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FREEDOMSISTERS Magazine

One Cup at a time.

HINDSIGHT 20/20

SPICE UP THE NEW YEAR

YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH

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ion: Am iss M

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FINDING YOUR VALUE IN SERVICE

STRENGTH OF A WOMAN

DOING A 180

ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2021

FreedomSisters Magazine

Publisher Freedom Sisters Media, LLC

EditHER-in-Chief Managing EditHER Contributing WritHERs HER Life MentHERship HERstory SuperSHEro HER Next Mission Woman Warrior HighlightHER SHEro Activation Cover Photographer

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Kerri Jeter E.V. Moore

inside Magazine or App editHERs@freedomsisters.com info@freedomsisters.com

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. FreedomSisters, MentHERship, EditHER, SuperSHEro, highlightHER, WriteHER, FoundHER, LeadHER are trademarks of Kerri jeter.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

BY WOMEN VETERANS

www.freedomsisters.com

CONTENTS

WWW.FREEDOMSISTERS.COM

HER LIFE

6 8 12 15

Eight tips to jumpstart your fitness goals in the new year. Spice up the new year. Five ways to keep your spirits high in the new year. Spicing up the new year - five ways to bring the heat in 2021. MENTHERSHIP

19 Finding value in your service. 21 Five best tips from my time in the Navy. 23 Be a life-long LearnHER. HERSTORY

27 Strength of a woman. 31 A challenging blessing. SUPER SHERO FoundHER 37 She still answers the call to serve. 41 Mission: Amplify Women Veterans. 43 Meet the FreedomSisters WriteHERs. LeadHER 47 Justice for SurviveHERs. HER NEXT MISSION

57 One cup at a time. 58 Odyssey. 60 Marine Veteran Uses Social Media to ‘Make Friends and Influence People’. 63 Doing a 180. 65 Benefits to a healthier you. HIGHLIGHTHER

68 Women Veteran emerging businesses you should know. WOMAN WARRIOR

73 Hindsight 20/20. 76 Your faith: Why growing your faith is the only resolution to a great new year. 78 You are more than enough. 80 A journey to find Post Traumatic Stress relief.

Welcome from your EditHER-in-Chief.

SHEro activation.

graphic by Kerri Jeter

WELCOME TO THE SISTERHOOD

We have officially published our first issue of the FreedomSisters Magazine and you are about to embark on the journey with us! In this app, you will see an emphasis on HER, we designed that on purpose with you in mind. To empower you to succeed and see your value as a woman warrior. Ladies, we are beautiful and wonderfully made women of valor, strength, resilient-driven with unmatched bravery, and boldness. First and foremost, to my sisters-in-service, thank you for your heartfelt commitment to our country in and out of the uniform. It is long overdue to have a media company that exclusively showcases your stories, service, and success! Our whole team is so grateful for each and every sister-in-arms. This is your magazine, created by women who served in the military and understand the unique challenges and characteristics that encompass a woman warrior. Secondly, to my writing team, you ladies are my personal SHEroes. You give so much of yourselves inside this publication; it is my joy and honor to serve alongside you all. Lastly, I cannot serve without the support and encouragement of my husband, who as a fellow veteran has seen the value in sharing our sisters-in-arms stories. I thank God for the calling on my life and for placing the right people in the process to make this all come to life. In this app, you will see yourself in the stories, find purpose in your pain, discover new ideas, products, resources, and more that help you live a whole and joyful life. Ladies, you are both badass and beautiful and this is only the beginning of finally bringing stories of selfless SHEroes to life in an innovative, interactive, and informative way! We see you. We know you. We are you. In Service, Kerri Jeter EditHER-in-Cheif

HER Life

Eight Tips to Jumpstart your Fitness Goals in the New Year.

new year means a new beginning. For a lot of us that means that we have a list of goals we’re trying to accomplish. Some of the most common goals we start on January 1st are fitness and wellness goals. Here’s eight tips to make sure you’re able to crush those goals this new year! Define your goals. One mistake a lot of people make is that they don’t have a clear, defined goal. To create a goal that you can stick to it needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time sensitive. So instead of just saying something like, “ I want to lose weight this year”, your goal should sound more like, “I want to lose 35 pounds by December 31, 2021 by eating 1550 calories per day and working out at least four times per week.” Make a plan. After you have narrowed down your goals, you need a plan. This plan should incorporate your workout split, calorie and macro goals, check-in days, and maybe even an appointment with a registered dietician and/or personal trainer. Focus on nutrition. The saying “abs are made in the kitchen” is 100% true. Your fitness journey is 80% nutrition and 20% percent exercise. If you are looking to lose weight, you need to be in a caloric deficit. This means you need to be consuming less calories than your body is burning per day. However, you need to make sure that you are still eating enough so your body burns fat instead of storing it in fear of starvation. (This is where that registered dietician or personal trainer comes in to help you.) If you are trying to build muscle you need to be in a caloric surplus.

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HERLIFE - MotivateHER

Find an accountability partner. This can be a friend that has the same level of commitment as you do or as simple as hiring a trainer. If a friend is accompanying you on your journey make sure that you are able to push each other; especially on the days when you may be less than enthusiastic about heading to the gym. Track your progress. This is the MOST important step. Tracking your progress allows you to see changes and make adjustments accordingly. The number on the scale can be deceiving but there are so many other ways to track progress. Instead of weighing yourself every day or week; try taking progress pictures, body measurements, or go off the way your clothes look and feel. Stay hydrated. One percent decrease in hydration results in a 10% decrease of function in the brain. We need water more than any other nutrient. Our bodies are made up of over 70% water. In order to feel good our bodies must function properly. In order to function properly our bodies need water. Be kind to yourself. Remember this is a journey, not a race. You will face many bumps and turns in the road. Acknowledge that you are human and mistakes happen. Navigate these downfalls with grace and forgiveness. One bad day doesn’t mean all your progress stops. One cheat meal doesn’t mean everything is a loss. Remember your why. Why did you start this journey in the first place? Why are you putting in all this time and energy? Why are you trying to make these changes to your life? Dig deep, this will be the thing that you’ll need to turn to and use on the days when this journey gets hard. Now that you have all the secrets you need; write down your why and your goals and put them on a sticky note on a mirror or wall you see every day. If you’re stuck and need help with forming your goals or creating your workout plans visit www.livingfitnessandwellness.com and sign up for a free consultation. Amber Valencia U . S . A R M Y

N A T I O N A L

G U A R D

A 29- year-old wife, Veteran and mother of three, served in the Nevada Army National Guard for eight years as a Specialist. She was a 25L and 92W. Proud owner of a fitness/wellness business called Living by Amber Nicole and has a podcast called Living Through Joy coming out soon. Connect with Amber at www.livingfitnessandwellness.com.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HERLIFE - MotivateHER

Spice Up the New Year! Let's spice up the New Year with some scrumptious cake ball truffles. If you are a lover of cinnamon, spice, and everything nice, this is a recipe you should add to your collection as soon as possible. These cake ball truffles will bring you just the pop of sweetness we've all been longing for! Whether you make them as a gift for family and friends, or you’re keeping them all to yourself (we won't judge you girl)! These cake ball truffles are the perfect blend of cake crumbs, spice, and frosting dipped in candy melts. Cake balls just might be the greatest thing since, well, cake!

HERLIFE - BakeHER

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INGREDIENTS Cake: 2 1/2 All-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 3 eggs 1 1/3 cup buttermilk Frosting 8 oz cream cheese 1/2 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 6 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons milk Coating 1 bag of candy coating, available in assorted colors toppings: sprinkles, food paint, sprinkles, (opitonal)

Spice cake truffle balls DIRECTIONS FOR BAKING SPICE CAKE 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a medium sized bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside. 3. Add the shortening and sugars to the bowl of a stand mixer. (Or use a handheld mixer) Mix on medium speed for one minute. Add the eggs. Mix until combined, about 1-2 minutes 4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, starting, and ending with the dry ingredients. 5. Once all ingredients are added, mix on low until combined. 6. Place in baking pan for 25-30 minutes 7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. If you do not like baking from scratch or just don't feel like it... You can always visit your handy dandy grocery store for some boxed cake and frosting. Follow the baking instructions on the back of the box and boom, you will have cake!

DIRECTIONS FOR CREATING CAKE BALL TRUFFLES 1.Prepare cake and bake according to directions on recipe or box. 2. Let the cake cool completely, then break apart and crumble the cake into fine crumbs with washed hands. 3. Stir in a spoonful of frosting until a dough forms. If the dough seems dry, you can add additional frosting, 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. 4. Roll the cake mixture into tablespoon-sized balls. Place the balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and chill for at least one hour. 5. Melt the candy melts/chocolate in a bowl in the microwave, heating in 30-second increments, and stir until completely smooth. 6. Place each cake ball on a fork and use a spoon to pour the candy melts over the cake ball. Tap against the side of the bowl to remove excess candy melt. You only want a thin layer of chocolate coating, or it will pool at the bottom of your cake truffle as it hardens. 7. Place each ball on a parchment-lined sheet pan. And do not forget to add a little bling (sprinkles) while the cake balls are still wet. Amber Markland U . S . A I R

F O R C E

A mom to three amazing kids and married for 15 years, tom my love after meeting him in the Air Force while stationed in England. Amber owns a baking business in Olympia, Wa. Join me for more awesome baked goods at www.siftandgather.com. #sayhernamebreonnataylor HERLIFE - BakeHER

8. Repeat with remaining cake balls and candy melts. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Can make up to 3 days in advance. These cake ball truffles are just the right size to indulge your taste buds. Grab the kiddos and get to work and do not forget to share your finished product with us #freedomsisterBakeHER. We cannot wait to see what you create!

Freedom Sisters Magazine

Five Ways to Keep Your Spirits High in the New Year. The start of the new year is traditionally marked by setting goals, making plans and thinking about what we want in the next twelve months of our lives. Even though things might look different right now, don't let COVID ruin any of your New Year’s resolutions. If 2020 taught us nothing else, it showed us how to appreciate the importance of adapting and having resiliency. With those thoughts in mind, there’s a few ways you can travel safely and experience the good things in life, even if you choose not to leave your home state or region. Stay flexible. It’s important to continue

our lives and that means planning trips, but be okay if things get canceled or pushed back. Make sure to check insurance, health and safety guidelines, and other requirements for domestic and international travel before you leave. With the high potential for travel plans to change, it’s a good idea to call your credit card company before you book your trip to see if they offer fee reimbursement if you have to cancel your travel plans on short notice.

