Freedom Sisters Magazine | July 2021 | Vol. 7 | Freedom FightHER

JULY 2021 • VOL . 1 • ISSUE 7

•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•

More than an ideal patriot “I pledge Allegiance…”

Celebrating uniformed service and citizenship Women Trailblazers of Military History

•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•

•MAGAZINE•

July 2021 | Vol. 1 | Issue 7 Publisher Freedom Sisters Media, LLC

EditHER-in-Chief Managing EditHER Contributing WritHERs HER Life MentHERship HERstory FoundHER LeadHER HER Next Mission Woman Warrior

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Kerri Jeter E.V. Moore

Naviere Walkewicz | Aaliyah Al-Mahdi Brie Burgett | Amber Valencia Brittany Lara | Cynthia Cline | Dana Richmond Jacqueline Zappey | Amber Valencia Kerri Jeter E.V. Moore Joanna Sweatt | Elysa Millan Amy Forsythe | Andrea Rathbun | Susanna Keilman Joanna Sweatt | Kori Yates Krista Morris-Tworek | Jennifer Ballou | Elysa Millan Kerri Jeter Kerri Jeter Brandon Hill

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Copyright | 2020-2021 | Freedom Sisters Media LLC Freedom Sisters Media respects the rights of all writeHERs, Photographers, Artists, and copyright holders. Consequently, all works that appear on this platform do so with the consent of the writeHER/s or the copyright holder. No image or information display on this site may be reproduced, transmitted, or copied without the express written permission of Freedom Sisters Media. Contravention is an infringement of the Copyright Act and its amendments and may be subject to legal action.

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From the EditHER-in-Chief As we head into the month where we celebrate our nation's independence, Freedom Sisters Magazine wants to not only encourage reflection of your patriotism, but also the freedoms we must continue to fight for—long after the uniform is hung up. Women didn't one day earn anything in this county, we had to fight to vote, fight to serve and fight to make changes. We are now still fighting for improvements to policies that affect the future of the force, better medical treatment at the VA and to be seen in our communities across America.

We are still fighting a pandemic even as we start to reopen amid the challenges of COVID-19, economic hardship, and social uprising. No matter what though, VetHERans are showing up to make a difference in communities, business, education, science, technology, politics—you name it we are showing up advancing our nation forward.

I’ve had conversations about our roles and responsibilities as VetHERans during times of uncertainty and darkness. Profound change is underway, so what is the new reality and how do we navigate it thoughtfully?

Watching our sisterhood step up to this moment gives me great hope for the future. We have embarked on a long journey to arrive to this moment in time, we have fought back and fought for our nation and for each otHER and I am so proud of us all.

We all served for different reasons, to be apart of something bigger than ourselves, to earn our citizenship, to get an education or to show patriotic love for our country.

In this issue, we are doing what we do best at Freedom Sisters—highlighting the great women in our community.

That’s what this whole publication is about—our sisters.

We sat down with Shannon Huffman Polson to get her reflections on leadHERship and her amazing company. We spoke to Danique Masingill, of Leashes of Valor.

Take the opportunity to explore our nation with some great travel ideas, try a new craft from Darn Good Yarn or listen to some music of VetHERan Voices with our friends at Warrior Songs.

Happy Freedom Day to you all!

CONTENT

37 In every Issue

HER Life

Note from the EditHER

Just HIIT it!

HighlightHER

Celebrate Our Nation This Summer by Planning a Patriotic Vacation

WriteHER Connection ActivateHER

Hastie Hen Farm—From VetHeran to Chicken FarmHer

45

MentHERship

Becoming the Best Patriot (you can be) in 5 Simple Steps More than an ideal patriot

HERstory

Women Trailblazers in Military History A MotHER’s sacrifice for Freedom

WeatHER the Storm: Emergency RuckSack

Follow in her Footsteps— Ten American trailblazers who paved the way for adventurous women

PAGE 5

PAGE 19

FreedomSisters Magazine

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65 FoundHER

LeadHERship Triple Threat: Courage, Compassion and Creativity Find out more about the incredible Shannon Huffman Polson, FoundHER of The Grit Institute.

LeadHER

27 HER Next Mission

A LeadHER’s Best Friend Get to know more about the wonderful LeadHER of Leashes of Valor, Danique Masingill.

Inspiring You to take life a step further “I pledge Allegiance…”

Celebrating uniformed service and citizenship

Woman Warrior Red, White, and Bluer HER You are made to be a Woman Warrior War Within This Woman

A Lawmaker fights for democracy, liberty, and justice for all.

Pledge allegiance to your core values

The U.S. belongs to us.

Set Free: Hiking Saved Her Life

Patriotism: Pass It On

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PAGE 51 FreedomSisters Magazine

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By: Naviere Walkewicz Do you feel intimidated by the gym and the idea of working out? Does throwing in the term “high intensity interval training” cause even greater angst?

Sis, you’re not alone.

I want to share a little about the benefits of interval training with intensity and how everyone can do it. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of training that affords short bursts of active work and recovery to bring on sustained benefits.

You read it right, you can work out for less time and gain a bigger bang!

Yep, here’s why.

Doing HIIT burns more calories in a shorter amount of time versus steady-state cardio. One example is a 60-minute walk.

ju us st t j hiit it!

You can burn more calories by running for 30-seconds and walking for 90-seconds for 30minutes—just half the time!

Everyone can benefit from HIIT and you can do it at your current fitness level.

Don’t know how?

You also burn more calories after your workout is done because your body has to do more work healing the wear and tear you just put it through in the intense workout.

Studies have also shown how HIIT benefits oxygen and blood flow while reducing blood pressure.

If you’re worried that you might not be ready for HIIT in your health journey, know that HIIT does not mean jumping into burpees and flying X’s (don’t fear those fancy terms, I got you Sis).

FreedomSisters Magazine

Check out my video above where I show a HIIT workout for 28minutes of working time.

There are different levels of impact (jumping vs not jumping) as well as my encouragement and sweat alongside you.

Ready to try?

Yes girl, just HIIT it!

Like what you saw? Check out Coach Naviere in her mighty network community – naviereLIFE !

Virtual LIVE Stream

JULY 14TH 7PM EDT

Celebrate Our Nation This Summer by Planning a Patriotic Vacation School is out and it’s the perfect opportunity to take family time during the summer for some fun, relaxation and learning about our nation’s history. But summer trips aren’t just for families. If you’re traveling solo, with your significant other, or with friends, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate our country and plan a patriotic vacation.

Patriotic destinations are located across the U.S. from the historic events that birthed our nation on the East Coast to the historic expeditions that launched from the Midwest and the exploration of the West Coast. Read on for some tips on patriotic places, their significance and why you should visit them this summer.

By: Aaliyah Al-Mahdi Places to sightsee in the Northeast Philadelphia is a city rich with history and is home to numerous patriotic monuments. Explore areas in the City of Brotherly Love like Independence National Historic Park, The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall— where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed—and the Museum of the American Revolution.

The Big Apple is home to a couple of patriotic attractions.

Patriotic Destintations can be found coast to coast

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The Freedom Trail is a path through downtown Boston that passes by several locations significant to the history of the U.S. And while you’re in town, visit Boston Harbor, the site of the historic Boston Tea Party.

Colonial Williamsburg, in Virginia, is an area that holds a lot of American history. Visit the living history museum, take a carriage ride and view the architecture of the area.

Our country’s capitol is home to historic monuments and patriotic sites like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and so much more.

See America from the Midwest to the West Coast Nothing says patriotism like four former U.S. president’s faces carved in the side of a mountain.

Take a trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota and learn about the presidents memorialized in this unique monument.

Explore America’s National Parks by taking advantage of the National Park and Federal Recreational Land Pass that is free for active duty, guard and reserve members.

Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges, and with more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had in the U.S. Lewis and Clark’s historic expedition officially kicked off in the middle of the country in St. Charles, Missouri and ended at the Oregon Coast. Visit the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and museum in historic St. Charles, Missouri where you can view replicas of the boats the duo used on their journey.

If you’re on the West Coast, visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Ilwaco, Washington.

While you’re in the area, take the short drive to Astoria, Oregon and visit Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark stayed during the winter.

FreedomSisters Magazine

The quintessential American summer vacation is a road trip. And nothing says road trip like cruising down a historic roadway. This summer, plan to take a ride on iconic Route 66. The beauty of this highway is that there are drivable sections of it across the country, from the Midwest into the Southwest, so you can see some of the most beautiful parts of the U.S., no matter where you start your drive.

Since there’s no shortage of places to learn about our history and show love for your country, the hardest part about planning your summer vacation this year may be picking where you’ll go. No matter what adventure you decide to take, be sure to have fun and document your travels by taking pictures, writing in a travel journal or collecting mementos that you can turn into a keepsake collection like touristy T-shirts, keychains or mugs.

Katelyn Posego grew up on a horse ranch in Colorado.

After joining the Navy in 2011 as an intelligence analyst and meeting her now husband Nathan, the military brought them to Washington state. Katelyn and Nathan now have two children and own a small Chicken Farm that they started to become more self-sustainable.

Katelyn’s passion for gardening started approximately five years ago and that passion evolved as she learned after buying their home with acreage.

She said, “there is something so special and sacred about growing your own food or providing for an animal that in turn provides for you.”

As most homesteadHERs, the joy of being able to grow her own food, teach her children the value of living a zero waste lifestyle and knowing exactly what they put into their body means the most to her. Katelyn has a vision of being as selfreliable as possible and relying minimally on commercial grocery stores and outside resources.

By: Amber Valencia

Katelyn's chicken living her best life! Courtesy Photo.

Through her homesteading journey, she decided to raise some chickens, which turned into including more and more chickens on her homestead.

This year Katelyn was able to hatch her own chicks from chickens she bred. She provides farm-fresh eggs to her local community as well.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned on the farm is that you can never have enough time in the day or enough patience, planning is key, “ she said.

Katelyn tries to find balance in running her chicken farm, raising her babies and maintaining her home by realizing that priorities may change on a daily basis. She said, “All of these priorities in your life will require focus and hard work but knowing what needs to take precedence and what can wait is extremely important.”

FreedomSisters Magazine

As she continues to grow her farm and business she is also educating other chicken owners on how to care for chickens and raise them in a sustainable and caring environment.

She also thinks it’s important for any farm animal owners to have an emergency medical kit and shares a video on Instagram that showcases her own medical kit.

She teaches different ways to care for your chickens, including care if they sustain an injury.

She also brews her own wine in her home from fruits that she grows on her farm!

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Katelyn’s ultimate goal is to continue sharing her journey and educating the community she’s building—both Veteran and Civilian.

You can follow her journey on Instagram @hastiehenfarm.

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Since the foundation of the United States, independent women across the country have embodied the American spirit. They took the road less traveled and broke down barriers—making a name for themselves and their country.

Years ahead of their time when society expected them to be housekeepers that minded their manners, each of these American ladies defied traditional gender roles and chose a groundbreaking path of her own.

FreedomSisters Magazine

They paved the way for future generations of women to continue challenging the status quo.

These ladies came from all walks of life but had one thing in common—a desire to go see, do and be more!

Check out these ten inspiring women and follow in their historic footsteps around the USA and beyond!

By: Brie Burgett FreedomSisters Magazine

1) Amelia Earhart

2) Eliza Scidmore

This famous American aviator needs no introduction. Not only was she the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean—she was the first person to fly from Hawaii to the mainland USA. On her attempt to circumnavigate the globe she mysteriously disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle but her efforts to champion women in aviation established her legacy.

Eliza is proof that it is possible to pursue multiple interests and make an impact in many fields. She was recognized as an author, photographer, independent world traveler, diplomat and geographer before being named the first woman to become a Board Member for National Geographic. While a glacier and bay were named after her, Eliza’s most lasting visual legacy are the gorgeous cherry blossoms in Washington DC, which are celebrated by millions of tourists every spring. After her multiple visits to Japan in the late 1800s, she worked for years with First Lady Helen Taft, representatives from Japan and the manager of Washington area parks to plant cherry trees in DC. This historic gift from the people of Japan recognized the growing friendship between the two countries and remains a popular attraction.

