to get. To say she was prepared; not so much, but she didn’t let that stop her progress to being a civilian and working in corporate America.

When it comes to specific resources and programs for Women Veterans, Clermont says it was long ago. She just remembers the Veterans Administration being the go-to. At the time she lived in Illinois, and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affair had a tuition program that paid tuition at Illinois state-supported colleges for returning Illinois veterans. When she went in, the GI Bill was being revamped and she was under a program called VEAP and got little to no support from the US Government to continue her education. She was thankful for the state support. Also, job applications did ask for your military status, and preferential treatment was supposed to be given to vets.

For Clermont, being in the military had an immense positive impact on her life. Her dad didn’t want her to go in, but he told her how proud he was of her for joining and serving. Because of the culture of the Air Force during the time she was in, Clermont gained a sense of “I can do all things.” When she walks into a room, she may still be the only black woman in some rooms, but “I am able to be confident in my skin because of the experiences I had while serving.”

As far initiatives or organizations around Black Female Veterans, Clermont is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, incorporated an organization who has an International Military Advisory Board (MAB) and a national partner with Women Veterans ROCK (https://womenvets rock.org/about/) Feature continues on p9

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MARY’S TIPS AND IDEAS Spring is Here!

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ne of my favorite Mary Linnen, Editor seasons .

Time to get into those comfy cute sandals. And to continue your foot care.

A pedicure is the easiest way to care for your feet. If you prefer to do it yourself here are tips to help you keep those feet healthy.

The Right Plants for Shady Places Here is a list of annuals and perennials that grow well in different types of shade. ● Light shade: Hostas, lungwort, bigroot geranium, ajuga, and bleeding heart. ● Partial shade: Meadow rue, blood sorrel, mirror plants, Japanese forest grass, and elephant ears. ● Filtered shade: Begonias, Japanese barberry, carpet bugle, coleus, and hydrangeas.

Daily Foot Care Routine 1. Wash Feet Thoroughly. Use warm water and soap. ...

2. Exfoliate. It is an important step that is often left out. ...

3. Dry Feet Thoroughly. It will ensure that all the moisture is removed from your feet. ...

4. Use Lotion. There are so many lotions on the market. Make sure the lotion is well absorbed.

FYI : If you like to soak your feet, remember Epsom salt is known to detoxify and soften the skin.

Happy Spring!

● Full shade: Impatiens, hemlock, lenten rose, spotted deadnettle, leopard plants, and yew bushes.

This depends on the trees and different levels of shade in your yard. Now is the time to prepare for planting.

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Who Loves Biscuits ?

Every once in a while you want something you may not have had in a while. That is biscuits for me. So I pulled out my quick and easy recipe from Bisquick Biscuits.

You can make just about anything and make a small batch. It now comes gluten free. Try the drop biscuits. They are delicious with only 2 ingredients for this recipe, even your kids can make them.

For this recipe, go to my baking addiction.com you can also get tips and recipes from your bisquick box.

Remember you can add things to a recipe like butter, cheese, and sausage for a biscuit treat.

Enjoy !!

Best Fruit to Eat for Better Gut Health, According to Nutritionists From blueberries to raspberries and strawberries, berries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. One thing that all of these berries in particular have in common is keeping your gut in check. They contain disease-fighting properties like antioxidants which help reduce inflammation in the gut. A review from the Journal of Food and Function found that berries have been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of gut inflammation.

Berries are also rich in prebiotics and are one of the highest vitamin C foods which can improve the gut barrier . Start your day with an easy berry smoothie or freeze them and enjoy later as a nutrient-dense, sweet dessert.

Courtesy of Pocket Worthy

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Dr. Sebi went on to cure thousands of people from illnesses such as AIDS and cancer. He treated high profile celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Magic Johnson, Left Eye and Eddie Murphy.

Dr. Sebi taught that when you eat foods that Mother Nature created, they are naturally alkaline on the Ph scale.

I personally have been following the teachings of Dr. Sebi for 4 years. At the time I had already stopped eating meat and dairy, so transitioning into the Alkaline lifestyle was seamless. Since eating from the food list, I have seen a complete change in my body, mind and soul and the way I view food.

Stay tuned for May's issue where I will outline the changes I have experienced since eating from Dr. Sebi's food list.

If you would like to download a free copy of Dr. Sebi’s food list, please copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.naturalhealingwellnessco .com/alkaline Contributing Writer, Christina G Holistic Well-Being Guide Ayurveda Teacher|Meditation Teacher https://www.naturalhealingwellnessco.com

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Clermont feels the time she was in the military and when she transitioned to civilian life was much different than it is or has been for women in the past 10-15 years.

Clermont suggests to the black women veterans navigating toward their transitions to start planning as far in advance as they can, it is never too early. Start planting the seeds in their networks, in their churches of what they are looking to do and make those contacts now. Get engaged with their communities and volunteer to get their names out there. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to find out more about themselves and to allow people to bring out the non-military women that they are out front. Clermont highly recommends finding a mentor or a buddy to help brainstorm and talk through all their ideas of what they want to do and maybe even some of their fears. Lastly, Clermont would remind them that “what they may want to do as a career may not have a specific job title, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t follow that path, they just need a plan.”

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In closing, Clermont remembers in serving everyone came from a different background. Some joined the military, because that was all they could do to get out of where they were in life or to get them to where they wanted to be. Another thing is that not everyone who gets out of the military has a home to go back to or want to go back to. “Affordable housing is key to keeping those who serve from ending up on the streets.” says Clermont. As a veteran, women need to have access to affordable health care and insurance. The VA does not have the staffing needed to support the medical needs of women veterans. Mental Health support is needed to include therapy. Too many of us have experienced trauma in various forms and we need to identify the trauma to heal.

Ujima thanks Sharon Clermont for her clear and honest look at being a Woman Veteran and a Black Woman Veteran. We thank all of our veterans for their service.

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Before We Go ...

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