HERLIFE - TravelHER

Freedom Sisters Magazine

Master the art of the staycation. COVID likely isn’t going anywhere in our

immediate future. Instead of putting all your travel plans on hold, consider exploring your surrounding areas. One way to do that is to have an experience that is the opposite of your day to day living space. If you live in the city, try a staycation in a cozy cabin. Likewise, if you’re from a small town, utilize Airbnb to experience a stay in an urban abode. You can rest at ease knowing that room share companies have heightened cleaning requirements due to COVID no matter where you stay. Have a solo adventure. Instead of

stressing about missing that annual girls trip this year, use this time to lean into your independence by taking a solo trip. Traveling alone can be a great way to unwind, get to know more about yourself and promote personal growth. Stay safe by checking out affinity groups on Facebook to learn the tips and tricks for practically any location.

Take it outside. Sometimes the weather

doesn’t always cooperate, but outdoor adventures are available year-round in many parts of the country. Depending on where you're located there are probably an abundance of options for getting outdoors.

This year might be the perfect opportunity to take up a new outdoor hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Winter activities like skiing or snowboarding promise fun and adventure in mountainous regions that get lots of snow. There may also be plenty of hiking, kayaking, and nature walk at regional, state, and national parks near you. To find places to be active outside, check out sites like recreation.gov or search outdoor recreational groups on Facebook. Bask in the simple pleasures. There’s nothing quite like a night out with

good conversation and great food. Sometimes you just want that yummy meal without going out, and luckily there are lots of restaurants offering meal kits and virtual wine tastings these days so you can recreate your favorite meals and sips at home. Pro tip. This option is also perfect for

up leveling your date night or girls night at home. Even if your favorite eateries aren’t offering meal kits, you may be able to purchase high quality meats from restaurants because they don't want to throw away surplus food. Put it in your deep freezer and plan to indulge your family and friends, or yourself, with your favorite meals over the next month or two.

HERLIFE - TravelHER

Aaliyah AL-Mahdi U . S . A R M Y

Aaliyah is from Cary, NC and spent the majority of her life there. After graduating from college, she commissioned into the US Army and served in the military for 9.5 years. Aaliyah is the owner of The People’s Parlor and is employed with a construction company. Connect with her today at www.thepeoplesparlor.com.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

SPICING UP THE NEW YEAR- FIVE WAYS TO BRING THE HEAT IN 2021 After the challenges of 2020, we could all use a renewed zest for life and a chance to change the status quo. The turn of the year offers a mental fresh start where we can set goals and take a step towards becoming that better version of ourselves. As we set our focus on achieving goals, here are five ideas to shake things up to continue to learn, try new things, and grow through adventures 1.

Take a Solo Trip- whether you

are a seasoned veteran or you have never traveled alone, solo trips are a great opportunity to expand your comfort zone, boost your confidence, and meet new people. One of my most memorable trips was immediately after graduating from college when I decided to catch a one-way flight to Australia while I was waiting to find out if I had been accepted into the Marine Corps. HERLIFE - AdventureHER

Freedom Sisters Magazine

I bought the ticket, packed my bag and one week later I was off to the famous land down under! It was not until the plane was getting ready to touch down in Brisbane that the doubts (and mild panic) set in that I did not have a job or place to live lined up. Thankfully, after a few days of searching, both fell into place and so began one of the best summers and biggest adventures of my life. While traveling with friends remains my preferred choice, I decided that regardless of who could or could not join, I would never cancel a trip simply because I would be solo. That was a decision I have never regretted. So whether it is a quick day trip to a nearby town or an international destination, take on an adventure by yourself! 2.

Try a bucket list activity- there is no time like

the present to try an activity you have always considered trying. I am absolutely a list person. I love the feeling of accomplishment every time I put pen to paper and place a satisfying check next to an item. Of all the lists, my bucket list is by far my favorite.

After all, it is essentially a written summary of all my biggest goals, dreams, and places to visit. Some items take time, like my goal to visit every country in the world, but writing it down makes it more real and slowly I can check off country by country ( so far up to 108 and the rest-here I come)! Every list is different, but pick just one activity you have always dreamed of trying; perhaps breaking out leggings for hot yoga or going to salsa dance class, trying ice climbing or skydiving. Make a plan and go for it. You may find something new that you become passionate about, but at the very least you will have made new memories and overcome the challenge of putting yourself out there.

3. Take a free class online- challenge yourself to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge. During COVID-19, some of the most prestigious universities in the world including Harvard, Berkley, MIT, and so many more, have started offering hundreds of free classes online through edX. I tried my hand at quantum mechanics which turned out not to be my cup of tea, but I definitely learned a lot about a field that was completely foreign to me. Next, I signed up for a course on emerging economies that closely aligns with my actual job and has provided a fresh perspective to consider problem sets. The thousands of classes offered range from art history to writing and provide a constructive creative outlet to spend time and gain knowledge from experts without spending a dime.

4. Throw on the Hiking Boots- the sense of accomplishment from completing a climb and being rewarded with a panoramic view is always a good reason to hit the trail. Fill your lungs with fresh air while burning a lot of calories through physical exertion. This is one of my favorite ways to stick with weight loss or fitness goals by knocking out some cardio outside the gym as hiking burns 440 calories on average per hour. If you want to up the ante, make it a dedicated day for a digital detox and give social media and your phone a break to clear your head and regain focus. 5. Sample International Cuisine- while restaurants and travel options may be limited, there is plenty of inspiration to be found in the kitchen! Feeling fancy? Perhaps try a wine and cheese pairing or make tiramisu. Missing travel? Maybe try building sushi rolls with your favorite combo or making some spicy Pho. Are you a carb fanatic? Try your hand at Italian Carbonara or make fresh rolls. Trying to eat healthier? Whip up some vegan tacos or build a Buddha Bowl. New recipes can provide creative outlets to make delicious foods and prevent the mundane from creeping into your meal plan. Invite a friend to join you (except for the first adventure- that one is all you!) to share the fun and maybe you will become the inspiration to help a friend finally give something a try!

Brie Burgett U S M C

R E S E R V E S

Hey I am Brie! I am a globe trotter, US Marine and full time adventure seeker. The last decade I have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to travel around the world exploring and trying new things. So far I've been to 6 Continents and 108 Countries. I am a firm believer that the keys to success are in taking action today to work towards dreams and constantly failing forwards! IG @thebrieadventure

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HERLIFE - AdventureHER

There is no better time than the present to live a joyful life. Sometimes life presents let downs, setbacks or complete derailments, leaving us bewildered, broken and bruised. When your alignment is off, when your foundation has faltered and when your core is hollow from life’s many trials and tribulations; one might think there is no point to living, let alone living a life of joy. But what if there is a way? Jennifer Ballou, was a highly regarded leader in the most powerful Army in the world when she experienced a tragic loss and her life was changed forever. She continued to serve in spite of her personal pain and was hand selected to help implement and shape the U.S. Army’s resilience program. When Jennifer retired, her call to service remained. Today, she is a certified professional coach, registered yoga teacher, CrossFit Trainer and BIRTHFIT leader. She is ready to inspire, motivate and encourage you to create a joyful life. After various personal highs and lows, Jennifer has discovered her greatest mission in life; to help other Women Veterans and military spouses lead truly joyful and whole lives. Freedom Sisters Magazine encourages you to contact Jennifer today for world class kindness, compassion and grace to help you break through the overwhelm and tap into joy. REBECCA EGGERS GALLEGOS If you are looking for a coach to help you change your life, Jennifer is the one! She possesses a unique ability to motivate and guide other people and to teach them how to find strength from within. MIKE LINNINGTON, CEO Wounded Warrior Project Jennifer's journey in overcoming adversity left our team inspired to continue our service to veterans, while giving us the tools needed to strengthen our personal resilience. Jennifer and her family are models for all to emulate. KAREN REIVICH, PHD Jennifer is the kind of coach that I find most effective. She pushes me without being pushy. She asks questions that challenge me and listens with compassion to my answers. Jen provides real-world strategies that fit with my lifestyle.

M E N T

Her

S H I P

Do you ever find yourself wondering, “What value do I bring to the ____ (fill in the blank with your branch)?” If you answered “yes,” I can assure you, you’re not alone. Being a woman in the military can be daunting at times, Despite the news that even the Space Force is said to become one of the most appealing and inclusive branches for women (Seck, 2020), we still represent only a small section of the military. This should lead women who have served, or are currently serving, to feel any less accomplished for their time in service than their male counterparts. Growing up, Barbie was never my thing. It was one of my biggest goals as a kid to be like Rambo or GI Joe. Regardless of if you wanted to be Barbie or Rambo when you were a kid, you should find complete value in your service to our country because you are one of a kind, unique and amazing. In a 2017 study completed by the Pew Research Center reported just over a million men and women serving in the military. Women represented 16% of the overall active-duty force, which was a significant increase from 9% in 1980 and only 1% in 1970. Within the officer corps, women have increased steadily from 5% in 1975 to 18% in 2017 (Barroso, 2019).

Freedom Sisters Magazine

MentHERship - EncourageHER

Recently, Retired Admiral Michelle Howard was appointed to be the transition personnel to the Department of Defense for President-Elect Biden. Howard is former vice chief of naval operations and former commander of naval forces in Europe and Africa. She was the first Black woman to command a U.S. Navy ship and the first woman promoted to the rank of four-star admiral (ADC, 2020). Now, that is something to be proud about! Howard is the ideal military woman, representing the potential all women from the military have. We military women, as a whole, need to focus on what we represent. We need to stick together. We need to support each other’s goals and accomplishments. We have been making, continue to make, and will always make huge strides within all branches of the military. We are all strong, accomplished, intelligent women in our own right. An African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Our value… your value… is immense and it is priceless. Don’t ever forget it! So, hold that head high, carry on and we will go far! ADC (November 11, 2020) Biden Names Michelle Howard to DOD Transition Team https://defensecommunities.org/2020/11/biden-names-michelle-howard%E2%80%8B-to-dod-transition-team/ Barroso, Amanda (September 10, 2019) The changing profile of the U.S. military: Smaller in size, more diverse, more women in leadership https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/10/the-changing-profile-of-the-u-s-military/ Seck, Hope (March 3, 2020) US Space Force May Become the Female-Friendly Most Military Service https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/03/us-space-force-may-become-most-female-friendly-military-service.html

Diali Coll-Mercado Listen to the U S

A R M Y

A Tesla, SpaceX, Elon Musk lovin', Gun totin', Chevy Classic car admirin' woman who served the country and community as a soldier & police officer. Now however, she is all about her Hubby and Kids! Bring on the weekend errands, events, and most importantly the Margaritas! www.thecharliemike.com

soulful stories

P DCAST

of women veterans to help you overcome, heal, thrive.