Follow in her Footsteps Visit the lookout named in her honor in Hawaii at Diamond Head which commemorates her flight to the mainland. Call a local airfield to take a flight around your hometown or begin working towards your own pilots’ license.

Follow in her Footsteps Witness the annual cherry blossoms in Washington DC in early March and the original blooms in Tokyo, Japan in late March to early April or see some of her most famous photographs in a virtual gallery from National Geographic- www.natgeoimagecollection.com Amelia Earhart standing in front of the Lockheed Electra in which she disappeared in July 29, 1937.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Gold colored Sacagawea dollar US coin

3) Nellie Bly This intrepid traveler made her mark with a race around the world in 72 days followed by the release of her book chronicling the grand adventure. She was already an established investigative journalist for New York World before setting the goal to traverse the world in 75 days—barely beating the timeline from the fiction novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne. She accomplished the historic feat traveling by steamship, train, rickshaw, horse, donkey and foot, narrowly beating another female competitor from Cosmopolitan magazine with the same goal.

Follow in her Footsteps Visit the Adventurers Amusement Park in Brooklyn, NYC where they commemorate her adventurous spirit or read her book and find inspiration for your own adventure ‘Around the World in 72 Days’.

4) Sacagawea One of the most memorialized women in U.S. history, Sacagawea led a short but extremely significant life. After meeting Lewis and Clark, she was selected to assist them on their exploration and charting of the new territories acquired by the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase.

Her skills as an interpreter, ability to navigate the terrain and her naturalist knowwledge made her an invaluable member of their expedition. To top off the impressiveness of this accomplishment she did this two months after giving birth to her son whom she carried with them on the trek.

Follow in her Footsteps Explore the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, any of the four mountain peaks or the river named in her honor or visit the numerous statues or monuments dedicated to her memory.

Nellie Bly. Elizabeth Cochrane "Nellie Bly", 1890 FreedomSisters Magazine

6) Emma Gatewood After raising 11 children, surviving decades of domestic abuse and a lifetime of hard work on the farm—this legendary woman blazed trails in her late sixties becoming an ultralight hiking pioneer. Known as Grandma Gatewood, Emma became the first female to hike the entire Appalachian Trail by herself when she was 67 years old.

Adeline and Augusta Van Buren first women to ride across the USA by motorcycle // PUBLIC DOMAIN

5) Van Buren sisters Augusta and Adeline Van Buren, descendants of President Martin Van Buren, made a historic motorcycle trek across the country in an attempt to prove that women could ride as well as their male counterparts and could be dispatch riders on the frontlines in the Army for the impending World War I. Their ride took them along the Lincoln Highway often through unpaved and unmapped areas often leaving them stuck in the mud or on treacherous routes. The sisters were also arrested multiple times along the route, not for speeding or traffic violations but for wearing leather pants and jackets which were considered men’s clothing at the time. This trailblazing duo finally arrived in San Francisco on September 8, 1916—two months after departing New York, making them the first women to ride across the continental U.S. on two solo motorcycles.

Her backpack for the 2,055 mile hike was a hand sewn denim sack that she used to carry her 17lb pack of bare minimum essentials.

Two years later she became the first person ever to complete the thru-hike twice and then at 76 years old she completed the full Appalachian Trail for one final time. She is undoubtedly one of America’s most famous hikers, especially in Ohio where her legacy is memorialized on the Buckeye Trail, which she helped to clear. There is no doubt this grandmother was tough as nails!

Follow in her Footsteps Take your own hiking adventure along the Appalachian Trail or on the Grandma Gatewood Memorial Trail along the Buckeye Trail in Ohio.

Follow in their Footsteps Plan your own motorcycle adventure or go on a guided ride with others to explore more of the vast United States! Some companies like MotoBirds also offer bike tours abroad built and led by other women.

Women only motorcycle tours | MotoBirds

By Stratness - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27551090

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7) Libby Riddles

8) Carolyn Burkhart

Every year competitors from around the world race across Alaska to compete in the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The grueling race requires mushers and their dog teams to brave days’ worth of icy conditions as they race across one thousand one hundred plus miles in the frozen tundra. Libby Riddles became an international celebrity overnight when she became the first woman in Iditarod history to win the arduous race. She was the only competitor to brave a massive snowstorm and giving her a lead that no one could catch. After 18 days 20 minutes and seven seconds, Libby crossed the finish line for the victory despite numerous falls, hardships and days of sub-freezing temperatures.

While Cheryl Strayed’s book and subsequent movie Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail brought international attention to solo hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the first woman to successfully conquer this challenge was Carolyn Burkhart in 1976. Although hundreds of people attempt this trail every year now, Carolyn was one of only 12 hikers to complete the entire hike that summer, which took over six months to complete the 2,650 mile trail. Carolyn now owns a cabin along the PCT and gives back to the community by offering thruhikers a brief reprieve from camping with a comfortable place to stay and guidance for tackling the obstacles that lay ahead.

Follow in her Footsteps Check out the Iditarod Race which is held in March or visit during the off-season to go on your own dog sledding adventure along the famous race path.

Follow in her Footsteps Northbound thru-hikers typically start the PCT in mid-April through early May while Southbound hikers generally start in late June through early July to account for weather and conditions on the trail. It typically takes about five to six months to hike the entire PCT.

Click on image to watch video on youtube.

FreedomSisters Magazine

9) Harriet Chalmers Adams “There is no reason why a woman cannot go wherever a man goes—and further,” stated Adams to a newspaper in the 1920s. This statement was certainly a clear indicator on her stance of traveling and despite her lack of professional training and limitations on women’s careers at the time, Harriet traveled far and wide speaking out on many issues as a photographer, geographer, explorer and journalist. She was the first female journalist invited to the French frontlines in World War I. She traveled over 40,000 miles in Latin America and retraced Christopher Columbus’ path across the West Indies. Later she helped establish and then served as the first president for the Society of Women Geographers, recruiting adventurous women from around the world and known for her charismatic lecturers on her experiences to inspire the next generation.

Follow in her Footsteps Revisit Harriet’s adventures through the Library of Congress online Gallery- https://www.loc.gov/item/89711936/

Boyd pictured in Tromsø harbour on June 28, 1928.

Public Domain

10) Louise Arner Boyd Recognized as the first woman to fly over the North Pole, Louise is another American explorer that pushed the boundaries. Her adventurous spirit was noticeable from a young age and she may have been the first woman who completed a solo road trip from coast to coast across the U.S. She also worked for the U.S. government during World War II completing a covert expedition to collect information on data on radiowave transmission for shore to submarine communication along Greenland’s coastline under the cover of her career as an explorer. However, she is best known for her multiple Arctic expeditions making her a leading expert at the time.

Harriet Chalmers Adams, American explorer, writer, and photographer. Ca. 1908-19. As a correspondent for Harper's Magazine during World War I, she was the only female journalist permitted to visit the trenches.

Public Domain FreedomSisters Magazine

Follow in her Footsteps See some of Louise’s photographs and artifacts at the Marin History Museum in Boyd Gate house in San Rafael, California!

Connect with us & share your stories! #amplifywomenveterans #freedomsistersmagazine

By: Brittany Lara

country.”

“Patriotic; devoted to the welfare of one's

A patriot is defined in its adjective form as

Becoming the Best Patriot (you can be) in 5 Simple Steps

Are you a patriot?

A patriot is defined in its adjective form as “Patriotic; devoted to the welfare of one's country.”

While total self-sacrifice may be one of the first ideas of patriotism to enter your mind, I would like to offer a different idea —one for fortifying the longevity of a Lady Patriot.

I propose the best way you can prepare to serve your nation is to be devoted to your own welfare too. Not selfishly—but to proactively care for yourself to ensure longevity in your service.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Iced Lattes ≠ Water

Vitamins & Minerals

Modern life is fast paced and demanding, and caffeine (especially yummy caffeine) can very easily replace or overtake your most vital form of hydration—water. Getting enough water can reduce inflammation, improve joint lubrication, brain function and more.

It turns out that consuming enough essential nutrients not only helps you grow, but also can help you stay healthy and in peak condition even as an adult. Folic acid, Iron and Vitamin D are listed as especially important for women’s health.

According to Kaiser Permanente nephrologist Steven Guest, MD, "When muscle cells don't have adequate fluids, they don't work as well and performance can suffer."

Caution: excessive caffeine consumption can cause anxiousness, which doesn’t help to manage the stress in life, especially once the operation tempo increases.

Staying properly hydrated equips you to perform at your peak mentally and physically and little soft stretching goes a long way.

Women face unique challenges, like PMS and menstruation, that men do not, although the same performance standards are demanded.

Recent research by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran has revealed that magnesium and vitamin B6 can dramatically reduce PMS symptoms, which is a very affordable method of managing PMS. In addition to supplements, getting needed nutrients from a calcium rich diet and eating complex carbohydrates are also proven to reduce PMS symptoms naturally.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Zzzs Please

Does eight hours of sleep sound impossible? You’re not alone sister. A Patriot’s life is demanding and intense, sleep is vital to your mission’s success.

Studies by researchers at Duke University Medical Center show that “poor sleep is associated with high levels of distress, hostility, depression and irritability in women.”

Proper sleep can help you get those zzzs and dramatically improve your critical thinking, higher brain function and physical endurance. Sleep is critical to self-care, here are a few tips on ensuring you’re getting the best rest: Set a sleep schedule and stick to it.

Shut off electronics an hour prior to sleep.

Use soft light to calm the space.

Take power naps vs. long naps.

Get a high quality pillow.

Bladder & Bowel

Know Your Limits

There is a lot of pressure to keep up with the operational tempo (OPTEMPO) while in uniform and even for vetHERans.

There is always something to do or someone who needs your help and attention.

Many women report bladder or bowel issues because they either hold it too long or rush through the release. This can have lasting effects on your body.

When you rush your toileting, you tend to tense your pelvic floor and push, after all you have places to go and things to do. And in boot camp (at least in the Marines) you have mere seconds to get on the pot and get out of the door or you risk literally being pulled from the toilet mid-stream. The forced pressure can seriously reduce pelvic health and function.

Continuing that speed-release after basic training and into your career can have long-term damaging effects. When not under such constraints, take the time to relax your body and gently empty it.

I spoke with pelvic floor physical therapist Hannah Gray (PT, DPT) of the Pelvic Health & Wellness Center in Grand Junction, Colorado and she gave some simple advice, “Sit down and plan to stay on the toilet until something comes out.”

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, a lot of combat veterans experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome. To help eliminate this discomfort it is recommended to manage your diet and reduce stress.

Since the day you were born, you had to eat, breathe and excrete waste in order to survive—all of it matters equally.

FreedomSisters Magazine

As a Marine, we embraced the pain is weakness leaving the body mindset. Ignoring your body warning signals, however, isn’t the wisest approach to your health and service.

Many service members have pushed themselves so hard in training that they’ve been injured, some to the point of permanent disabilities or pain, and that doesn’t make for the healthiest patriots or the most effective team members.

My advice is to give everything you do your very best effort but listen to your body. Pain is a signal that something is wrong and needs to be addressed, the goal is to be the healthiest patriot not a broken one.

Patriotism doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. There is a saying: Discomfort grows us, pain slows us. In your service you will face many challenges, but with the proper care and maintenance of your body, you will succeed and be ready for your next mission—after the uniform.

I’d love to hear your tips that help you remain your best @4thebrokenpodcast.

TOP FLIGHT DEFENSE INC. PRESENTS

ALL WHITE ATTIRE EVENT

Adult tickets: $60 Children 12 and under: $30

AUGUST 28, 2021 | 7PM HOLIDAY INN COUNTRYSIDE 6201 JOILET ROAD COUNTRYSIDE, IL 60525 EVENT/MEDIA PLEASE CONTACT:

Cassandra Taylor founder@topflightdefenseinc.org

A special evening to celebrate the collective stories from the women in the Ask Me Why I Served book, which pays homage to the selfless service of women who served in the U.S. Military.