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MentHERship - EncourageHER

FIVE BEST TIPS FROM MY TIME IN THE NAVY. First, you choose to join. Then, you survive. Later, you give advice. 1. Do your best to blend in and go unnoticed. First day of boot camp a recruit showed up with a fresh face of makeup and her best designHER clothes. While being issued Navy gear, an important looking woman came up and yelled for her to remove the makeup immediately. Due to the rigid schedule and endless marching, the recruit never got the chance to follow through with the order. When the same woman saw the recruit later that evening, she caused quite a scene demanding the recruit get the makeup off right that instant. Turns out the irate woman was the Recruit Division Commander (RDC or better known as a Drill Sergeant). The recruit ran to the bathroom to grab paper towels, which felt like sandpaper - squirted some soap on and scrubbed her face raw. If you are wondering how I know this story so well, it’s because I was THAT girl! Don’t make my same mistake; no matter how cute you want to look. This taught me to not draw unwanted attention to myself.

2. ALWAYS wear your shower shoes. Showers are required daily in boot camp. However, not your typical shower. There is no time to lather up, shave your legs, relax, and sing. You have seven minutes to get your butt undressed, cleaned, redressed, put your supplies away, and line up for inspection. I forgot my shower shoes once and quickly chose to wear my boots instead. I made it back just in time for inspection. As luck would have it, my bright idea did not go unnoticed by the RDC and I received intensive training (better known as a smoke session). Unless you really want to be in shape, grab your SHOWER SHOES! Eight years later and I still have mine for public shower use. 3. Carry a bottle of hot sauce. This one is self-explanatory. Purchase your favorite bottle of hot sauce and take it with you to eat. Yes, for EVERY meal. You will want it to mask the blandness of the food you are shoveling down your throat. No, the food is not bad at every command. Apparently, my husband (also a Navy Veteran) and I, sing praises of Tapatio often as our daughter reminded me to include this tip. We seriously put it on everything.

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MentHERship - EquipHER

4. Know your ranks and pay attention. Study the ranks of your branch until you know them like the back of your hand. It is standard military protocol to address the highest ranking person you see. To do this, scan the room quickly and identify their insignia. I failed to do this in boot camp while standing watch and earned myself another smoke session. That was a mistake I only needed to make once. I still pay close attention to details in my civilian job. 5. Learn how to hurry up…and wait. You will hear this saying frequently. I spent most of my time in the military hurrying everywhere. Hurrying to eat, to shower, to get dressed, to prepare for inspections, to go to work; only to wait a LONG time. The best advice I can give is to practice at home before you join the service. Time yourself and see if you can get faster every try, so you have more time to wait. Although this is a running joke amongst military members, the purpose of this is to arrive early and be ready for anything. These five tips will prepare you for your time in service and allow you to be successful in your civilian life.

Jacqueline Zappey U S

N A V Y

Hi! My name is Jacqueline Zappey. I am a mom to 5 beautiful children; 1 girl and 4 boys. My husband Jacob and I are both Navy Veterans and teachers. I enjoy helping others, drinking my decaf coffee, listening to music, and chatting with friends. I was the 2018 Ms. Veteran America 1st Runner Up and am extremely passionate about women Veteran’s issues and sharing resources.

For more great tips and stories like Jacqueline's, order the Women Of The Military book today!

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MentHERship - EquipHER

Be a life-long learnHer.

As veterans, we have gained so much from our military experiences. Every one of us knows courage, commitment, service, and sacrifice. We can refer back to the tests of life, whenever we are fearlessly facing another challenge because there is a lesson on the other side of that next test. Life is full of opportunities and we learn from each and everyone whether we take it or not. Whether there is doubt or fear, joy or stillness, attached to an opportunity, we know we can learn valuable lessons about ourselves and our power. In the Air Force, I was an Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanic. As a technical sergeant stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, I had the opportunity to apply for an instructor position at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. My husband and I were burned out from deploying back to back between 2005-2008, while trying to raise our two kiddos, both under two years old. I contemplated this Instructor duty opportunity and how it would impact my family, living overseas away from both of our extended families, the possibility of fewer deployments, and I worried a lot about not knowing enough about my job to be able to teach it. The Imposter Syndrome (or Phenomenon), bothered me more than anything. This opportunity was available and I was fully qualified, had enough experience in my job and all I had to do was apply, so why did I doubt myself now? I had to have a conversation with myself. I did not get to 10-years of service by being afraid to try. I figured that if I failed at teaching, and if I really didn’t know anything about my job, I would at least learn that.

MentHERship - EducateHER

Freedom Sisters Magazine

I knew that I would learn something from the experience. That’s all I needed to tell myself, and that’s all I needed to hear….I submitted my application with the click of a button. I decided I would not pass up this opportunity to learn something new...about myself, about my job, about my family, about life in Japan! A few months later, I was notified that I was selected for the job and had orders for Instructor training school before I reported for duty. It was the absolute best assignment in my military career. I learned so much about the equipment just by teaching it, and my confidence increased exponentially. I loved my job. I loved being a maintainer, an instructor, and a mom! The best advice I ever gave myself is don’t be afraid to learn from every opportunity. If you’re on active duty, take advantage of any opportunity that interests you because you will learn something about yourself from the experience. Education is not just about getting a college degree. Education is learning and learning is growing. Grow yourself.

Post-service I am learning that there are amazing opportunities for us to continue to grow and develop both personally and professionally! If you are interested in a specific skill or field such as farming, volunteering with an organization in that specialty is an excellent cost-effective way to learn more about it. Veteran organizations are everywhere and always seeking members or volunteers (volunteering may be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions so be sure to check with the organizers for guidance). Just showing up to an event is a learning experience in itself. Check out this great website for volunteer opportunities in your area. Challenge your comfort zone and show up. https://www.volunteermatch.org Taking advantage of our education benefits is an excellent way to get paid while attending college courses to finish a degree. Especially when we are stuck in the house during the pandemic, attending online courses is a great way to stay socially connected, virtually, and before you know it you’re that much closer to completing a degree! Check out more information on education benefits at https://www.va.gov/education/change-gi-billbenefits/ Women veterans are an unstoppable force and our community stands ready to support our unique interests and needs. We can be a mentor to other women veterans who may be experiencing situations we ourselves have gone through, and sharing our stories and advice is a powerful gift of inspiration and resiliency for others. Or we can seek out mentors for ourselves. Learn more about this program at https://www.ementorprogram.org/militarywomen-ementor/ Developing a growth-mindset is at the heart of life-long learning. When we understand that we will never know everything about everything, we can learn to receive new information and experiences with an open heart. Be fearless and fiercely open-minded to new experiences and perspectives. Never be afraid to try something, anything! Show up, keep an open mind, and you will be a life-long learnHer in every opportunity!

Laura 'L Cool J' Jones U S

A I R

F O R C E

Laura Jones is a fearless introvert and enjoys challenging herself to step out of her comfort zone. She served in the Air Force for 23 years of service as an Aerospace Ground Equipment (2A6X2). Her husband is also a retired USAF veteran and together have two teens and three lovable Pitbulls.

MentHERship - EducateHER

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HERstory

Strength of a woman.

Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Micaiah Anthony

It’s becoming more common to hear about strong women and the achievements women collectively have accomplished, women are still eagerly seeking to accept new challenges, adventures, and responsibilities. Women have rapidly proven to be valuable to the US Military but the military has been slow to adjust policies and procedures. Women were confined to working as cooks, seamstresses, and nurses in the US Military during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1941, their roles expanded with the formation of the Women’s Army Corps. It wasn’t until 1978 when women became integrated into the US Military, except they weren’t allowed to serve in combat. However, as of 2015, there are no longer any restrictions for what position women can or cannot hold in the Army. There are so many amazing women warriors to discover that have served throughout HERstory, yet I want to focus on two I have personally known and served within my 18-year Army career. Women continue to be strong, lead by example, and overcome struggles while serving in predominantly male institutions. There are so many different articles, books, and stories about different female veteran HERoes; I personally am fascinated with their reason they joined the military and their struggles they endured to fight for a place in the ranks. It’s a battle us women who serve continue to fight every single day. It might not be in the same manner and might not feel like it’s a big deal, but trust me ladies even the smallest fight and struggle is a step toward a better future for tomorrow's women who will serve.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HERStory- RememberHER

This is my personal account of HERoes I got to serve with throughout my time in the military. I carry their legacy in my heart. The reality is, some of these women don’t even know the impact they made on my life or helped me make different decisions throughout my career. When I first enlisted in the Army my very first noncommissioned officer deeply impacted my journey. Upon first meeting her, I was intimated. She was a strong, serious-looking Sergeant but turned out to be so caring and understanding. She made me go to the education center, complete my correspondence course, and learn the ropes of becoming a great leader. She also helped me on a more personal level, I was always able to talk to her and confined her no matter what. We both had little girls, who were the same age and she understood the struggles of parenting. Being so far away from family and friends, was a great blessing. Sgt. First Class (now retired) Constance Simmons’ guidance and direction prepared me for upward mobility. Thanks to her I am where I am today and I always hope I would have that kind of positive influence on any of my Soldiers. During a promotion ceremony for a female lieutenant from my unit, I decided that I too wanted to become an officer. She was being promoted to captain and her beret was lying there with captain bars stood out to me and made a big impression. The female colonel promoting the young captain made an even bigger impression on me. Later on, I worked for her in the same office during one of my deployments. She was surrounded by mostly male leadership but not once did she let anyone intimidate her or change her attitude. We all have our struggles so I know she had hers too but she never showed it. Always smiling, always nice, always helpful, full bird Colonel (now retired) Christine Gayagas.

Photo. Finance Team poise for Christmas photo while deployed. Col. Christine Gayagas in santa hat. Photo provided by Rosy Velez.

I know even today if I had any questions or concerns, she would be there. One of her favorite quotes is “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” by Jonathan Martin and she adds P.S make sure you know how to swim. It reminds her to set a vision, take initiative, and be competent. Those words she truly embodies and inspired so many. She is My SHEro.

If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it— just make sure you know how to swim.

Like the women before me, who fought battles to succeed and prove their belonging in the military, I had my personal and professional battles but fought hard to achieve my goals. I reflect back to that time as a specialist at that promotion ceremony often as fuel for my fight. Even though I was a single mother of three I earned my degree and I reached my goal. I commissioned as an officer and now have raised to the rank of Major. It required determination, focus, sleepless nights, and long days at work and at home taking care of kids. But at the end all worth it. My goal as a leader is to make the same impression on other females in the military. I believe in your abilities and want to see you achieve success in the ranks with me. I want to push you to believe in yourself like I was pushed and supported by so many.