More than an ideal By: Cynthia Cline “Transitioning from the military is extremely difficult”.

That simple statement echoed repeatedly from the mouths of friends as I shared my decision to separate after serving seven years in the Air Force.

Then, they proceeded to explain the identity crisis they went through after transitioning from uniformed member to civilian. A lost purpose, sense of self, and no clear vision for the future.

I was petrified of separating but I knew it was time.

Knowing the challenges that lay ahead, I spent over a year preparing my heart for the transition that would come.

Now, officially one year from making that transition, I can honestly say that transitioning doesn’t have to be hard.

“I wish someone would have told me I didn’t have to sacrifice my identity while serving.” Joanna Sweatt Those who shared their challenges with me suffered a genuine identity crisis after hanging up their uniform.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Yet, that doesn’t mean you have to.

You do not have to sacrifice who you are for the uniform that you wear.

You are far more than the rank that you’ve earned. Patriot is part of who you are, but it is not the only thing.

I truly believe that the only reason my transition from Captain to Veteran was invigorating was because my identity was not defined by my service.

1. Take care of yourself–When we serve our country, it is extremely easy to buy into the mindset that we must complete the mission at all cost.

But when you sacrifice your own spiritual, mental, emotional or physical health, you create more issues for the mission than you resolve.

2. Discover and maintain your own personal interests–You don’t have to change your interests because you serve in the military.

Whether you enjoy writing books, knitting, painting, flipping homes, volunteering, etc… make sure you prioritize your own interests.

3. Pursue personal development–We must always continue to grow as individuals.

Pursue personal development that extends beyond your position or rank. Even better – tie it into your personal interest or hobby.

5. Define Success—When we allow others to define success, we lose ourselves trying to achieve something we never wanted in the first place.

Instead, define what you deem as success. It can be achieving a certain rank, or pursuing jobs regardless of career progression. Whatever it is, hold on to those beliefs as you progress through the ranks.

6. Know your Values–Your belief or value system will impact all facets of your career. When we are so ingrained into a culture such as the military, we can easily be swayed away from our own personal convictions.

Instead, define your values and keep them at the forefront of your mind throughout your entire career.

7. Plug into a community that isn’t military– When you surround yourself with people who aren’t associated with the military, you discover that there is more to life than being a warrior.

Plug into a church, befriend your neighbors, or join a club, the opportunities are endless.

This is the community that remains when it’s time to transition from service member to veteran.

4. Find balance–There will always be work to do. Find the right balance between what has to get down, and what can wait till tomorrow (or even next week).

Do not allow work to consume you, because it will.

Always remember, the ideal patriot isn’t your only identity.

FreedomSisters Magazine

WeatHER the Emergency Rucksack By: Dana Richmond A rucksack is a large, heavy duty backpack that is issued to military members to carry the gear necessary to accomplish a mission. Service members carry this on their backs while traversing miles of terrain, when jumping out of planes, and even use it as a pillow when training in the field.

This bag holds the necessities and the comforts (think baby wipes and snacks), so it is definitely a thing of value that must be packed thoughtfully.

The military does various reviews and assessments to determine what equipment Service Members require to accomplish their mission.

Members trudge through the Central Issue Facility (That’s the infamous Army agency (insert your service equivalent here!) and sign for the gear that is now yours to have to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, until turn-in do you part.

FreedomSisters Magazine

As vetHERans and servicemembers taking the world by storm, many things can make our quests successful having different rucksacks for different needs can help you succeed along the way.

I have emergency kits in the house for multiple disaster scenarios, I keep a stash of childrens items in my car in case of inevitable craziness with my kids, and I have a Mary Poppins bag, which contains anything and everything that I keep at work.

With all the craziness going on in today’s world, here are some pointers to plan for a few worst case scenarios. These may not be fun to think about but being prepared can make all the difference when time is of the essence.

Bag Type

Pets

The first step is choosing the right kind of bag and one that is the right size, so plan first and then buy. It is also important to consider factors like being waterproof, fireproof, etc.

Ensure you have a plan for your furry friends in terms of food, shelter, water and any needed medications.

Cash

Important documents and information Although it costs to have multiple original copies of marriage licenses, birth certificates, and other vital documents it may pay off in the end to have a backup since many agencies will not accept photocopies. Also, consider having a physical address book to document numbers and addresses—in the event you are unable to access it from electronic sources. In times of crisis, being able to connect with loved ones is vital.

Emergency rations There are many shelf stable options that can be purchased online or in sporting good stores. A good general plan is to have enough for yourself and/or your family for 72 hours. This also includes water for everyone. The recommended amount is one gallon per person per day for several days for hydration and sanitation. Be sure to also grab any vital medications before you leave, if you are unable to store it in your emergency bag.

If you’re anything like me and use your debit card for everything, power outages can be a real concern. Many experts recommend having several thousand dollars in cash on hand, but you can determine what amount is right (and feasible) for you. Consider potential emergency costs such as shelter (hotels), food, fuel, and other necessities when planning.

Emergency supplies There are many tools that will help you traverse an emergency situation such as flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit, solar phone chargers, foil blankets, ponchos, battery operated radio, maps, waterproof matches and a whistle. This list is just for starters, you can add whatever you believe you may need!

Lastly, make and rehearse your plans so that members of your household know what to do in respective situations. Many times disasters strike with little to no warning but if you’re prepared you can throw on your emergency rucksack and weatHER any storm that comes your way!

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Women making ammunition in WWI. // Public Domain

By: Jacqueline Zappey Some people don’t know that women have been serving in our nation’s military since the American Revolutionary War; women would disguise themselves as men to serve in the war and even led other soldiers into battle. This continued through the Civil War. Women also supported war efforts in other capacities as nurses, cooks, washed clothes and sewed uniforms.

During World War I, women continued to serve because of a need for more able bodied military members.

Due to a vaguely stated section of the Naval Act of 1916 which outlined who could serve created a loophole allowing women to join the ranks as Yeomen, noncommissioned officers.

Yeomans performed clerical and administrative duties such as filing paperwork, keeping records and sending correspondence.

Around 12,000 women joined the reserve forces to replace men on shore duty so the men could go off to fight on the front lines.

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These women received equal pay to their male counterparts (Women in World War I, n.d.).

In 1917, bilingual women were enlisted to operate switchboards that connected phones. Radios and morse code systems at the time were slow and not user friendly. The women would work for the Signal Corps and were later known as the Hello Girls (Boissoneault, 2017).

The Hello Girls were a huge help as they connected millions of calls to help win WWI. They did this by cutting down the time on connecting calls from 60 seconds to around 10 seconds; a staggering 1/6th of the time faster than the men.

Women continued to serve in various capacities in the armed service. On Nov. 23, 1942, during World War II, legislation was approved creating the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve, also known as SPARs. The SPARs were vital in World War II holding various positions as Yeomans, aviation, vehicle drivers, among others (Thomson, n.d.).

After World War I, the Hello Girls were appalled to find that even though they took an oath of enlistment to support and defend the constitution, they were not awarded Veteran status or benefits.

It wasn’t until the late 1970’s that President Jimmy Carter retroactively acknowledged the Hello Girls as Veterans.

Unfortunately, by this point, only a handful of these women were still alive (Jones & Christenson, 2019).

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Because of my love for the theater, my major in college was in performing arts and English.

This eventually, after the war, led to my graduation from the University of Nebraska in 1952.

I taught Speech, Theater, and English for 30 years.

JZ: What made you decide to join the Coast Guard SPARs? GH: We turn back the clock now for Question 2. During the summer months after my Sophomore year of college. I worked for United Airlines ground crew in Omaha.

Gladys (Lynge) Hughes signs into the Red Cross before going to recruit training at SPAR training station in Brooklyn, New York. (fifth from the left, signing). // Courtesy Photo of Bonnie Hughes.

Gladys Hughes, was one of the 10,000 SPARs who served during WWII- a true trailblazer on many fronts. Not only did she serve, but Hughes was also a teacher, mother, author, theater director and beauty pageant Queen for various competitions.

In 2012, Ms. Hughes was crowned second runner up in the Ms. Veteran America Competition and still the only WWII veteran to ever compete.

JZ: Tell us a bit about yourself (age, family, hobbies, careers, etc.)

GH: I was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 23, 1923.

So that makes me getting close to 98 years old. I had a good home life with my Dad, Mom and two sisters (all deceased).

I grew up in Hastings, Nebraska (dust bowl days) and went off to Dana College. There I met Hughie Hughes.

Little did I know then that one day he would be my husband. I guess theater would be my hobby.

I was constantly performing in plays and enjoying every minute of it.

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I threw airmail bags on the planes, I crawled on top of oil tanks, I worked ground crew jobs when planes landed and I liked my job. It was usually a man’s job but the men were all in the war.

Women were hired. Then fall came and I headed back to college as a Junior. I was restless after my summer job.

During Christmas vacation I was in Omaha where my parents now lived.

I was downtown at the Post Office, saw the SPAR poster, went to the recruiter, listened to him, and signed up. I have always been patriotic and felt good about my decision. My parents were proud of me.

Dad was a WWI soldier.

JZ: What was that like serving as one of the first women in the military?

JZ: What was basic training like?

GH: Basic training was hard work at times. We had hours of classes and studies, hours of marching and drills, hours of peeling potatoes and hours of duties. But I knew why I was there and did my best.

JZ: When did you serve and for how long?

GH: I served for 14 months. When the atom bomb was dropped on August 6,1945, the war was soon over and I was discharged six months later in March 1946. I signed up for the duration plus six and that is what I served.

GH: Since I entered the service late in the war, I never felt like I was one of the first women in the military. I was just a SPAR serving my country.

JZ: How did men perceive women who served during this time?

GH: I never felt unequal or was looked upon as unequal with the men. I was treated as a “nurse” despite not having the training nurses have. I worked three weeks day shifts and three week night shifts along with men or women on duty. Our job was to get the seamen well and back to their units as they trained for war duty.

JZ: What impact do you believe the SPARS had on the military during WWII? GH: A SPAR’s job was to free a man to fight. That is what we did.

JZ: Where did you serve?

GH: Boot camp was at the Manhattan Beach Training Station in Brooklyn, New York. After Boot Camp I was stationed right at that base. I was to be trained as a Medic.

I learned so much in a short time and worked there until late in the year. I got married in August (August 5, the day before the atom bomb was dropped).

Hughie had just returned from D day in Europe and was stationed in California. I asked to be stationed closer and got my orders—Washington D.C. and stayed until I was discharged from there in March.

FreedomSisters Magazine Gladys and her husband, Hughie Hughes. // Courtesy Photo of Bonnie Hughes.

JZ: How did you find out about the Ms. Veteran America competition? What made you decide to compete?

GH: I saw a tiny item about Ms. Veteran America in a WAVES newsletter and I sent for an application. There was no age limit so I filled out the application. I thought it would be nice to meet other Veterans. I did not realize they would all be so young. It is a wonderful experience to be with Ms. Veteran America.

JZ: Is there anything else you would like to add to your story?

GH: I want to add this to my story. I mentioned marrying Hughie on August 5, 1945. We were married 63 years and had a great life together. He passed away with cancer 12 years ago.

Our son Chuck is 74 now. He has a wife and four children, which now enlarges my family with seven great grands. Bonnie, our daughter, is 70 years old, divorced years ago and lives with me and is a great caregiver.

We have great times together and do theater work. Covid really slowed down our play schedule. I lost one baby boy, Douglas, who lived three hours.

Thanks to women like Gladys, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law on June 12, 1948.

This law allowed women to serve as permanent members of all branches of the U.S. military (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1999).

This law paved the way for many new women firsts in the military such as women graduating from Army Ranger school and becoming commanding officer of an aircraft carrier.

Gladys and other SPARS paved the way for other women to join the service. Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

It is so important to know our armed force's HERstory and honor those who fought hard to ensure women could continue to serve and excel in the military. Reach out to the women who served before to hear and commemorate their stories.

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A MotHER’s sacrifice for Freedom By: Amber Valencia One of the hardest parts of deployment, as a MotHER, is leaving our babies. I deployed one week after my oldest daughter, Annabelle, turned one. I was so thankful that I was able to at least be present for her birthday even if she wasn’t able to remember it because I knew she’d have the pictures no matter what.

Amber and Annabelle snuggling after a long day in uniform.

Courtesy Photo.

I tried to be in contact via video chats with her as much as possible. Sometimes overshadowed by family wanting to tell me everything she was doing.

She was always happy to see me on the phone but I didn’t realize that it was more for me, than for her.

The days leading up to leaving weren’t too difficult because I knew that she wouldn’t really remember me being gone. I just wanted to soak in the time, create memories and take photos with her.

Days leading up to coming home I would tell her, “Mommy is coming home.” She would get excited but she was almost two years old by this point she didn’t really understand.

I made sure I put her to bed every night. I made sure that we spent the majority of the day together, we all know how much there is to do before you leave so those days were hectic.

After I left, that’s when the emotions set in.

She hugged me and let me kiss her but she went right back to her dad.

I’ll never forget coming home and seeing her and being so excited to hold her – she didn’t want me. It was heartbreaking.

I felt awful.

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We eased her back into spending time with me. The first thing we did when we got back to the house was let her show me her room and we laid on the floor and colored together.

I didn’t realize that by being gone for so long she formed those motherly connections with other people that cared for her.

She was very attached to her father, my motHER and my father. If she cried, I tried to help her but she didn’t want me.

Feeling like an unwanted motHER was very difficult.

I had to realize that to her, even though she saw me often through the phone, she didn’t remember exactly who I was and she was uncomfortable.

We had to start building that connection again. I spoke with everyone that had helped take care of her while I was away and I told them that I wanted to do everything for her first.

I made sure that I was trying to take care of her needs before anyone else tried. If she wasn’t having it, I would let others help but I was still there.

The goal was to not let her be scared but to let her know that I was a safe place for her.

Annabelle’s first birthday playing in the water with mom.

Courtesy Photo.

Amber and Annabelle out on a recent Mommy/Daughter date Halloween (their favorite holiday), both dressed up like snow white for the first Halloween together after deploymment. Courtesy Photos.

I would put her to bed every night. Sometimes these nights were difficult especially if she wasn’t feeling well. But there was a lot of rocking in the rocking chair, trying to remain calm myself, and doing the infamous mom bounce to calm her down.

The most important thing in this situation is to stay calm.

It can be very frustrating knowing that you are their motHER and you’re struggling to calm them and do basic things with them when it wasn’t an issue before you left.

Take a breath and remember it’s a process. They can sense your energy and it has the potential to make things harder on both of you.

Just be there.

As hard as it may be for you. Do things they want to do. Play games they want to play.

Comfort them when they are sad. Hold them when they don’t feel good. But if it becomes too much for either of you ask for help.

It has been seven years since I have been home and our relationship still isn’t the same as before I left.

She has a deeper connection with her father. Sometimes that can be hard to realize.

We go on mommy/daughter dates where I make time just for me and her.

She gets to talk about whatever she wants, we go and do whatever she wants to do.

It’s just a day of fun for her and I. Use the time you can to make time for just the two of you.

Rebuilding that relationship takes time. She will often ask about the time I was away because she hears people talk about it and I am always very honest with her about the circumstances.

She understands much better now that she is older. Just like you have to reintegrate back into your home, work and everything else you left behind when you deployed, you have to reintegrate in your children’s lives as well.

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By: Kerri Jeter

Are leadHERs born or are they made?

For many that lead, it is intrinsic to their natural rhythm and relation to the world at large— those leadHERs make it look effortless.

LeadHERship is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could, not persuading people to do things they don’t want to do.

Shannon Huffman Polson is an exceptional foundHER who possess many leadHERship qualities.

The only good use of any power a leader has is the responsibility to take care of her people.

-Shannon Huffman Polson

However, she shines brightest with courage, compassion and creativity, all of which are essential to her mission at The Grit Institute, which focuses on leadHERship facilitation and consultation with an emphasis on grit and resilience to encourage people through times of challenge and change.

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Courage to lead the way.

Growing up in Alaska gave Polson a sense of adventure, so did her father that encouraged her willingness to be daring. As she grew, leadHERship met her along the way, from captain of the swim team to head of the debate team. She also worked hard studying the piano and working an after-school job while thriving on personal transformations as she met new adventures.

After graduating college, she was drawn to the sky; she wanted to be a part of aviation because of the unknown adventure that awaited her. After commissioning into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, Polson became one of the first women to fly the AH-64 Apache Helicopter.

“I was told that I would never fly the Apache and in the early 90s women weren’t allowed to do so, but when the combat exclusion clause was lifted that was the most incredible airframe and mission with an amazing opportunity,” Polson said. “When I went to get my assignment, the aviation officer stopped in the middle of our conversation, leaned back and said you realize cadet that you will never fly an attack aircraft.”

When the National Guard refused to allow her to apply for the Apache, she went back to the ROTC Detachment and asked for a transfer to active duty, the clause was lifted and Polson would earn the right to fly the Apache.

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She would go on to serve for eight years, living on three different continents, as well as commanding two flight platoons and a line company.

“From ROTC I ended up going active duty. I was in the first group of women who flew the Apache in the U.S. Army. It was time to do something that was new and had just opened up,” said Polson. “I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to have flown missions that felt like they were making a difference.”

Polson served in the Bosnia War and deployed to South Korea as an Army Captain in the late 90’s, her mission was to protect the ground troops while being mindful not to cross the no fly line and risk being shot down.

Somehow, in the midst of all that determination, she continued to develop her courage and seek new adventures through skydiving, scuba diving, big mountain climbing and long-course triathlons.

However, the one adventure that took the most courage was her Here is the space to add description of the image you place own journey through grief, which she documents in the first book above lorem ipsum space te si nosam, siti. she authored, North of Hope: A Daughter’s Arctic Journey.

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A wild grizzly bear attacked and killed Polson’s parents in Alaska’s Arctic; she sets out on an epic quest for healing. The story is the wildly beautiful journey of Polson retracing her parents’ last expedition along the Arctic river as she encountered grit and grace along the path of grief.

Like many of Polson’s adventures, this one will lead otHERs well. For anyone who has experienced unimaginable loss, trust Polson to lead you to find new ways of understanding grief. She leads with empathy and courage to find solace in God’s vast wilderness, healing in nature and arrives at the unshakeable hope found through the unknown.

A woman who really believes that women are capable and accomplished in so many ways. The military gave her a place to learn about taking care of people—the most important lesson that anyone can and should learn while serving.

Therefore, after her eight years of service, she returned to civilian life, went back to school, started a family and began her next adventure.

Here is the space to add description of the image you place above lorem ipsum space te si nosam, siti.

Compassion to guide otHERs Polson really has the heart to lead otHERs well. Not only does she possess the critical skill needed to lead rigorous combat operations, she also has compassion.

She loves leading, writing and speaking. In her adventures after the uniform, she spent many years helping companies and organizations like Guidant and Microsoft.

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One huge leadHERship challenge is the fact there are very few womenspecific leadHERship stories being shared or taught. A common groan we encounter here at Freedom Sisters while explaining our company to new people, women are doing incredible things but our stories are underrepresented.

“Women in male dominated fields often don’t share their stories. We feel almost like we shouldn’t because we are told there is no difference between a man and a woman,” stated Polson.

“But in fact, the experience is different, the performance will likely be more exceptional but the reality of the experience is different.”

"Women in male dominated fields often don’t share their stories."

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Polson is a force to be reckoned with, embracing her courage to energize and equip otHERs to lead with authenticity and passion. Leading isn’t just about the LeadHER, but how leadHERs can help OtHERs find purpose and build connections through hardships and problem-solving.

There was a need and there was an opportunity to step in and do something.

A great leadHER is someone who will find solutions to problems, but also will have compassion for otHERs who are in need.

“I'm really honored to have had the chance to be part of what is now an incredible well, a place for our whole community,” Polson continued. “It's incredibly amazing to see that building going up and know how it's going to change lives for generations.”

For instance, when Polson saw that her small-rural community’s library had been a little trailer for a very long time and it was clear that the community needed a better public space, she made moves to step in and help.

“We needed a place for education. We needed a place for equal opportunity and equal access to technology, books and to community,” said Polson.

This is the true joy of leadHERship—leaving an impact greater than you planned and a way for others to succeed.

As an author, Polson knows that books have value and they can help shape lives as well.

Now having penned two books and planning her third.

It just seems natural for her to take on such an incredible opportunity and build a library.

“So four and a half years ago, I started an organization that has raised nearly $6 million. We are halfway Although Polson will continue to serve us with through construction of a new library. And I will say it's her books and powerful keynote speeches, she been a challenge—a very different kind of a challenge, a saw a need to create a platform for otHERs to very different kind of leadership than the military be the best leadHER possible. leadership was, but it was a place where there was just this opportunity.”

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Creativity to design LeadHERship training Polson has stood up the Grit Institute and developed exclusive content from her years of research and insights from top military leaders. An added touch is the merging of the Army Master Resilience Program, along with current leadHERship and management research— making her the first to create this leadHERship training.

As more women are embarking into unchartered territories of leadHERship, The Grit Institute is designed to develop the whole leader. With Polson at the helm, teaching skills, proven frameworks to achieve goals, overcoming obstacles and how to live life full out while maintaining focus, grit and building an unshakable resilience. Anyone who takes her courses is bound to be a better leadHER as a result— this training is great for individuals or teams.

The class: Going for Grit offers aspiring leadHERs or LeadHErs of change to develop grit, be grounded in their values, find unique purpose and help you navigate in the world so you can achieve your goals. With the three-phase approach—Commit, Learn, Launch— students invest in themselves, learn about neeeded skills to consider your team and move forward with determination to succeed.

Who doesn’t love a group project? Come to the Grit Institute as a team for business or organizational training. Build grit together; equip each member to help achieve the mission with webinars, weekly check-ins and group assignments. Build up your organization’s culture with this proven system in leadership development.

If you can’t get to her classes immediately, we highly recommend you start with her book The Grit Factor. This is the best she has to offer us and we can learn from her today by reading her words. Another tip of advice from Polson, is to have fierce conversations and read the book

by Susan Scott (same title).

Nevertheless, no matter where you are on the LeadHER journey, it is critical to know that everything that we do, every impact that we have is always about people—lead with courage, compassion and creativity to harness your best and give it to otHERs!

FreedomSisters Magazine

By: E.V. Moore

A LeadHER’s Best Friend We all know that dogs are referred to as man’s best friend but Danique Masingill is on a mission to elucidate why they are also a “veteran’s best friend”.

Masingill is the LeadHER of Leashes of Valor, a non profit organization that was founded in 2017 with the goal of providing trained service dogs to veterans at no-cost to the veteran.

When a veteran loses a limb due to combat related injuries, it is medically covered for the service member to receive adequate medical care and their prosthetic limb as an assistive device through proper medical channels.

Masingill sees service dogs the same as a prosthetic limb—a necessary assistive device that can significantly improve the quality of life of an injured service member.

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However, Masingill shared with FS that due to a lack of continuing education in the medical field that service dogs for service members who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma are often denied access to service dogs.

Because of this, veterans and service dogs are matched through a very tedious and intimate process which Masingill equates to dating.

Don’t worry, no one is swiping right or left on service members or dogs, nor are any roses handed out in ceremonies.

These matches are incredibly important because for a veteran to have to surrender a service dog is a traumatic experience all in itself— an experience Masingill knows all too well—and the experience that led to the creation of Leashes of Valor.

At Leashes of Valor, service dogs are viewed as an assistive device that allows veterans suffering from trauma a sense of security to reenter the world.

Masingill goes through a painstaking process of understanding the actual lifestyle of the service member so she can personally help match the personality and lifestyle of the veteran with the service dog.

To understand why Masingill had a service dog that she surrendered, it is first important to go back to the beginning and understand Masingill’s own service.

After 9/11, Masingill a German National by birth, joined the U.S. Navy as a Master in Arms.