We need each other, we have to stop believing we are in competition against one another and know the strength we have togetHER. Past generations didn't have female mentHERship while they served, now that 16.9% of the Army is female, there is a better chance that you can be a strong role model for our junior enlisted sisters.

Photo. Spc. Rosy Velez on the day she was inspired to become an officer in the US Army. Photo provided by Rosy Velez.

They need support when they are struggling, they need encouragement, and need to see other women leading the way, so they can aspire to greater things. Our HERstory is rich, yet still evolving and you can make a difference in how it is written. Let’s make a pledge to commit to one anothHER and make the force strongHER, more positive, supportive, and most importantly a safe place all women who serve. I challenge you to start today, what is one thing you can do right now to make our HERstory worth remembering?

Rosy Velez U S

A R M Y

Rosy has served in the US Army for the past 18-years, she is a Major currently serving at the Pentagon as an Inspector General. She is a mother to four amazing kids, two fur babies, loves running, cooking for others, and making a positive impact on her soldiers to thrive while serving.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HERStory- RememberHER

A CHALLENGING A CHALLENGING Having children is a blessing. Having children while on active duty is a challenging blessing.

I had my first child four years into my military career. I decided I was going to get out of the military and be a stay at home mom. When it came time to officially make the decision to get out, the memory of telling myself I was going to serve 20 years and retire when I joined the military kept flooding my mind. I couldn’t allow myself to get out. I loved being at home with my son but I needed to be at work working! I was fortunate enough to have amazing leaders that cared about their Soldiers and understood the “new motHER” transition (Fort Sill is a pretty sweet assignment…I am from Oklahoma, so yes I am biased). HERSTORY - Military MotHERhood

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)

BLESSING I didn’t want to be seen as one of the people at work that got out of everything because they had children. It is a stigma within the military and leaders seem to unknowingly cater to parents more than single Soldiers. I tried to ensure I pulled my weight within my organization – I was also blessed to have a support system close by. My family was always tHERe when I needed them (they lived 1 and 3 hours away).

J. Rodriguez U S

A R M Y

I loved (almost) every minute of my Army Career! I have had such great experiences and have met some really awesome leadHERS! I am grateful for the opportunities the Army has provided me and the experiences that have helped me grow throughout the years.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

About a year after giving birth to my first child, I was PCSing (Permanent Change of Station) for the first time. My husband received orders to Fort Bragg so I re-enlisted for Fort Bragg to ensure we were going to be togetHER. We had already decided to have two kids about two years apart, so as soon as we arrived at Fort Bragg we were pregnant with child number two. Being in a “field unit” I began to experience a different culture within the military. About four months after giving birth to my second child I was voluntold that I was going to deploy – in one week. I ended up deploying two weeks later due to my orders being incorrect. My unit decided to deploy me to replace a Soldier in anotHER unit who was coming home for compassionate reassignment. I had already submitted my Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) packet and everyone within my organization knew I was going to ROTC. Two Soldiers within my unit, the same rank as me, volunteered to go, but I was told that I had the most experience to work by myself. My unit chose to deploy me despite all of that. I made it back in time to start ROTC in the fall but I had to fight like hell to get back. After graduating from ROTC and commissioning, I went to the Financial Management Basic Officer Leader Course (FMBOLC) at Fort Jackson sans husband and children. During this time, my husband and I decided to get a divorce, tHERefore, I was going to be going to a new duty station as a single motHER of two very young children. I was scared! My first assignment as a new Lieutenant and I was going to be doing it alone. Luckily, I received orders to Fort Drum! Yes, I said luckily! My motHER-in-law lived about four hours from Fort Drum. God blessed us because she was tHERe at the drop of a hat if I needed HER to watch/keep the boys for me. Every long weekend we were at HER house or she was at ours.

I PRETTY MUCH ROCKED IT!

I was able to enroll my children in on-post child care due to being a single motHER. I would normally get off work at a decent time to pick up my children but I felt like those with higHER rank than me, and sometimes even my peers, would judge me because I had to pick up my kids. One day my Commander told me he didn’t know how us single motHERs do it because when he goes home he sits down on the couch to relax after work while his wife does everything. He said being a single motHER in the military was like having two full-time jobs. I was glad that he understood what it was like but the atmospHERe within the unit wasn’t as understanding.

My unit decided to deploy me There were a few Soldiers and Leaders to replace a Soldier in anotHER that understood. I gave my job my all and unit who was coming home for I GAVE MY I gave my kids my all. I knew what I was compassionate reassignment. I getting into and I did what I had to do to had already submitted my ensure that I was successful and that my Reserve Officer Training Corps JOB MY ALL kids had a happy, healthy, loving home (ROTC) packet and everyone to grow up in. Not going to lie, I think I within my organization knew I AND I GAVE pretty much rocked it! was going to ROTC. Two soldiers within my unit, the I deployed with my unit out of Fort Drum same rank as me, volunteered MY KIDS for nine months. My ex-husband and I to go, but I was told that I had agreed to let our children live with my the most experience to work MY ALL. motHER during my deployment. I was by myself. My unit chose to able to talk to my children every few days deploy me despite all of that. I and FaceTime with them about once a made it back in time to start week. I cHERished this time with them –I would ROTC in the fall but I had to fight like hell to get wake up super early so I could catch them before back. they went to bed. When we redeployed I was driving with my motHER and children in the truck After graduating from ROTC and commissioning, I and my kids kept saying “mom, mom, mom”. I slowly went to the Financial Management Basic Officer looked over at my mom sitting in the passenger seat Leader Course (FMBOLC) at Fort Jackson sans and realized they were talking to me. I am mom! I husband and children. During this time, my husband hadn’t been called mom much since I had been and I decided to get a divorce, tHERefore, I was deployed – I almost had to pull over and cry. going to be going to a new duty station as a single motHER of two very young children. I was scared! My first assignment as a new Lieutenant and I was going to be doing it alone.

If you're a military mama buy this book!!

Luckily, I received orders to Fort Drum! Yes, I said luckily! My motHER-in-law lived nearby and could help whenever I needed her help with the boys.

The Military MotHER Since September 11, 2001 over 300,000 women have deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq; 166 women have been killed during combat operations and more than 1,000 have been wounded. Moreover, more than 40% of military women have children, proving we can serve at home and at war. Mulhall E: Supporting she ‘who has borne the battle, http://media.iava.org/IAVA_WomensReport_2009.pdf

(U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Christopher Bowyer-Meeder)

I was able to enroll my children in on-post child care due to being a single motHER. One day my Commander told me he didn’t know how us single motHERs do it because when he goes home he sits down on the couch to relax after work while his wife does everything. He said being a single motHER in the military was like having two fulltime jobs. I was glad that he understood what it was like but the atmospHERe within the unit wasn’t as understanding. THERe were a few Soldiers and Leaders that understood. I gave my job my all and I gave my kids my all. I knew what I was getting into and I did what I had to do to ensure that I was successful and that my kids had a happy, healthy, loving home to grow up in. Not going to lie, I think I pretty much rocked it! I deployed with my unit out of Fort Drum for nine months. My ex-husband and I agreed to let our children live with my motHER during my deployment. I was able to talk to my children every few days and FaceTime with them about once a week. I cHERished this time with them – I would wake up super early so I could catch them before they went to bed. When we redeployed I was driving with my motHER and children in the truck and my kids kept saying “mom, mom, mom”. I slowly looked over at my mom sitting in the passenger seat and realized they were talking to me. I am mom! I hadn’t been called mom much since I had been deployed – I almost had to pull over and cry. After deployment, I attended Financial Management Captains Career Course (FMCCC) at Fort Jackson.. A few weeks after classes started I was struggling to find childcare. I would call my motHER and cry about it, I finally found someone to watch them temporarily but I knew it was a short-term fix and time was running out. My motHER and fatHER could move in with us to help out. Bonus, it was like having your very own husband and wife team at home – come home and the house is clean and dinner is cooked! We all PCSed back to Fort Bragg after FMCCC. I have had many opportunities at Fort Bragg and served in many After the IBCT, I was fortunate to be able to go to school to obtain my master’s degree at a local college. During this time, I was able to spend tons of quality time with my kids! From tHERe, I returned to the mighty 82nd Airborne Division, this time as a commander within the Sustainment Brigade. I had been looking forward to command time since ROTC. I finally had the opportunity to show Soldiers that tHERe are still good leaders out tHERe that actually care about them. I was able to ensure that all our Soldiers were taken care of, single parents, dual military with children, no children, it didn’t matter. I was home most nights for dinner. The BN commander was a mother of young children and expected us to make family a priority. Now, my kids are older so it's a little easier to navigate all my responsibilities. I have been so blessed to have jobs, leaders, and a strong support system that have allowed me to be successful and a present motHER. It takes dedication and motivation to push through the hard times because tHERe are definitely hard times. We somehow just figure it out and persevere no matter the obstacles in our way, it’s what makes us who we are –strong, successful women in the military. The best advice I can give is don’t give up, don’t be afraid to ask for help (tHERe are lots of genuine people out tHERe who want to help!), and fight for what you want. THERe will be times you have to be away from your children but kids are resilient. Set an example and show them how strong sHERoes can be!

HERSTORY - Military MotHERhood

Freedom Sisters Magazine

FoundHER

SHE STILL ANSWERS THE CALL TO SERVE.

BY KERRI JETER Photo illistration by Army Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti

As more women troops transition from active duty to civilian life, they face unique challenges. Here at Freedom Sisters, we have identified the following as key issues: lack of community of fellow women warriors, lack of financial stability or funding for business ventures and lack of personal development during the transition to holistically heal, lack of direction on how to use benefits available, in addition to the confusing resources which in turn are underutilized. And we wanted to do something about it, so we created this magazine. We collectively are very proud of our service and the legacy we stepped into, yet once we are beyond the uniform - most of us do not want to forget our service or want to pretend our ‘hooah’ drive is gone. Yes, we can hold two things at one time, God has created us in a very special way to grasp the hard with the good and hold the past with future opportunities. Our service is a part of our story and there is no denying that we bleed red, white,e and blue; and our scars are crusted over with camouflage.

We bleed red, white, and blue. Our scars are crusted over with camouflage.

Freedom Sisters Media, LLC is designed with you, our Sisters in mind. We amplify Women Veterans in everything we do.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

SUPERSHERO - FoundHER

Our mission is to inspire, entertain, and empower our community through authentic and diverse Women Veteran stories and experiences. Not only can you tune in to our weekly podcast, but now you can read insights into new ideas, new products, new opportunities - we will showcase amazing sisters each month.

Women are going to continue to volunteer to serve in record-breaking numbers; especially as we continue to see women being successful in nontraditional roles, as new opportunities in the military expand, and as we see the power of community collectively pushing back on the status quo.

The Freedom Sister Magazine is not your typical business magazine.

Yet, we are the most underserved group of business owners and do not have the same venture capital opportunities as Male Veteran business owners.

We don’t romanticize our military service or glamorize the process of business but explore the social aspects, culture, curiosities, offer inspiration, and most importantly offer a Woman Veteran perspective in every article.

We are leading the way with our magazine through innovation that significantly alters the way consumers learn about and supports Women Veteran Business Owners (WVBO) and Women Veteran Led Nonprofits (WVLN).

We See You, We know you, We are you.

We are combining e-commerce and the online news/knowledge-based industry as an all-inclusive, content-rich resource to be the bridge from WVBO/WVLN to consumers in and out of the Women Veteran community.

Women Veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the Veteran population. As the number of women serving in the military has increased, so has the number of Women Veterans who launch businesses.

We are leading the way in amplifying Women Veterans.

Photo by Sammi Haddler

Photo illistration by Army Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti

As a result of the pandemic, many Women Veterans have also felt the financial strain, even more so since we already stand at an economic disadvantage during ‘normal’ times. For every dollar earned by the average non-veteran woman-owned firm, the average Veteran Woman-owned firm makes only 32 cents and for every dollar, a Male Veteran makes in his business, a Female Veteran makes just $.07 in hers, According to a National Women’s Business Council study, published in 2017. The content itself delivers insights to new ideas, new products, new opportunities - we will showcase insightful stories that will be accessible via iOS, Android, or web-based platforms, literally in the palm of your hand, anytime you need to reference the information, we will be there for our readHER. We do not believe in telling someone about a resource, we are the resource and our readHERs will walk away with real tangible tools she can use to better her life. Our contributors give practical advice, skill-sharing, and knowledge that will support our sisters on her journey of social Vetreprenuership and how to build something powerful with no blueprint.

For every dollar earned by the average nonveteran womanowned firm, the average Veteran Womanowned firm makes only 32 cents. For every dollar, a Male Veteran makes in his business, a Female Veteran makes just $.07 in hers.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

SUPERSHERO - FoundHER

We have a section called MentHERship to also speak advice to the younger generation who want to serve their country. Since we have walked the walk, we want to be there for others who want to one day serve. MentHERship is an incredibly valuable need especially since women are still less than 20% of the military force. If Women Veterans are known for anything, it is challenging the status quo - we will continue to do that with our magazine. We will present information about culture change, policy improvements, and laws that affect Women post service and those who will one day serve. Life is more than just what we can do for ourselves, but also what we can do for others. So we approach our content with honest, matter-of-fact views, combined with a little humor. This magazine is for you.

Our FoundHER leading the way in amplifying Women Veterans.

This is only the beginning of a very incredible journey for the betterment of our sisterhood. Freedom Sisters Media is committed to unlocking your success through the empowHERing stories of Women Veterans.

Since we have walked the walk, we want to be there for others who want to one day serve. SUPERSHERO - FoundHER

Freedom Sisters Magazine

Photos by Sammi Haddler

erri Jeter, Freedom Sisters Media FoundHER and magazine EditHER-in-Chief served in the U.S. Army for 12 years. She served in a variety of roles from Human Resources, Public Affairs, Finance, Operations to an Instructor. Post-deployment, Kerri served as Ms. Veteran America 2015 which is an opportunity to showcase the woman ‘beyond the uniform’. Since her term as Ms. Veteran America, she has continued to advocate for her currently serving Sisters-in-Arms and Women Veterans. Kerri’s creation of Freedom Sisters Media is the culmination of her lifelong passions for media and sisterhood. Freedom Sisters is the perfect combination of skills learned during her time in service and her passion to amplify Women Veterans!

Mission: Mission:

Amplify Amplify Women Women Veterans Veterans

By: E.V. Moore

The only job that Kerri loves more than her military service, is being a mother. She has an unmatched love for her children and wishes to create a better world for them to inherit.

Leading this organization helps show her children that hard work and determination pay off—and, of course, that dreams can come true! In addition to her amazing children, Kerri has the best husband in the world and enjoys their wild adventures from farming to raising babies together! They share a unique bond of service, having both served this country together. They also share a strong faith which is the foundation that helps them challenge and reform the status quo, making an impact on the greater Veteran Community. Kerri is the epitome of the U.S. Army Warrior Ethos. She will always place the mission, never accept defeat, never quit, and never leave a fallen sister. Because of this, Kerri hopes to open doors that have historically been closed due to a lack of focus on the marginalized population of Women Veterans by spotlighting “HERstory” and sharing the important stories of Women Veterans. Thanks to her dedication to sisterhood and advocacy, once Kerri opens a door, we all know will stand by to hold it open until all of her sisters “file in”.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

SUPERSHERO - FoundHER

mily Moore, Freedom Sisters Magazine Managing EditHER served six and a half years in the U.S. Army National Guard prior to being medically discharged due to deploymentrelated injuries. Her primary military occupational specialty was as an Air Traffic Controller (15Q). Her additional duties ranged from being a certified bus driver to being a Hazardous Materials Certifying Official and a logistics assistant for pre-mobilization before her deployment to Afghanistan from 2010-2011. Having originally wanted to be an archaeologist, Emily studied Letters at the University of Oklahoma; however, deployment was a formative time that re-shaped her calling in life. After deployment, she began forging a different path she felt would make a greater impact. During the process of her medical discharge due to injuries sustained in support of her mission, Moore decided to go back to school and shift her civilian career trajectory.

Photo by Natalia Ocasio

She returned to school earning a second bachelor’s (in anthropology) prior to attending graduate school at the University of Florida, where she earned both her Master of Health Science and Ph.D. in Public Health. Emily wanted to join the Freedom Sisters team after hearing about the mission and that there was a need for another member of the production team. For her, the military solidified the importance of strong female friendships and a strong female support system. Being able to bolster her Sisters-in-Arms and other Women Veterans in this way is an important continuation of her service with other female warriors.

Let's get social!

Freedom Sisters Magazine

SUPERSHERO - FoundHER

Meet your

Freedom Sisters

WriteHERs

This incredible group of women represent every military branch along with a cornucopia of talent and diverse knowledge base. Our readHERs are sure to gain valuable knowledge directly from other Women Veterans that will inspire, empower and motivate you to live a full life beyond the uniform and continue to be leadHERs in the communities we call home. We may have stepped out of the uniform, but we still have many missions to accomplish and the Freedom Sisters Magazine will help you execute and achieve your goals, dreams and aspirations. We are women who served, experienced first hand the unique hardships and challenges as Women in the military and in business. We know our community, the struggle to start and stay in business. We want to encourage you to be heard, be engaged and prosper.

BY THE NUMBERS 5

branches

We are just like you.

different

272

years

Priceless

experiences service

Value

Here are the founding WriteHERs. (Last page from top left corner clockwise)

Aaliyah Al-Mahdi, Army Jennifer Ballou, Army Brie Burgett, Marine Corps Cynthia Cline, Air Force Diali Coll-Mercado, Army Lorraine Cuff, Air Force Linsey Daley, Navy Karin Evelyn, Coast Guard Amy Forysthe, Marine Corps Carrie Hammer, Air Force Amanda Huffman, Air Force Laura Jones, Air Force Susanna Keilman, Air Force Brittany Lara, Marine Corps Amber Markland, Air Force

(This page from top left corner clockwise)

Jessica Morel, Army Kris Morris, Navy Brandi Pett, Air Force Allaina Rapps, Army Andrea Rathbun, Army Jennifer Rodriguez, Army Elis Salamone, Army/Air Force Joanna Sweatt, Marine Corps Amber Valencia, Army Ana Valencia, Army Rosy Velez, Army Naviere Walkewicz, Air Force Annette Whittenberger, Army Jacqueline Zappey, Navy

LeadHER

LEADHER featuring Pamela Campos-Palma by Kerri Jeter

Vets for the People's Campaign for Justice for Vanessa Guillen (#Iam VanessaGuillen) work was one of three major campaigns in 2020-- they also worked on #VetsforBlackLives in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, and #ElectionDefenders, helping train veterans as volunteers to help voters vote free from intimidation or fear with joy.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

Super SHEro - LeadHER

Justice for SurviveHERs There is a battle all must-win, especially for women who served in the United States Military. You might be thinking, what battle? The Justice battle for Military Sexual Trauma Survivors and the victory to end the misogynistic military culture. The battle for justice to end the misogynistic military culture and protect Military Sexual Trauma Survivors. We fight because we have to and thankfully we have an incredible leadHER on the front lines, Pamela Campos-Palma, who started an

By now, most of us know the story of our fallen sister, Specialist Vanessa Guillén, and how the loss of this sister began the new crusade to bring justice to all survivors and overhaul the military culture, as we know it. Since the news broke, many other women (and men) came forward with their own personal MSTS stories bringing light to an often stifled and deeply disturbing culture within the military Pamela Campos-Palma has worked for peace, security, and justice for some years, so when the news broke about Spec. Guillén, Campos-Palma personally led a charge to shut down Fort Hood. Arguing on the basis that a military base should not continue to operate as normal when Soldiers disappear and are murdered,

organization, Vets for The People.

Photo provided by Vets for the People.

Campos-Palma took her stand. Some

In fact, a survey conducted by the Army

pushed back, saying it was a radical

Inspector General concluded in the summer

position to make, one woman against the

of 2020 found that 35% of women serving at

base often referred to as, “The Great Place.”

Fort Hood, reported being sexually harassed.

The only thing truly great about Fort Hood is the vast stretch of land it encompasses, 214,000 acres to be exact, which lends itself to easily making soldiers disappear “Standing behind the charge to shut down Fort Hood is not radical. That is good sense,” said Campos-Palma. “And what is radical, what is extreme, is that women are abused, harassed, and raped in great numbers, and nothing has changed.”

Additionally, Fort Hood officials report 26 soldiers died and another 12 Soldiers went missing in 2020. Military sex crimes and impunity is a systemic problem within the Department of Defense. Fort Hood is notorious as a base that has had a prominent criminal activity for years. It reached its peak of criminality, years ago, under the command of General Mark Milley— the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Photos provided by Vets for the People.

“Standing behind the charge to shut down Fort Hood is not radical. That is good sense."