During her time in service, she endured severe hardship due to a lack of leadership and military sexual trauma—which had yet to be called out and named for what it was.

During her five years of service from 2002–2007, Masingill suffered MST at the hands of seniors in law enforcement.

This article is being published on the heels of the proclamation made in June that the chain of command would be removed from investigations regarding MST. However, it is pertinent to this story to recognize that during Masingill’s time in service that the chain of command was directly involved with investigating MST.

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Masingill enjoying a day with her team. Courtesy Photo.

Masingill training a new puppy who will become a veteran's best friend.

Courtesy Photo.

Suffering from anxiety, she was able to receive a service dog; however, she quickly learned that having a service dog brought attention she had not planned on receiving.

Masingill shared that “the attention you receive by having a vested dog isn’t for everyone. And having to surrender a service dog is a traumatic experience all by itself.”

Unfortunately in Masingill’s scenario, she ultimately had to surrender her service dog which caused further trauma because that essential bond had already been made with the pairing. This is a cautionary tale that she issues to her veterans and one reason she and her team personally handle the painstaking process of matching the service dog with a veteran through LOV. After the death of a fellow service member, she reconnected with many of her K9 unit friends that had been her primary support network and showed her what true leadership was outside of her own command.

This is the group of people that can be credited to really drawing Masingill’s attention to the unique relationship between a dog and their handler. After this reconnection and her own distressing experience having to surrender her service dog, she decided to found LOV. FreedomSisters Magazine

When asked how LOV works, Masingill explained that it acts a bit like a “dating service” with she and her team working as matchmakers to ensure the best match for both the veteran and the service dog.

Just as a prosthetic may need adjusting and multiple testings, the first “date” may not always go well and they have to start over to ensure a proper fit. (Yes, she did tolerate me busting into a few bars of Fiddler on the Roof during this interview for those of you broadway babies who have been channeling your inner Yenta during this paragraph.)

For those of you reading this that served, you know the unique bond between a “battle buddy” or that one person you were always on shift with during deployment and how difficult it is to recreate that closeness in a relationship that many veterans crave.

Providing service dogs to veterans diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or MST is a way to bring back that closeness and provide that safety net in a way that allows the veteran to more fully reintegrate into everyday life.

It is Masingill’s drive, determination and leadHERship style that allows for LOV to flourish and provide this essential and life saving service to our fellow veterans.

Since inception, LOV has matched 16 veterans with public access service dog pairs since 2017, and she and her colleagues have facilitated over 400 service dog graduates and facilitated pairings, nationwide, since 2014.

Masingill reported that COVID-19 provided a double burden to the nonprofit because requests for service dogs went up at a staggering rate while the availability of dogs to train went down due to the lowest occupancy rates of shelter dogs in quite some time.

Leashes of Valor trains rescued dogs and tries to have them trained by the average age of 18 months to two years in hopes that the dog can work for 6-8 years.

However, LOV also takes surrendered pets that undergo the extensive retraining to be a service dog, as well as taking donations from breeders when they are offered.

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Under her direction, LOV takes a peer-focused approach.

She and her entire team get to know the veterans and dogs and throughout the entire process, the privacy of the veteran is guarded to establish that necessary sense of trust from the beginning.

Masingill wants all interested applicants to know that though the continuing education on service dogs as assistive devices for veterans is still lacking, she and her team do not require a referral from a specialist. If you are a vetHERan interested in a service dog, you can start by discussing this option with your primary care physician or mental health care team, if you have one.

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When asked about the climate at LOV under her leadHERship, Masingill was modest.

“We have a good setup where the communication flows both ways. So, there's absolutely moments, where I get a look from somebody and basically am told I need to go in timeout and that's because i'm in a space of emotional decision making, or an emotional reaction. I can still grow and I make mistakes, too, and have a team that allows that space and vice versa. I definitely have not achieved pinnacle but I'm definitely creating a space where I can still grow in and learn lessons too.”

What truly makes LOV a success is a climate in which the team is allowed to thrive in order to successfully complete the mission.

Masingill has the primary leadHERship goal of providing her team with what she never had— a safe space to grow, learn and lead from all levels.

Masingill may be modest but I don’t have to be. Masingill is an amazing leadHER and we here at Freedom Sisters will keep standing by ready to follow and help how we can knowing that with her on the other end of the leash, there is nothing but trust and caring leadHERship on the other end.

Providing service dogs to veterans diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or MST is a way to bring back that closeness and provide that safety net in a way that allows the veteran to more fully reintegrate into everyday life.

FreedomSisters Magazine

By: Elysa Millan

Inspiring you to take life a step further

J

essica Quezada, an eight year Marine Corps vetHERan, has always had a passion for traveling. She was inspired to travel by her grandmother, who would bring back different trinkets for her. This piqued her curiosity about the places from which they came.

In 2019, a year before leaving the service, Quezada decided to start her own travel organization. She wanted to create a resource for other service members and veterans, where they could have access to tools to widen their experiences of other destinations, outside of the U.S. and so LiboRisk was born.

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“LiboRisk is a term used to describe a troop who has a particular knack for getting themselves into risky situations; however, our community of LiboRisks will not be assumingly reckless,” she said. “Contrary, our community will strive to keep our LiboRisks out of trouble while traveling the world, experiencing the most life has to offer and leaving a mindful footprint throughout every venture.”

Quezada is currently in Thailand until mid-August attending a yoga retreat. She plans to use this training to provide free yoga to service members when she hosts upcoming LiboRisk events.

LiboRisk’s website and Facebook group (which has over 3,000 members) is a one-stop shop for service members.

Take risks the right way. Risk is an inherent part of our lives, and if we refrain from dabbling in it, we shield ourselves from the potential to learn and grow as humans; however, it should be done in a safe way.

Here they can post about their travel adventures, inquire about upcoming trips, find out about local LiboRisk events (i.e. yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, etc.) in their area, read about non-profits across the country that provide events for the military community and much more!

She is also working on her own Airbnb type program called “Host a LiboRisk.” Through this platform, “Host a LiboRisk gives service members and veterans the opportunity to open their home as a host, request a stay or to meetup as part of a cultural and friendly exchange amongst fellow LiboRisks.”

Her top three travel tips are: Research and plan your travel. Being able to understand a new destination before arriving will provide you with the best experience possible.

Leave a better footprint.

Understand the types of activities you’re engaging in and the implications it has on other people who live there.

Always leave a destination better than when you arrived. This could be as simple as picking up your trash, participating in local tours or volunteering during your trip.

To become a part of the LiboRisk community, visit libo-risk.com.

FreedomSisters Magazine

“I pledge Allegiance…”

Celebrating uniformed service and citizenship Since the Revolutionary War, legal permanent residents are eligible to enlist in the military. There are approximately 35,000 non-citizens serving on activeduty and about 8,000 who join each year.

As a country founded by immigrants hundreds of years ago, thousands flock to the U.S. today seeking political freedom and the opportunity to achieve their goals.

America remains a land of opportunities, and because many foreigners from all over the world come to live in the U.S., cultural diversity is cited as one of the country's strengths.

The dream of being a U.S. citizen is expedited for military members and at no-cost.

Military members like Claudia LaManita, who served as a U.S. Marine from 1987 to 2007 and retired as a gunnery sergeant (E-7)—became a naturalized citizen while serving on active duty.

By Amy Forsythe

LaMantia was born in Guatemala and was brought to the U.S. by her father in 1975. Her dad was studying at Tulane University under a medical visa and returned to Guatemala to get her and two other siblings to flee from the civil war and unrest there.

They traveled through Mexico City, then Mazatlán, and eventually crossed the border at Tijuana, near San Diego, before making their way to Los Angeles where LaMantia and her siblings lived with their grandmother and other family members through her teenage years.

When President Reagan came into office, many programs were cut and her father lost his visa and they stayed in the U.S. illegally.

“My father, step-mother, sister and myself all got jobs at McDonalds and that’s how we got through high school years. I got my green card when I married my first husband.”

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Claudia LaMantia, born in Guatemala, was brought to the U.S. by her father as a young girl in 1975. She enlisted in the Marines in 1987 and obtained her U.S. citizenship in 1994. “I feel extremely blessed and lucky to have served in the U.S. military and to have been allowed to become a citizen just puts me over the top.” Courtesy Photo.

She applied several times for citizenship while on active duty but kept getting deployed which caused delays in her application. LaMantia’s final application went through and she became a citizen in a ceremony in San Diego on Oct. 21, 1994.

There was a group of ladies from the Daughters of the Revolution who had small American Flags and gave us each one as they said, “Welcome to America…It was an emotional and memorable day for me.”

Becoming naturalized opened many more opportunities in the Marine Corps because it allowed LaMantia to obtain a clearance. “Without that I would not have been able to make a transfer into Public Affairs and continue to get promoted,” said LaManita.

Requirements for U.S. Citizenship: To be eligible for naturalization, you must be a person of good moral character, which CIS will evaluate.

The law requires applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak simple words and phrases in the ordinary usage of the English language.

Applicants must show that they have a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of government of the United States.

“The biggest transformation is the pride of having the privilege of being a bona fide American and being able to vote. There’s a prestige attached that sometimes is recognized by things like, obtaining a clearance or when you’re in a foreign country and people ask you where you are from,” she added. “I feel extremely blessed and lucky to have served in the U.S. military and to have been allowed to become a citizen just puts me over the top.”

LaMantia is a federal employee and currently serves as a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Army’s Public Health Command for the Pacific in Hawaii.

FreedomSisters Magazine

According to military research, once non-citizens have joined the military, they are far more likely to complete their enlistment obligations successfully than their U.S.-born counterparts.

Veterans are also eligible for expedited citizenship which can help with jobs, benefits and more.

Want to know more? click here.

We celebrate the patriotism of immigrants who chose to serve and seek the path to citizenship through military service. Their service to this nation is a testament to their commitment and desire to be a part of the fabric of this nation.

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities: There are several rights and responsibilities that natural-born American citizens may not be aware of. Some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are important to ensuring that America remains a free and prosperous nation.

Rights Freedom to express yourself.

Freedom to worship as you wish.

Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.

Right to vote in elections for public officials.

Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.

Right to run for elected office.

Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Responsibilities Support and defend the Constitution.

Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.

Participate in the democratic process.

Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.

Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.

Participate in your local community.

Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.

Serve on a jury when called upon.

Defend the country if the need should arise.

Claudia LaMantia served for 20 years in the U.S. Marines in places like Japan, California, Hawaii and deployed to the Philippines, Kuwait and Iraq and retired at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 15, 2007. Courtesy Photo

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Want to know more? click here.

For the Millions of VetHERans who are ready for HER next mission The FreedomSisters Magazine is a monthly publication for Women Veterans and her supporters that showcases the success stories of women who served, information for vetHERans to walk in their purpose and critical takeaways to inspires change through authentic storytelling.

Today, in America there are over 2M living Women Veterans who long for community, visibility and connection.

VetHERans have been making a lasting difference in national and global communities since the inception of America.

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A Lawmaker fights for democracy, liberty and justice for all.

Intro by: Kerri Jeter Article by: Joanna Sweatt Women have been in the fight for freedom a long time, longer than many realize and certainly longer than our country has recognized. Although times are changing and we see more women honored for their contributions, many still see a need to continue to fight forward towards a better future.

One of those incredible sisters is Dana Allmond, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, a lifelong veteran advocate and a proud mother of four. She is fighting to be the next State Representative in Arizona's District 11.

Allmond believes that a public servant should fight to protect democracy not fight to overthrow it, as we saw many veterans show up during the January 6, 2021, insurrection in our nation’s capital.

Joanna Sweatt, Freedom Sisters WriteHER sat down with Allmond for a deeper look into her lifelong fight in service.

DANA ALLMOND, US Army (West Point Graduate) What compelled you to join the U.S. Army and what was your journey to West Point like?

From my sophomore through senior years of high school, I was in my high school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps battalion. I was successful in the JROTC program culminating in being the Cadet Battalion Commander my senior year.

By the end of my sophomore year of high school, I knew I wanted to become a career U.S. Army officer. I wanted to attend the best school so I could become the best officer.

I wanted a guarantee upon college graduation that I would become a Regular Army Officer. College ROTC would not provide that guarantee. Based on its reputation for producing the best military general officers and the guarantee that upon graduation I would receive a Regular Army Officer commission, I focused all my efforts on receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

My journey to West Point was not easy. My resolve was that no matter how difficult, I was going to become a career Army officer. I had an exceptional high school record. I graduated in the top 10, but I was not accepted

to West Point out of high school due to my low SAT scores. I attended the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) which strengthened my resolve to keep going until I received my West Point appointment.

Did you feel prepared when you arrived at WestPoint and what were the challenges you faced as a black woman attending West Point?

Based on my childhood challenges as a child of divorced parents and experiences at USMAPS, I felt prepared to face all the challenges waiting for me at West Point.

As a black woman, I was told that the only reason I was at West Point was due to a quota. I did not allow disparaging comments about my abilities to slow me down. I was on the Dean’s list three of the last four semesters at the Academy. I earned the gold wreath for demonstrating outstanding performance in all three programs: academic, military, and physical. This award was not common for black women to earn when I was a cadet. My understanding is that I was the only black woman who earned the gold wreath until my final semester there another black female earned it too!

While serving, did you have times that you doubted yourself based on the boxes that people may have put you in during your career? Did you feel like you were on ‘display’ for any part of your career as a woman and/or as a woman of color?

I always felt I had to work harder than my white male counterparts. There were times when I felt others tried to question my abilities during my career. I felt disrespected when my authority was questioned without sound explanations.

I would ask my colleagues to find out if they encountered the same responses when they were in the same situations as me. I tried to figure out if it was because I am a woman, Black, and/or Human Resources professional. I felt some relief when my white colleagues told me that they received the same responses when they experienced similar situations.

I have a poignant example of not feeling appreciated for my abilities. The morning the major selection list was released in 2003, a West Point classmate stood in my office doorway. I was assigned to West Point as a Tactical Officer (Counselor/Leader Developer) and Company Commander.

I was directly responsible for the daily health, welfare, counseling, and integration of the moral, ethical, academic, physical, and military dimensions of leader development for a unit of approximately 120 cadets.

My classmate was also a TAC/Company Commander and stood in my office doorway for what felt like 5 minutes. He just kept saying, “How did you get it?” I was selected to Major “Below the Zone” which is one year ahead of my officer year group. Those selected for a West Point assignment have exceptional military performance evaluations. West Point is a nominative assignment. So, I did not understand why he could not just say “Congratulations.”

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So, then I go back to the reaction of “Is it because I am a woman, Black, and/or a Human Resources professional?”

Normally I was the only woman, Black woman, and/or human Resources officer in countless conference rooms throughout my over a two-decade career. I always hit multiple minority categories. I felt every time there were discussions about abusive behavior related to race, gender, and sexual harassment/assault everyone looked at me. I felt others expected me to be thespokesperson for every minority group.

What is your proudest accomplishment in the Army? Why? My Company Tactical Officer assignment was my most pivotal because I achieved my proudest accomplishment of counseling, coaching, teaching, training, mentoring West Point cadets to become Leaders of Character. I earned a Master of Science for counseling and leader development prior to becoming a TAC. In an exceptional manner, I implemented my plan to prepare cadets for the rigors of military service. I inspired cadets to live honorably for a lifetime. My cadets held each other accountable. They administered rewards and punishments.

Cadets in my company pressured a company mate to turn himself in for cheating on the Army Physical Fitness Test. I believed the cadets trusted me when the cadet chain of command brought to my attention the Tactical Noncommissioned Officer who worked for me was sexually harassing the women cadets in the unit. I collected sworn statements and fired that senior NCO swiftly and fairly.

My cadets were exceptional at the academy and out in the military force. The unit was distinguished as the best cadet company receiving the academic streamer for excellence. One Class of 2004 graduate is both a Rhodes Scholar and her class Valedictorian.

Many became exceptional West Point professors and tactical officers to inspire all future generations of West Point graduates.

Many advanced in their careers well ahead of their peers.

One of my 2004 graduates earned the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award.

Were there times that you felt unheard in the Army and how did that make you feel? Can you give an example?

I always feel disgusted when I am unheard while protectingand serving my unit members. One example was when I was simultaneously the postal platoon leaderand detachment executive officer at Camp Humphreys, South Korea 1996-1997.

One of my Soldiers, who wasa brand new private at her very first military assignment, was sexually assaulted by a Soldier inthe other unit platoon. Prior to the assault, mySoldier thought she could trust this Soldier who she thoughtwas her friend.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Examples: I told my company commander that my Soldier needed to stay in my platoon and not be revictimized. While I was in the company commander’s office defending my Soldier, the company commander vigorously yelled at me in front of my Soldier. The yelling gravely distressed my Soldier. She thought I was going to get in trouble. My Soldiers' health and welfare was paramount to me.

The company commander did not listen to me and sent her to Camp Casey which was known for Soldiers sexually harassing other Soldiers. I was sexually harassed at Camp Casey and Camp Humphreys. My Soldier was sexually harassed at Camp Casey and decided to get out of the Army prior to the end of her tour in Korea. I felt likeI had utterly failed her.

What do you think is the issue with the US Military and its breed of service members who participate in hate groups and what we saw on January 6 during the insurrection?

The issue goes beyond acknowledging there is systemic toleration of abuses of power in the military. There must be an understanding and ability to eradicate abuses of power. Repeatedly relying on Standdown days is not effective and fuels more cynicism.

Military members are widely expressing their grave concerns about how these Stand Down days, weeks, and months are ordered, but are conducted as just a check the block activity. We are really not getting to the root of the problem which includes not valuing everyone’s human and civil rights and one another’s service to this nation. I see a destructive military culture.

Active Duty members viewed as better than Reserve/NG personnel.

Special operations members were viewed as not following the rules and viewed as better than non-special operations members.

Women viewed as getting pregnant to avoid deployments BIPOC personnel are seen as getting promoted because of the belief there is a quota.

Soldiers in Army Divisions are viewed as better than those who are not.

If you do not value our service, we will not come to you if we are harassed, assaulted, made to feel worthless, and are in a mental health crisis.

How do we correct the culture of misogyny and the breeding of racist behavior in the military?

We need to make overdue changes at the sources of entering the military. Since commissioned officers set the command climate of all military units, I am focused on military officer commissioning sources starting with West Point.

Cadets must be held accountable for their abusive behavior. I believe we need to start with updating the West Point Cadet Honor Code to explicitly ban abuse of power.

The current honor code has not been updated in over 50 years. From Day one, cadets are educated that honor is sacrosanct. We are obligated to live honorably every day, not during some random days, weeks, and months. An external entity must conduct a comprehensive examination of character and leader development at West Point. Honor is more than lying, cheating, and stealing; it’s about not abusing power. Abuse of power is linked to suicide, homicide, disengagement, misconduct, and low retention rates.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Current West Point Cadet Honor Code: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate who do.”

Revised recommendations: 1. “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, abuse, or tolerate those who do.”

2. “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, discriminate, abuse, or tolerate those who do.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement Act must become law. Sexual assault victims, suspected perpetrators, and military members need to know commanders and chains of command cannot ignore reports of sexual misconduct. Victims need hope that their abusers will be convicted of sexual assault.

A new program does not need to be created. We have the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Manual for Courts-Martial. There are many appropriate ways to handle misconduct and reinforce good order and discipline from verbal warnings to courts-martial.

It is critical for leaders to use methods to develop good people and leaders who are engaged in life-long learning, non-negotiable order to treat each other with dignity and respect included under good order and discipline, on-the-spot praise and corrections, and execution of swift and fair punishment.

As a West Point Alum, how do you feel about the oath that you took - does it still apply to your life and how?

The oath I took to support and defend theConstitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domesticstill applies to my life. The oath did not disappear when I retired aftermore than 23 years of active duty Army service. This is a lifetime of serviceto my country.

When I joined the Army, I joined a profession. Servingis a calling, not a job.

How did you decide to run for office? What are you hoping to change/correct by taking office?

I am a servant leaderand eager to continue to serve my country and community. I continuemy lifelong mission of advocating for veterans, military members, and their families at the stateand federal levels.

I could not stay on the sidelines after the January6th insurrection when I found out about how LD11Rep Mark Finchem had violated his oath of office. He spreadlies and conspiracy theories that fanned the flames leading to the insurrectionists storming the U.S.Capitol on Jan 6th. On Jan 6th, he was present in Washington D.C., attended the Stop the Steal rally,and was physically at the U.S. Capitol using socialmedia to promote the riot. He is an Oath keeper and continuesto show no remorse for abandoning our Constitution and democracy through his constant attacks on ourfree and fair elections.

I am fighting to eradicate abuses of power in localgovernment. The suffering must stop now. I will bea lawmaker not a politician. A politician is focusedon tribal thinking instead what is needed for thebest quality of life of their constituents. I will be the lawmakerthat gets things done and fights wholehearted for democracy, liberty, and justice for all.

FreedomSisters Magazine

I want the citizens of my

cancer treatment 2013-2014, I

constituents’ time is more

district, LD11, to know they

kept going to work to take care

important than mine. When

can count on me to fight for

of my personnel and our

people say it takes a long time

them honorably. I will fight for

mission to use precision to

to make changes for Arizonans,

human and civil rights. I want

manage the worldwide

I see red. Arizonans need

LD11 to enjoy the full range of

assignment, strength

effective action now and I will

opportunities to reach their

management, and professional

provide that effective action.

potential in their professional

development of over 24,000

and personal lives. Just as I

Active Duty and 3,400 Active

fight for my children’s rights to

Guard Reserve employees

What do you hope your legacy is as a woman service member / veteran?

not live in fear that their

serving in Paralegal, Finance,

I want my legacy as a woman

liberties will be further

Human Resources, Musician,

service member/veteran to be

stripped away, I will do the

Chaplain Assistant, and Career

that I never backed down to

same for everyone in LD11. I

Counselor management fields.

protect and serve those under

Now is the time to take

know that women can lead

meaningful action and have the

anyone, anywhere, anytime

personal courage to stand up

with distinction. It is notable

have always been the rock for my family and military personnel. Now, I want to be the rock for LD11.

for what is right. That is what

I am a survivor of Hodgkin's

so many Arizonans are doing

Lymphoma. A cancer survivor

every day. I cannot let them do

for over 7 years. I keep going

that without me. I hate it when

through missions and as I

people tell me that a lawmaker’s

complete them; I am ready for

time is more important than

the next one. Even during

their constituents. My

my charge. I want people to

that [in my career] as a human resources officer, I commanded combat arms personnel and as a first time company commander from 1998-2000.

In 1998, I was a newly promoted captain when I was tasked and capable of commanding infantrymen at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Dana Allmond is running for State Representative in Arizona District 11. https://www.allmond4az.com/.

She is a mother of four children that include a set of triplets. She resides in Marana, with her husband, a Physicians Assistant in the Tucson VA and she is committed to making our nation a better place.

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I love Washington DC. When visiting I always experience an overwhelming feeling of this belongs to me. But not just me, more so, this belongs to us.

This belongs to my beautiful daughters, this belongs to my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran, this belongs to the college students playing frisbee and sleeping in hammocks on the National Mall. This belongs to us. And this belongs to the three generations of amazing veterans that are currently being recognized by the Honor Flight Network.

If you have visited our nation’s capital since 2005, the year the Honor Flight Network was founded, you have likely encountered this organization. In founding this network Jeff Miller and Earl Morse set out to bring veterans of WWII to the places that honor their service and sacrifice. The program has been expanded to also include honored veterans of the Korean War and Vietnam. Among all the amazing sights, these groups feel like a living memorial.

You will recognize the honored veterans by their T-shirts, their military regalia, their veteran ball caps and by the guardians that accompany them. And Sister, this is where you come in.

If you are among the three generations

The U.S. belongs to us!

of amazing, incredible and unstoppable women who served our country during WWII, the Korean War or Vietnam, this network is waiting for you.