Campos-Palma stated, “When General Milliey was commander of Fort Hood, it was at its highest sexual assault cases, suicides, and one of the first human trafficking rings were found. So this is a base that, frankly, has gone under the radar. And this [behavior] has become so normalized.” She continued by stating, “I personally feel that Vanessa should still be with us. There was a problem like this in 2014, six years ago. So for me, you know, what I often said is shutting down Fort Hood, in its most basic form was ceasing all operations and truly conducting an investigation.” Campos-Palma has given a third of her life to national security. She wants to live her life in safety and ensure others can do so in a country and world truly safe, not just cosmetically safe. In her words, “We have 800 bases, shutting down one base that in my opinion, is irreformable is not a loss,” said Campos-Palma. “Ensuring soldiers know that there are real consequences to military corruption and abuse, and stating we're not going to allow this any longer. That to me has more worth than protecting the egos of top military brass.” We saw droves of women coming to fight back and rightfully so. One major truth, particularly when it comes to women warriors, is that women have been fighters across every ugly point in history. Women have been right in the middle of every juncture of history, warriors for truth and justice, and survivors of unthinkable atrocities carried out by men in the name of war and glory. What Campos-Palma does well in her demands is to take a stance without yelling or screaming, a position that women often get backed into when standing up for themselves or a cause. "My philosophy is that we have a righteous rage, frankly. And the key, I think, is to know how to channel that rage and fuel it into action,” said Campos-Palma. There has been a long-standing struggle-cycle women have faced while serving in the military. The struggle has never been about the actual service. The struggle lies within enduring the misogynistic mindset and culture rampant within the military, as well as the cover-ups that occur when something happens that doesn’t align with the military values but does align with the misogynistic culture.

Photo provided by Vets for the People.

Here is what has been occurring among the ranks when a woman experiences MST. She tells her truth, reports the violence, makes a strong case about her attack, she follows the framework by talking to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, a Victim Advocate, or even military police. Then more times than not, she is not believed, a process of victim-blaming, mobbing, isolation, and retaliation begins—all the while she suffers again in a profession she chose because her experience is too hard for others to understand, so they put blinders up and push her out. Then she starts begging others to believe her, that her attack happened, she is not making it up, she needs someone to believe her, just one….and when no one does. She moves onto another unit or her perpetrator does and she then continues to serve in spite of the unbelief. Sometimes, this cycle repeats when women change duty stations. Women Veterans, at large, are busting out of a cycle that has been normalized for decades. We are at a point of reckoning in our country around corruption and injustice, and the Women Veteran community is able to make a path for change while breaking oppressive and abusive cycles.

EVEN THE MOST MARGINALIZED IN OUR SOCIETY HAS A POWERFUL VOICE WHEN WE CALL OUT THE TRUTH TO POWER. “Vanessa’s death comes at a time of such reckoning in our country,” explains Campos-Palma. “Gloria, [Vanessa’s mother] impacted me personally because she reminded me that even the most marginalized in our society has a powerful voice when we call out the truth to power. She called out Army generals, she didn't blindly trust them, in fact, we cannot confuse respect with tolerance for abuse.” The Guillén family’s public battle with the ‘big Army,” gained much support and traction among the Women Veterans community. One of the biggest keys in the movement was the power analysis by women veterans who are saying the broken system no longer works. "And that's what the Guillén family said: I want to call you on your lies, you cannot say that you love the troops and that you love women soldiers, and not be actually rectifying the situation and repairing it and taking personal responsibility,” declared Campos-Palma. This new rising in the movement for real justice for MST survivors stand on the shoulders of giants and women Veterans are no longer allowing themselves to be gaslighted. There has been a decentralized movement because women Veterans are no longer waiting for permission to take a stand for real equity. There's such a sense of hope, and not an idealistic hope but a real hope for real change. Most importantly, there has been progressing since Vanessa Guillén’s death.

“One major win is that the will and the power of women veterans. I just want anyone who's reading this to realize that what was achieved, what as built, just this year, has taken some organizations five to 10 years to build,” proclaimed Palma. Campos-Palma was part of an effort to create a petition for former and current military women, doubling down on the demands of the Guillén family.

And in a matter of a week, the petition had over 4,000 signatures from people in 21 countries and territories. A few weeks later, women veterans were delivering this letter to members of Congress on The Hill. We have seen that awareness isn’t enough to create a resolution. And the reality is that people just knowing rape is happening in the military has not been enough. Our Country needed to be held accountable so women Veterans went to the media and Congress. As a direct result, Congresswoman Jackie Speier introduced bill H.R. 8270 to the House of Representatives on September 16, 2020, and the bill was supported by another 102 representatives. The I Am Vanessa Guillén Act will fundamentally reform the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual harassment and assault cases in the military and empowering an independent prosecutor to bring charges within each military service. The bill will also allow service members who were sexually harassed or assaulted to pursue monetary claims against the Department of Defense, as well as require a comprehensive U.S. Government Accountability Office review of the military’s sexual harassment and assault prevention and response programs and procedures for responding to missing service members. “I got messages from people saying that this helped transform their lives, it brought real healing. Both, the legislative wins and wins on shifting the narrative, which we did,” said Campos-Palma. “For me, it's a win that we heal, and that we connect and that now there's a bigger ecosystem of fighters and advocates, you know, that are closely watching this bill.”

Unified voices are powerful and change is possible. A minority group can change the status quo and be successful when unified. In the summer of 2018, an article was published in Science, describing an experiment in which there was a shift in conventional thinking. The experiment identified the percentage that is needed in order for a minority to shift the traditional conventional thinking. And you know, that percentage is actually quite low at only 25%. So when a minority group can get 25% of the population to shift their mentality, big change can happen.

“The military, often, in order to make us good soldiers, strips us of our individuality and also cleanses us of any political opinions. And so it's a real journey for anyone that is still curious and inquisitive,” said Campos-Palma. “Whether It's Your diversity of experience, faith, or ethnicity; All of these are gifts that we cannot ignore, that inform our worldview and our fight.” Compared to our brothers-in-service, who are readily thanked and recognized for his service, women are underrepresented within the veteran population and have had to fight to be recognized. Women Veterans know what it's like to have our experiences erased; therefore, women Veterans are more willing to take greater risks and stand together in this particular battle to be seen and heard. Women Veterans are more willing to hold people accountable because frankly, we have less to lose than our male counterparts who have been rewarded for their service and turning a blind eye to the injustices doled out to us in a misogynistic system.

“I've noticed that it's harder for men to critique an institution that has given them so much valor and reward. And I know that there are some good men that are in the fight to end military sex-crimes,” stated Campos-Palma. “But I just want any woman reading this to never forget that which made us different is exactly what makes us powerful.”If you are reading this and want to tap into your own power, maybe a military sexual trauma survivor who is yet to join the cause and see the critical importance your story adds to the fight, Science (June 17, 2018) How minority viewpoints become majority ones https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/06/how-minority-viewpointsbecome-majority-ones

I asked Pamela to impart advice on how to get involved. “Oftentimes it can be overwhelming to come to a realization of injustice, also of our own pain. Some of the best fighters for justice are people who've experienced that injustice themselves. Unpacking has been a journey for me, a lot of folks are like, you sound so smart, and have all this figured out. And the reality is, it has taken me years, very hard years of doing internal work,” she said. “My first piece of advice is do not ever underestimate the power of internal work, to know yourself first, to understand your gifts, your pain, what you want to offer a movement is the first step. And then the second thing is oftentimes after we get past the overwhelm, please remember, you are not alone.” Since the steadfast fight for justice has been an ongoing battle for decades, there are amazing organizations that would be good to join to continue to shift change in the right direction. Pamela, recommends three organizations to get involved: Vets for the People: Is a political home within the Working Families Party for veterans, service members, and their families united in the fight for transformative change and raising our collective voice and skills through leadership development, community organizing, and movement building to ensure freedom and justice is true for ALL people. www.vetsforthepeople.org Not in My Marine Corps: Is an organization to advocate for survivors of sexual assault and harassment among military service members, and expose the pervasive behaviors and attitudes that have been ingrained by complacent and dismissive military leadership. They aim to provide resources for servicewomen and men to report harassment or assault, take action to help themselves, and stand up for others.https://www.notinmymarinecorps.org/ Minority Veterans of America: MVA is building an intersectional movement of minority veterans and allies. They advocate equity, respect, and justice for all minority veterans. MVA works to change the narrative of the American Veteran to include our memberships’ identities. MVA works with legislators to advocate for policies that improve the lives and well-being of minority veterans. https://www.minorityvets.org/

So much of 2020 has been revealing, especially in areas of inequity and healing. The battle rages on in the pursuit of hope and healing for MST justice. Hurt, pain, and trauma come like ocean waves, scary, overpowering, relentless and healing happens in droplets, tiny raindrops. We won't get the whole ocean out in a day, as the body keeps the score and the waves of trauma ebb and flow within you. But when you get a cup of that trauma out, you've got to dump it so you can move forward. As you slowly empty the trauma, cup-by-cup, you begin to move forward and gain momentum. This time, you join the fight and it feels like more than trauma being redeemed—it feels like hope and that keeps us moving forward. “I believe in us, with every ounce of my being I believe in us. I believe in our ability to shape our future,” declared Campos-Palma. “I can see the future and the justice and peace that we could have. It's what keeps me going now because there are some days that I want to quit but I'm like it's brick by brick. And for me to help inflict infectious hope and belief, so other people join in the progress, and then I'm not laying those bricks by myself.”There are major advances in this pursuit of justice, peace, and security that Pamela Campos-Palma leads. There is hope for a better tomorrow, a better force for tomorrow, and for those following behind this generation of women warriors leaning into this battle and doing their part. Super SHEro - LeadHER

Freedom Sisters Magazine

ASK Y

ou all get a chance every month to ask our feature guest some questions that you want to know. This month we featured Pamela Campos-Palma and you asked the following questions. Joanna asks: What was the defining moment in your life that put you all the way into action? When did you know that you had no choice but to put it all on the court? I was raised by a very strong single mom, a Honduran immigrant who gave everything to give me a better life. Growing up I experienced many powerful moments where she taught me that caring for others and fighting for what I believed in made an important difference, no matter how powerless or scared I might feel in the fight. She taught me about injustice and was always unafraid to reach out to strangers in aid even though we had very little ourselves. I think she best prepared me for the injustices, tragedy, and violence I came to see up close in our society and during my time in military service. She taught me to never give up on our humanity and ability for collective good no matter the odds-- that kind of worldview and hope makes putting it all on the court the only option. Jennifer asks: How do you balance activism and your personal life? I think activism is most powerful when it's rooted in our lived experiences and healthy relationships of care. To be an accountable organizer or leader I have to be grounded in my personal life. I work hard to surround myself with genuine, caring people who reflect my values, who teach and help me be the best version of myself, and most importantly who ensure I never feel like I'm on an island alone and who help take care of me when I forget. Sarah asks: Do you have any pets, what are their names? Luna, our little monkey-dog is a very special part of our family. She is the sweetest, full of personality, and takes good care of me when I'm stressed. Heather asks: When you take a breather, do you have a favorite place to travel? Guatemala is my favorite place in the world, so much so that I was married there! It's full of resilience, beauty, and a reminder of the best parts of humanity. I hope we can all come together to defeat this pandemic so we can travel again-- it was a very big part of my life. Becca asks: Does God play a role in your life and how do you trust him in spite of trauma? Throughout my life spirituality and faith have played a very big role. I grew up in the Catholic faith tradition and similar to the military, I had a complicated relationship with the institution itself. But without a doubt, at every juncture of my life-- whether personal hardship, trauma, or the hard work I've chosen to give my life to-- I've leaned on my spirituality and worked to learn about different faith teachings to strengthen my own understanding and practice. Next month we are talking to Monique Brown, LeadHER of Fob Hope, and Charlynda Scales, FoundHER of Mutt’s Sauce. Submit your questions to info@freedomsisters.com by 01/15/2021 and see if they make it into the magazine!

Super SHEro- AskHER

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HER NEXT

Mission

One Cup at a time.

By: Kerri Jeter

Many folks love and support Veterans, but also lack time and financial resources or struggle with the uncertainty of knowing if they are truly making an impact. One company has created a phenomenal business structure that is founded on empowering veterans to start their own business and every purchase made directly impacts a Veteran. And if you didn’t know Americans love coffee, in fact 64% of Americans drink it on a regular basis and 79% of coffee drinkers prefer to brew it at home.

Furthermore, America’s most common hot beverage consumed is coffee. So, why not support a womanveteran-owned coffee company and make your coffee pot happy as well. Carrie’s Brews Coffee Company is a proud distributor of Scars & Stripes Coffee, which is roasted in the land of the free. When you buy coffee from Carrie Beavers, you are directly supporting and impacting her life. At the core of the mission of this company is Veterans. As a result of some hardships, while serving, Beavers has struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and anxiety; she felt stuck in life. She discovered the business opportunity with Scar and Stripes Coffee. Soon after starting her own business she started to gain confidence and felt empowered. "The best part of Scars and Stripes Coffee to me is the camaraderie, and being a part of an amazing group of Veterans that want to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families all over the country, said Beavers. In addition to her successful e-commerce store, she has successfully partnered with Independent Grocery stores nationwide, was a featured product on the IGA membership website, and has been featured in over 300 publications as an independent coffee distributor. Carrie provides world-class care and customer service, her product ships quickly and provides great recommendations, tips, and quality follow-up after purchase. One thing is for certain this coffee is on a mission to impact veterans and encourage lost camaraderie, one delicious cup of coffee at a time. Try this delicious coffee today at www.carriesbrews.org. Our personal favorite is Green Zone, a smooth velvety, Painted Cup by Carrie Beavers. medium roast, with hints of floral, tropical fruits, milk chocolate, and caramel. Provided by Carrie Beavers.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HighlightHER - InnovateHER

Odyssey

There was always a YOU first. Start your investment there. Who I was as an individual, after the Marine Corps, was a mystery even to myself. The last 10-years had been solely about the Marine Corps with very little personal investment. I understood that I was accomplished and that I was valuable—I just didn’t understand why. What I did know was that I was still a Marine, wife, and mom, although I was unsure of who I was as an individual or how I could contribute. The Marine Corps had taught me how to fall in and take a position to benefit the team, but now my team was solely my family and it was up to me to take the lead and whatever responsibilities came with that role. At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter who I was, as long as I was in the matrix and performing a grind that provided the necessities for my team to thrive and survive. My family was relying on me. As my three children started to age into adolescence and I suddenly had more free time, I found myself idle, purposeless, and depressed. I would look in the mirror, completely unrecognizable. I had poor eating routines, I still wasn’t sleeping regularly (13-years post-Iraq) and my petite frame was a sloppy 185 lbs.

I was suffering and bottling up everything internally, and it was starting to show through negative physical attributes. Even the work that I was doing in Veteran advocacy was taking its toll on me. I was burnt out and in need of a fresh start. I had so much resentment building from working in veteran advocacy. I was tired of the cycle and I knew there were better ways to approach solving veteran issues. I had tried them with cohorts.

I had implemented and deployed these tactics on my own time with partnered resources and with veterans. I had volunteered to serve. I was frustrated that the state veteran resources community was happy to use me for services to help fill gaps but they didn’t want to listen to my assessments, results, or ideas on how to improve allocated veteran transition resources. I could be their workhorse however, that was where they wanted my efforts to end.

I challenged their status quo and I asked for accountability but it only got me thrown out of the “in” crowd.

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HER Next Mission- InspireHER

I was actually relieved, and I felt free for the first time in a long time. Even though I didn’t know where my next paycheck was coming from, I still had my integrity. The honor, courage, and commitment ethos from the Marine Corps disallowed me to fall in line this time and I started to feel the fire inside of me that would lead me to learn just who in fact I really am and how I am meant to serve. As human beings, we are designed to make mistakes. I, too, know it’s easier to fall into the fold and pretend that you don’t see rotten things spoiling around you, but eventually, the smell is too pungent and it will permeate everything around you until you actually dispose of it. We are imperfect but we are worthy of grace. It is what we do after having learned the errors of our ways that define us; not the mistake or error itself. My favorite Oprah Winfrey quote is, “When you know better, you do better.” At 42-years-old, I am finally proud of myself. I am constantly examining the errors in my judgment and improving myself through immersive learning. I am facing my fears head-on and re-falling in love with myself. I have freed myself from believing that there is only one way to live, thrive, and survive. There is real power in always doing the right thing whether you benefit or not and there is real power standing up on your own and being brave enough to stand alone if you must. My journey is nowhere near complete; however, I do know that after extracting the world around me and its judgment from my purview, I have been able to be exceptionally intentional with the fulfillment of my passions, purposes, and desires. That fulfillment has led me to some pretty impressive tribes and with tribal wraparound support, there isn’t much you can’t do. I am a multi-ethnic woman progressive Marine veteran politico mom of three, human advocate, storyteller, writeHER, and much more to come…There was always a YOU first. Start your investment there.

Joanna Sweatt U S

M A R I N E

C O R P S

Joanna is a champion for change and gives a voice to veterans in the political space. She served in the USMC for 10 years, currently lives in Arizona, and is a co-founder of Vets Forward. www.vetsforward.us

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HER Next Mission- InspireHER

MARINE VETERAN USES SO IAL MEDIA TO MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUEN E PEOPLE C

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HER Next Mission- InformHER

U.S. Marine veteran Elizabeth Hartman served nearly four years as an Arabic linguist and now finds herself building a business and establishing a loyal following of other veterans on social media channels. “Liz” as people know her currently works as a financial advisor for Edward Jones helping people develop retirement strategies. Prior to that, she was living overseas in Israel and working for the Department of State as a program specialist managing the Middle East Regional Cooperation Program based in Tel Aviv Hartman started her journey from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and served as a Leatherneck from 2011 to 2014 in Monterey, California, learning Modern Standard Arabic at a time when our nation was sending young, smart troops through the Defense Language Institute in case they were needed for service downrange. She’s married to an active duty Marine, Forest Hanke, and they are stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina, and have one daughter, Cora. Hartman has been posting videos and sharing her story with positive encouragement and tips for veterans out there searching for fellowship.

2011 | FAMILY DAY

2019 | THE WALL THAT HEALS BOARD MEMBERS

2018 | INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION

2019 | FAMILY PHOTO

Elizabeth Hartman served in the Marines from 2011 to 2014 as a linguist and was stationed at Monterey, California. She learned Modern Standard Arabic at her MOS school which helped her land a position as an analyst for the Middle East Regional Cooperation Program with the State Department in Tel Aviv, Israel. She served in that position from 2017 to 2019. She serves on the board for the Wall that Heals and is married to an active duty Marine, Forest Hanke, and they have one daughter, Cora. He is assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, near Havelock, North Carolina.

Hartman being named Vice Commander for American Legion Post 539.

Hartman was a part of a group of veterans who marched 22 kilometers with 22 pounds in November 2020 to raise awareness about the high rate is suicide awarenss.

Her on-camera presence is welcoming and warm and has caught the attention of other social media influencers and podcasters who are liking, sharing, and commenting on her content.

Q & As:

After she left active duty, Hartman graduated from University of Mississippi with a Bachelors in International Relations in 2016 and then went on to attend Penn State University and earn her Master of International Affairs in 2017. Her advice is usually geared towards transitioning military, entrepreneurs and veterans searching for their next career. She often incorporates analogies to professional football, the Cleveland Browns, in particular. She incorporates her charm, wit and sense of humor that delivers an uplifting and inspiring message. She has increased her following on LinkedIn by 3,500 followers in the past six months by consistently posting short and inspiring videos. Here’s her advice for creating content for LinkedIn “Be you. Be unapologetically yourself. Talk about the things you love. Share your passions. Be authentic. The rest is easy.”

How are you using social media to share your story? I primarily use social media to bring awareness to veterans’ initiatives. As the Vice Commander for American Legion Post 539, one of our biggest challenges has been recruiting new members, especially younger members. LinkedIn has been very helpful in reaching younger generations of veterans. What has surprised you about the response from people? The biggest surprise is genuine connections. Other social media platforms feel so forced and contrived. With LinkedIn, you’re building real, lifelong connections. There are a handful of people I reach out to on a weekly basis to discuss life and business. What are your key messages you’re sharing on social media? I’m primarily talking to transitioning military, entrepreneurs, and veterans about business, building wealth, and sustaining a positive network of supporters. How do you feel that your 'influence' has helped others? In November, we hiked 22 kilometers with 22 lbs, to bring awareness to veteran suicide rates. All money raised went to a first-of-its-kind project, which allows veterans to get a free dinner every month. I was overwhelmed with the support found on LinkedIn. Individuals I had only known through LinkedIn hiked the route with us. It was an incredible event, and much of it was from the network we had built online.