By: Andrea Rathbun

“Honor Flight Network recognizes American veterans for your sacrifices and achievements by flying you to Washington, D.C. to see YOUR FreedomSisters Magazine

memorial at no cost.”

Or, if you are like me, and in awe of these women, this network needs you.

“In order for Honor Flight Network to achieve this goal, guardians fly with the veterans on every flight providing assistance and helping veterans have a safe, memorable and rewarding experience.”

While the network of regional hubs is expansive, the Honor Flight Network strives in every way to make sure its service is accessible to as many veterans as possible.

With this in mind, they also offer Lone Eagle Flights for honored veterans that do not reside within 120 miles of a regional hub. Honored veterans utilizing this option will need a travel companion to serve as their guardian.

So, what now?

The Honor Flight Network currently offers three unique programs. The largest and most well known is the regional hub network, with 125 locations spread throughout the United States.

Through these hubs, large groups of honored veterans and guardians are able to connect and travel to Washington DC adding to the experience through a sense of comradery. Applications for both honored veterans and guardians are submitted through the regional hubs.

As part of Lone Eagle Flights, the network also has a TLC, “Their Last Chance,” program to serve terminally ill veterans from any era.

This belongs to us. The experience the Honor Flight Network offers belongs to us. The chance to be in a space that was created to recognize our service and sacrifice belongs to us. The duty to continue to make this program available belongs to us. This belongs to us.

At this time priority is being given to WWII and terminally ill veterans. To become a guardian, you will need to be healthy enough to travel and handle a wheelchair.

Guardians are also required to complete a day of training, usually the day prior to the trip, and contribute a fee for travel.

FreedomSisters Magazine

https://www.honorflight.org/

Patriotism Pass it on!

By: Susanna Keilman

My dad will turn 94 this September, and as one of the few hundred thousand WWII survivors still alive, he is a walking history book.

One of our favorite things to do together is to sit and talk about what the military was like during his years of service.

He is fascinated with learning how the benefits have evolved since his time.

I often hear “you’re lucky, it didn’t use to be that way when I was in….”. Of course, this could go the other way as well to where his reply was “that’s horse sh__”.

Dad is the main reason I chose to serve and as such, I’ve been on the giving and receiving end of multiple military benefits.

As someone who’s had an ID card since birth starting with the prefix of 03 (third child dependent), then 20 (sponsor), and eventually ending with 30 (military spouse). Military healthcare, base access, and GI Bills are just a few things I’ve been privileged to receive and provide.

I am now 100% a civilian, and now witness my mother and father plan for a time none of us will ever be ready for, the death of her husband and my father.

My dad has always been a planner and has spent the last several years ensuring that he passes on all of the benefits he can that he earned through his service to my mother when she is widowed.

She of course will have base access, Tricare health coverage, and receive a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).

During the Korean War, my father was near a land mine explosion and it destroyed his hearing in his left ear and gave him permanent vertigo. As a result, he has received disability payments which have acted as income providing for his family. My mother who is now also retired will continue to receive that benefit after my father passes. Surviving spouses, children, and parents can check claim information and eligibility criteria listed here.

FreedomSisters Magazine

As relocation, deployments, and rank changes throughout your career ensure that you are keeping current of the military benefits within your state. Check it out here.

Look for social media pages for military networks. I often received news faster and more detailed from military spouses compared to available base or VA resources.

Sit down with your family and have an open and honest conversation about what they need, so you can get to work on how to ensure they will have it in an unlikely event.

Talk to your chain of command and seek resources outside of your chain of command. I received advice from my JAG officer and sought my local congressman regarding a VA education benefit.

The JAG officer was limited on how to assist though then Congressman DeSantis resolved my issue within a few days (also a veteran).

The bottom line is to not be afraid to ask and keep asking until you get an answer. If you don’t get an answer about your benefits, take it up the chain!

If you no longer have a military chain, reach out to your local or state officials. That’s what you are paying taxes for and that's what you served for.

We often only think of those in uniform as the ones serving, but children are without a parent(s), spouses are forced to operate independently, and the community loses a good neighbor.

It’s deployments, a sudden move, or unexpected circumstances in a foreign land.

As each branch has its motto to put service before self, we must put our families before ourselves in the event the unexpected circumstance leaves them without us.

You and your family have earned these benefits, so be the BenefitHER and plan for the unexpected.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Red, white, and bluer By: Joanna Sweatt Surprisingly so, in 2021, it is still not uncommon to hear an older male veteran or any gendered non-military civilian shriek with an inappropriate comment when I identify myself as a military veteran—or even worse when I am more specific about having served in the Marine Corps. In these moments, I am made to feel small and even discounted for my contribution of service.

“You’re too pretty to be a Marine.”

“They didn’t make women do men stuff when I served.”

“I didn’t know they let ladies in the Corps.”

“But women don’t do much right, so you probably hada cool and easy time in the military.”

The truth is trailblazing women have been answering the call to serve for over 100 years although the U.S. Military didn’t start formalizing the enlistment of women into all branches of service until June 12, 1948.

President Truman's determination to make changes within the military, eventually led to the Women's Armed Services Integration Act signed into law.

Opportunities have really expanded the last 10-20 years for women in the modern American military machine and presently, we have even more women breaking down some big barriers in service by showing and proving in combat lead roles as the branches of services innovate how women and men train and serve together.

In service, women are still hyper-fighting a lot of unnecessary policy and obstacles because of the long history of sexism and misogyny in our country, which permeates even more in the U.S.Military.. As a result, it is common for women veterans who have honorably left military service—to completely tuck that experience away.

But why?

Recently, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) made horrifically negligent comments upon watching a Russian MilitaryCampaign Ad, then compared it to a U.S.Army advertisement. The Texas Republican retweeted a video comparing a Russian military ad featuring muscle-bound men shooting rifles to a U.S.Army ad centering on a female American soldier with two moms. He wrote, “Holy crap. Perhaps a woke, emasculated military is not the best idea…” The idea that the strength of a military is based on physical prowess is exactly the demonstrated proof of how disconnected the civilian world is to the military. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Sen. Cruz has never served in the U.S. Military and he has no clue that intelligence will always be the winning factor when it comes to military strategy.

This is just one example of the type of cruel rhetoric that women who have served have had to endure—when instead they should be celebrated and valued for their sacrifices and contributions just as they do for the men who serve. As a woman veteran, I am also tired of this rhetoric and even more frustrated when my google searches for ‘military women’ or ‘women veteran’ results in controversial images or non-real military images of women in sexy uniforms advertised as Rambo Babes.

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Make no mistake. Veterans are not all the same. We are not a monolith and that is just as true for women as it is for men.; However thematically, women veterans have a higher propensity to continue their service in a variety of ways post service—they are still serving their families and communities and in great capacityVeterans have a special bond, camaraderie and shared experiences but each one as an individual, are still their own person and no matter their reasons for joining the military, we should ensure that the time spent in sacrifice to the U.S. Military is something that no one should be ashamed to be open about—especially women. If not for women's integration, Sen. Cruz may have found himself in a draft era—dodging military service.

Here are some stories of some amazing women veterans who have helped make our military and communities better. The women of the flag—the Red, White & Bluer HER!

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All photos provided by individuals highlighted in the story. Edits made by: Anthony Saucedo, USN Veteran.

Kathryn Smith, US Air Force (Academy Graduate) ● Nickname: Kate ● Born: 1960 in Atchison, Kansas, USA ● Military Branch: Air Force (Academy Graduate) ● Year Joined:1978, as a cadet at the U.S Air ForceAcademy.

She is one of the first black women integrated to attendand then ● graduate from the Academy ● Year Exited:1986 ● MOS/Job: Acquisition Officer / AFSC 6534 ● Final Rank: 1stLt/O2 Summary of Service:

I joined the Air Force, in hopes to get my college education, becoming an engineer, and escaping from my small-town home. I went to the Academy because I was the middle of five children and my working-class parents couldn’t afford to have us all in college at the same time.

My time in service was the best mistake of my life. I got an excellent education.

I gained other knowledge, fortified my work ethic, and met life-long friends. I was unhappy most of the time, but it taught me perseverance, resiliency, and courage.

Why weren’t you leaning into your veteran identity before?

My time in the Air Force was short and I achieved a great deal after my service.

My veteran identity was limited to getting a VA Home Loan and getting 10% off from Lowes and Home Depot. I served during relative peace time and didn’t see a direct relationship with the work I had done and how it would serve everyday veterans.

What was the ‘moment’ that helped you lean into that veteran identity and how do you own it now?

I attended the Veterans Organizing Institute. There, I found other veterans who looked like me and who shared my worldview. They were politically aligned [with me]. Since then, I have been able to work with other progressive veterans on electoral politics and issue based campaigns. At the same time, I started volunteering with ZASA (ZoomiesAgainst Sexual Assault).

“I swore an oath to the Constitution. The oath never expired. I believe my service to our country is more important now than ever before so I’m in the fight for racial and economic justice, changing the narrative around national security, and standing up for values.” Kate lives in Phoenix, AZ. Check out Miss Kate’s work here.

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Bridget Bellavigna, US Navy ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Bridget Bellavigna Born: May 26, 1960 in New York City, USA Military Branch: Navy Year Joined:1980 Year Exited:1984 MOS/Job: AT - Aviation Electronic/Avionics Final Rank: E4

I joined the Navy to escape Orlando, find my calling, learn a job skill & access education all while serving my Country. I was hoping to see more of the world.

My time in service was challenging yet still fulfilling. I worked on the flight line at NAS Miramar launching and retrieving the Skyhawk TA4-J fighter jet. I was one of the few women in the Navy at that time that started to do nontraditional jobs. We had to prove we could do the job against many odds. I am thrilled women now get to do their jobs aboard aircraft carriers and do what we are trained to do. I am proud to have been a trailblazer.

Why weren’t you leaning into your veteran identity before?

In the early 80’s and definitely before 9-11, veterans were not given much respect as Vietnam was still a sour taste.

Things are different now and I am proud to be able to reclaim my veteran status and serve my country in a different way now.

What was the ‘moment’ that helped you lean into that veteran identity and how do you own it now?

When I was invited to join Common Defense - a grassroots progressive veterans organization where I learned how to integrate my military service into my story. WhenI was able to join them on a lobbying trip to engage Congress during the former guys’ impeachment, I realized just how incredibly powerful it was to be an engaged woman veteran and I am committed to using that power to make our world a better place for everyone.

Bridget lives in Chandler, AZ, while engaged and volunteering for local and national political issues. She was recently appointed as a member of the AZ Maricopa County Democratic Party’s Veterans Council and is a powerlifter in her free time.

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Joanna Sweatt, US Marine Corps ● Nickname: JoJo or Jo or Jodie ● Born: 1978 in Yuba City, CA, USA ● Military Branch: Marine Corps ● Year Joined: 1997 Enlisted| 1998 Recruit Training ● Year Exited: 2007, OIF 2003 Disabled Veteran MOS/Job: 0621 Field Radio Operator | ● 8411 B-Billet Recruiter Final Rank: Meritorious SSgt (E-6) Why weren’t you leaning into your veteran identity before?

Because I didn’t get to leave the Marine Corps as a retiree or on my terms due to a diagnosed disability upon returning from Iraq. My transition was very difficult and everything that came with me being a veteran seemed to be the antithesis of what the civilian world wanted from a woman in the workplace. As a country, we were still in the throes of war, now in both Iraq and Afghanistan and I realized when I did raise my hand a few times when asked if I was military/veteran related—the results were immediately negative.

What was the ‘moment’ that helped you lean into that veteran identity and how do you own it now?

After a readjustment period and earning my degree at Arizona State University using both my MGIB and then transitioning it to the Post 9-11 GI Bill in 2009; I received a job offer to work at ASU, in the newly created Pat Tillman Veterans Services as the Military/Veteran Advocate/Ombudsman – supporting transitioning veterans and helping them navigate the higher education pathway. Once I got my footing—I started to pay attention to the trends and got all the way vested in the success of any military member or veteran attending Arizona State University. This started my career in advocacy throughout the state of Arizona—using my voice as the catalyst for so many marginalized and disenfranchised populations of the veteran community and refusing to allow them to be propped or placated in terminal ‘salute to service’ recognition events but rather catapult them to success by influencing stakeholders on the value of true veteran engagement and opportunities to help them thrive.

“When I tried to disconnect myself from my military experience—life got harder. When I figured out how to hone all my identities, I became even more EMPOWERED to serve my fellow humans and to make communities stronger. Storytelling has been the tool that has invigorated my calling and I’m committed more than ever to help everyone to share their story.

We are all contributors to this great nation!

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"I found a gem of a leadership lesson embedded in each story, and you will too." -Sandy Stosz "An outstanding look inside the challenges faced by women in the military." -Jose Solera "Well-researched, approachable, and most importantly, actionable!" -Sid H.

Stunning Stories that teach

LEADERSHIP

LESSONS

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A woman in a sea of men. An unusual role of leading a military force. Sitting as a judge for the people.

These all describe an amazing woman of the Bible, but they may also describe you.

If you read through the book of Judges, you’ll find it full of exciting stories and amazing adventures. You’ll see powerful ways God moved and led His people through twelve judges, people called by God to be both a judge and leader among the people.

The Israelites were battling against the nations around them. God called these twelve to lead both at home (in Garrison) and on the battlefield.

Imagine, twelve out of millions. You would think these would be amazing leaders with a history of courage and faithfulness. And yet, they were no such thing. Most of them were unknown and seemingly insignificant when God called them. Here are the names of those twelve: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson.

You may recognize some, most probably not. Some were faithful to God through their whole story, many were not—One was very unique.

In a time when honor for women came from raising a family, God called a woman named Deborah to lead her nation.

When she’s first mentioned in Scripture (Judges 4), she’s sitting beneath a palm tree as people come to hear her wisdom and receive her guidance. While doing her job, God tells her to summon a man named Barak. She tells Barak the Lord wants him to take the army against a powerful enemy. Interestingly, he didn’t brush her off or tell her she was crazy. Instead, he told Deborah that he wouldn’t go without her.

That day, Deborah led an army of 10,000 men against an enemy of 900 chariots, the most powerful weapon of the day, a number not including the foot soldiers.

Outnumbered and significantly under armed, they wiped out the entire enemy by the power of God.

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We can learn a few things from Deborah in our own journey as military women. First, Deborah had humility. She didn’t seek out people to judge or announce to the world what she knew.

Even in her instructions to Barak, she was not going to go with him and take the credit. She was humble.

Speaking of Barak, he wouldn’t go without her. Deborah stepped forward in confidence leading thousands of men.

Standing on the high ground seeing hundreds of chariots and thousands of men opposing them, she still stepped confidently out.

You can do that in any role you are given as well, move confidently that you are called to serve where God plants you.

Lastly, she was obedient. Deborah knew the right thing to do because she had listened to the Lord. She trusted Him and His word and followed without question. She believed God. As women warriors, we can follow Deborah’s example. We can lead with humility and confidence at the same time.

But even more importantly, we can know God and believe Him too.

Spending time with Him is our best way to do that.

The story of Deborah is one that lives on, mostly because it’s a story of what God can do with women who follow Him. FreedomSisters Magazine

There’s sand and dust over each inch of this place It seeps into HER boots, every crevice of HER mind SHE can hear HER heart pound, prepared to defend HER stance From the sound of empty words, SHE feels cheated and maligned SHE sits at the table quietly, the only one with a different look No need to be in charge, acknowledgement is what SHE seeks “don’t let them see you struggle”, runs rapid in HER brain Be tenacious and unwavering, they will listen when SHE speaks SHE forces HER shoulders erect, a blank stare behind HER eyes No one sees the real HER, this quiet strength that SHE hides SHE does not require validation, nor a medal on HER chest To the mirror hey girl, you got this, other whispers SHE abides HER uniform is immaculate, SHE takes pride in what SHE does Representing a marginalized group, one without a certain part Naysayer’s will quote you’re only a GIRL, yet watch as SHE climbs For most of HER career, HER envious peers did SHE outsmart No one but others like HER, will understand the rigid spine Not even the renowned counselor, the one SHE decided to see SHE can’t stop thinking, of the horrors of a tumultuous past The enemy is sleeping right next door, or maybe it’s inside of me Although not prone to violence, there’s a Glock beside the bed Most nights SHE wakes up sweating, if sleep even comes at all During the day an imposter, the nightmares take a toll there’s nothing wrong with you, waiting, for a hard phone call The doctors can’t heal HER, the physical pain isn’t real Battled, scared, and broken, like the tattoo on HER sleeve A semicolon life, one God did not want to end SHE struggles with the decisions, that endorsed HER to leave That uniform hangs in a closet, those boots on a shelf in the back Some fundamental pieces, of the woman SHE once was Circumstantial evidence, of the title SHE was so proud of A title those in this new life, consider just another faux pas At some point during this journey, SHE realized SHE’s not alone The battle SHE’s been fighting, is one others like HER endure Those around watch HER crumble, and don’t know what to do SHE used to be so confident, and now SHE’s so unsure That WOMAN still exists, a quiet tiger stalking HER own dreams Unwilling to address the elephant, keeping HER from healing The horrors SHE’s experienced, are nothing SHE can’t overcome SHE was the badass in the room, HER strength was leading You’ll wish you had known HER, this vision of HERself in HER head With a fire that burns inside, a flickering light starts to stir It blazes into perdition, igniting a passion SHE can’t ignore There is war within this WOMAN, it will not consume HER. FreedomSisters Magazine

War Within This Woman A poem about HER inner strength By: Krista Morris-Tworek

July is the month we celebrate our Nation’s independence and is oftentimes greatly associated with patriotism.

Some people value patriotism more than others, which Merriam-Webster defines as “love for or devotion to one’s country”.

Have you ever taken the time to consider what you value? What are your core values?

Identifying your core values, who you are deep down into your soul, is the starting point for most of my work with one-onone coaching clients.

Setting the foundation for a life that is meaningful and true to who you are is difficult to do if you haven’t spent time identifying your core values.

Your values are how to align yourself with the life that is right for you. Your values are what you turn to when faced with a tough decision and you’re unsure what to do. Your Values are not what your parents or others want you to believe is of utmost importance.

Nor should your core values be what social media wants you to focus your life — they are what you practice. They come to life in the words you use, the actions you take, your behaviors and even your thoughts. Taking those things into consideration can help you begin to identify what your values are.

You may be wondering where you should begin in pursuit of identifying your core values. I wrote this blog in October 2020 which provides a meaningful exercise you can refer to in order to get started.

By: Jennifer Ballou

Oftentimes, this takes people quite a bit of thought, so be sure to be patient with yourself and allow yourself the space needed.

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What I would like to invite you to do next is find some quiet time and write down your core values.

For each one, consider different ways that you can live AND feel those values each day. The sky’s the limit here. Write down whatever comes to mind.

All of it. Think about how your day to day life could change if you began to incorporate some of, or all of, these things.

If you began to make the time for the things YOU value, versus the things that others believe you should value.

As you are faced with choices and decisions moving forward, maybe now you begin to consider your values. Imagine how that might feel. I created this worksheet for you to use to support this exercise.

Of course, a journal, a piece of paper, or even your phone can work too!

Assuming you have identified and defined your core values, you may be wondering, now what. Now, we begin to take those values you wrote down and put them into action.

You have the power and get to choose how you live your life. You choose the decisions you make, the actions you take, the emotions you feel and the reactions you have.

You get to choose. Let that sink in for a moment or two! It’s exciting to think about, isn’t it?.

Spend some time between now and the next issue focusing on you and begin to build (or maybe revisit), the foundation to the life you want to live.

You are worth it!

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Kaycee Kennedy served in the Army Reserves from 2008-2012 as a 35M Human Intelligence Collector (HUMINT).

Finding a civilian job during this time frame proved to be difficult for her as employers didn’t like the possibility of holding her position at work if she ended up deploying.

Everything started going downhill for her again when she moved from her hometown of Minnesota to Pennsylvania after leaving the service.

She was also in an unhealthy and abusive relationship with her then-boyfriend. She found strength through her unit who were actively trying to help her through both of those issues.

IW’s mission “is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.”

Becoming a hikeHer in Pennsylvania with the nonprofit organization, Irreverent Warriors(IW), changed her life.

By: Elysa Millan

FreedomSisters Magazine

Started by a former Marine officer in 2015, the organization’s main events are veteran silkies hikes throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and London.

In 2020, there are over 60 hikes scheduled. IW members don’t just hike.

They also set up their own local events like beach days, camping, eating out, etc.

Pittsburgh May 2021 hike. Photo by: Russel Oxley

Pittsburgh May 2021 hike. Photo by: Russel Oxley

What are your favorite things about the hikes?

1) Connecting with new veterans and reconnecting with those I’ve met before.

2) The camaraderie at the hikes and outside of the hikes 3) Singing our unofficial hike song (“I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys) at the top of my lungs!

You’ve already attended two hikes this year in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Will you be attending others?

Courtesy Photo

How did you end up getting involved with IW? After moving to Pittsburgh, it was really hard to find my place in life. I was alone. When I finally made friends, they’d stop inviting me to hang out with them after a few times.

I also started struggling at work to the point where I’d get incredibly depressed. I ended up meeting my husband, and he was really supportive; however, you can only put that kind of strain on someone for so long before the relationship starts to have problems.

I thought about ending my life a lot.

It crossed my mind at least once every few days. Then I saw a friend’s post on social media about attending an awesome veteran’s hike in Texas, so I started researching the organization. I noticed there wasn’t one in Pittsburgh, but the organization put me in touch with someone who was starting a chapter here. I started working with the Pittsburgh group on coordinating the 2021 hike.

How has IW changed your life?

Immediately after I started helping to coordinate the Pittsburgh hike, I started feeling like I had a purpose again. I was like a whole new person. I started caring less about the work drama and was a more confident person at work. I even ended up getting a promotion.

Have you seen IW change the lives of other veterans as well?

Yes! I have seen many veterans reach out to the IW Facebook groups in a time of doubt or feeling worthless.

Right away, you’ll see 100 or more veteran members answer their posts and try to help them where needed. I have also heard of others meeting at the hikes who later got engaged and married!

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Yes! I plan on going to at least three more in Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

What tips do you have for first time hikers?

Wear sunscreen. Start hydrating a few days prior to the hike. Bring moleskin or other methods of preventing blisters. Make friends. Have a good time!

To find out more about Irreverent Warriors and their upcoming events, visit irreverentwarriors.com.

Courtesy Photo

FreedomSisters Magazine

Highlight Read When grief hit Shannon Polson, she wrote, "every part of what I thought I knew blazed like the brightest sun, extinguishing into darkness." In the VetHERan community, there is a heaviness of grief and an unwavering spirit of resilience in us all. This book is a mustread for anyone who holds grief, joy and hope all at the same time. North of Hope, A Daughter's Arctic Journey—a Memoir.

The Carryon Podcast with host combat veteran retired Capt. Lindsey Rowland and guests tackle conversations about the military, veterans issues, legislation, as well as post-service transition and life.

Lindsey’s carry on approach broaches tough topics and creates a compelling platform with guests ranging from the military, veteran community, civilians, legislators and topic experts in their field.

As a lobbyist, Lindsey is helping bring awareness to The Brandon Act. Check out the player below to here from his parents and how this law is a must to pass, to ensure military members are given mental health services when needed. #end22aday

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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of the Freedom Sisters Magazine. WE like to give you a few takeaways each month so you can activate your life and be the best version of yourself. Here are the ways this month we want to see you soar!

Learn more about Leashes of Valor and support Veterans getting service dogs!

We want to hear from you—what was the biggest sacrifice you made to serve? #freedomisNOTfree Ready to take your leadHERship skills to the next level? Check out The Grit Institute for more!

Are you ready for the unexpected? After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. #whatsinyourRucksack FreedomSisters Magazine

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