Amy Forsythe U S

M A R I N E

C O R P S

N A V Y

Award-winning multimedia journalist and military veteran with more than 25 years of experience in storytelling, public speaking, and multimedia content creation. TV anchor and host, global traveler, and adventure enthusiast, who loves to meet new people.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HER Next Mission- InfluenceHER

Doing a 180. Your military service is coming to an end and honestly, like Ricky Bobby, you are not at all sure what to do with your hands. Can they go in your pockets, now? Is it possible to have a French tip manicure Monday through Friday? Can you dare to talk on a cell phone while you walk?

Well yes, yes you can. But maybe you would like to get them dirty with opportunity. In that case, the Department of Defense has developed the DoD Skillbridge Program that may help you figure out what you want to do with your hands. This initiative allows retiring and transitioning service members to spend their last 180 days of active duty partnering with a civilian organization to gain insight, hone skills, and build their career network. The program is meant to assist with career readiness while also allowing individuals to reacclimatize to the civilian workforce. You may be wondering what that means and why is it important? After all, you are an exemplary professional. You know when to show up, what to wear and how to be prepared to complete any task in an efficient manner. But do you know how to talk to Sally in accounting about her fluffy house goblin (a.k.a. her cat) named Geoffrey? Can you make small talk about the weather as you pour your morning cup of coffee? And beyond that, can you accurately describe your skillset to a hiring manager in a way that is impactful?

If you’re feeling less confident, don’t fret.

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HER Next Mission- InformHER

This is why organizations have stepped up and opted to be a part of this process because these skills are imperative, as you transition into a civilian workforce with people who appreciate your military service even though they can’t always understand it. There are 438 Authorized Skillbridge Organizations spanning a large variety of industries. Pretty cool right? If you took your hand out of your pocket to raise your hand for this opportunity, there are a few things to know. First, you must have 180 days or less of active duty service to qualify to start the program. Second, as with much of life in the military, your commander must approve your entrance into the program. Third, you will continue to receive military pay and benefits. Be aware participation in the program can end at any time if the mission dictates. For a complete overview of the program, please visit, DoD Skillbridge. DoD SkillBridge. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2020, https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/.

Each year over 200,000 Service members transition out of the military. This map provides some useful state-specific data reflecting the total number of personnel who are projected to separate from a given state.

Andrea Rathbun U S

A R M Y

Andrea served in the US Army from 2003-2007 as a medic. She deployed as part of the 506th, under the 101st in 2005, returning in 2006. During this deployment, she was one of two female members of a security team. They conducted convey security, recovery, and QRF missions. Upon leaving the military she married her wonderful husband and have spent 13 years as a military spouse. Their household contains two wonderful daughters, three crazy dogs, and two fairly odd frogs.

Freedom Sisters Magazine

HER Next Mission- InformHER

Benefits for a healthier you. One of the advantages of military service is the tremendous number of resources at our fingertips. The challenge is where to find a collective list and resource page for all the benefits, programs, and support networks that are available. The team here at Freedom Sisters will be exploring various benefits for women veterans in every issue, however, here is a good list to get you started. A benefit that we all must register for is health care services at your local VA hospital. If we want to see a collective change to how we are represented at the VA registering at your local VA is the first step. Many of you may already have health insurance and you may never get seen through the VA. However, for the VA to get a full picture of women Veteran demographics, our needs, our concerns, and how they can better serve us, they need to know we exist, and we need to register in the system. If we want to change these systems, we must be a part of the solution, and registering at your local VA is one of the easiest ways to represent and be heard. The VA is working hard to provide safe and comprehensive health care services to us through women Veteran clinics and programs. In many locations like Washington state, the women’s clinic is in a different building away from the main clinic. If certain services like mammograms or obstetrical care are not provided on the campus the VA provider will give you a referral to see a local community partner for those services. To register at the VA all you need is your signed and full DD214, your military ID or government issue ID, and any other official paperwork you received upon discharge. The registration process can be done via mail or online and does not take long. According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, you may be eligible for medical benefits. You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, This minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true. You: Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or; Were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or; Served prior to September 7, 1980. If you served in the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. Explore more about this vital benefit at https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/.

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HER Next Mission- BenefitHER

Another incredible health resource is the Women's Health Transition Training program. Many women Veterans suffer longer in VA health care due to a lack of awareness regarding women’s health care services available through the VA. The Women’s Health Transition Training is an interactive and high-energy course taught by a woman Veteran who uses the VA health care system. The course educates transitioning servicewomen on how to take full advantage of VA health care services available to them, —including mental health services, reproductive health services, and maternity care benefits. (e.g., maternity care, cancer screenings, whole health, and mental health care services). The program's goal is to empower women to proactively manage their health care, to guide them through the military transition process, and to help them navigate personal health and wellness for the rest of their lives. Find out more here: https://www.va.gov/womenvet/whtt/index.asp. .Another valuable health resource is Operation Tohidu ® which is a groundbreaking retreat that provides care, support, and empowerment for female veterans and those who have experienced military sexual trauma. Operation Tohidu® retreats help veterans and active-duty military cope with post-traumatic stress, military sexual trauma, mild to moderate brain injury, and other service-related traumas, such as moral injury. According to its website, “Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit. Operation Tohidu® focuses on confidence-building, outdoor activities, and group discussion in a relaxed, positive environment using proven techniques for the self-management of symptoms, stressors, and responses. .“Today there are over two million female veterans in the U.S. Many are struggling with the effects of post-traumatic stress or military sexual trauma. These women warriors struggle to recover not only their physical and mental health but also their civilian or military lives,” said Brooksi Bootari, Director of Veterans Initiatives. “Their path is far from easy and many need our support. Melwood’s Operation Tohidu is designed to facilitate post-traumatic growth and drive or initiate progress on a participant's post-trauma journey. Operation Tohidu is run by veterans for veterans and it serves as a safe space to heal.” Find out more at https://www.melwood.org/veterans-services/for-veterans/operationtohidu/operation-tohidu-sup-andreg/sup-for-women As a fellow Veteran and a Nurse Practitioner that served as a health care provider while on active duty, I can not stress the importance of taking care of the only body you have, not just physically but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. As women, we tend to always be the caretaker for everyone in our lives and communities leaving ourselves last. #putyouroxygenmaskonfirst Not taking care of ourselves is a great disservice to our families and communities impacting the work we need to accomplish. Being your own health care advocate it’s imperative to your health. So, register at the VA and check out these programs to see if they're a good fit for you. Take advantage of all the benefits that are there for those of us that have served. Accepting and asking for help is a crucial part of well-being.

Elis Salamone U S

A R M Y / A I R

F O R C E

Elis Salamone was born in Puerto Rico and raised in CT. She’s an entrepreneur, a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and an Army/Air Force combat Veteran, she retired from the Air Force in 2014 as a Lt Colonel. Since her military retirement, Elis has continued working as a NP, speaker, coach, educator, mentor, and advocate. In 2019, she leaped into her entrepreneur’s journey as the founder of Empowered Legacy Consulting, Inc a business coaching business.

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Highlight Woman Veteran Emerging Businesses you should know about!

Blog Jennifer Ballou is the voice behind a Joyful Life with Jennifer blog, which supports her yoga and life coach business. On the pages of her blog, you will be inspired to find joy even in the difficulties of life. Jennifer is committed to helping women veterans and military spouses navigate life transitions while living a whole and joyful life, We love this blog because she tackles the hard topics many women face in their adult lives with grace, compassion, and kindness. This is a must-read blog: http://www.jenniferballou.com/blog/

Speak Air Force Veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is our feature SpeakHER this month. Lindsay is a real go-getter, with a plethora of experiences and life successes to help ignite passion and purpose in your life. She holds many titles, military spouse, pet mom, social worker, veteran, advocate, and queen. Lindsay enjoys speaking about overcoming challenges and finding hope in knowing there’s a greater purpose in life. She uses her own story to inspire others who may be feeling like they’re an imposter in their own life. Located in Georiga but travels to speak at various venues all over the country. What we love about Lindsay is she is honest, genuine, kind, and most importantly a faithful servant to Women Veterans. Book Lindsay Gutierrez today for your next event at: https://speakerhub.com/speaker/lindsay-gutierrez?b=s

Read After completing a 31 Day Deployment Stories Series on the Women of the Military Podcast, host Amanda Huffman felt compelled to write this book and go deeper into the 28 lives of women who raised their right hand and chose to serve in the US Military. On the podcast women shared their experiences of being deployed and the challenges they faced; things they did; and quite frankly, the series was very inspiring.

Click on book to buy today!

Amanda Huffman, knew that the focus for a book needed to be on the personal stories of women who served in the military. The first of many amazing provided to young women who have the desire to

to serve one day. Amanda Huffman is an incredible example of mentHERship and selfless-service to empowHER others with stories of Women Veterans. We love this book because it's full of stories beyond the history books and see how women are vital to the military mission. Get your copy today!

Shop MilSOBox is our featured Shop this month and we love the amazing boxes we get each month. We call it happy mail. Each month's box features four to seven thoughtfully curated gifts - a mix of bath & beauty products, home decor, accessories, helpful gadgets, inspirational items, unique gifts, and of course, anything patriotic delivered to their doorstep! MilSO Box proudly features products from MilSO owned businesses, Veteran-Owned businesses, military-affiliated businesses, and companies based in America. MilSO Box Owner, Kristin Miller is a USAF Veteran, Military Spouse, and mother of a toddler.

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If you are a woman veteran-owned business and want to be featured in our HighlightHER section, email us at info@freedomsisters.com

Podcast Do you like podcasts? Do you struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder? Do you like breaking down the walls of stigma? Do you like listening to badass, strong women take up the space they should? Do you have a sense of humor? If you answered “Yes.” to any of these questions, then The Truths We Hide, a podcast created by Annette Whittenberger and a production of A Wild Ride Called Life, is the podcast for you! Annette is a retired, disabled Army combat veteran who is actively working to break down the stigmatic walls of openly discussing mental health issues, including the topics of PTSD and suicide awareness and prevention. The podcast focuses on discussing ways to handle mental health issues rather than sweeping them under the rug. Whittenberger curates an environment that is not about surviving but thriving. Tune in weekly to see Annette help others understand that “it is okay to not be okay” and how “your mess is your message.”

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HINDSIGHT 20/20 The phrase 20/20 will probably never go back to being merely a reference for perfect

vision. After this last year, I think the whole world would be onboard as saying 2020 is

probably better associated with blurred vision. That was one hell of a year, and maybe it was really triggering for you. Between Vanessa Guillen and COVID-19… I’ve been triggered. I’m a survivor of Military Sexual Trauma and I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I know that most of you – much like myself- are SO READY for a comeback. Coming back to some semblance of normalcy, to the pre-quarantine weight, to kids being back in school, etc. We all want to come back from – and overcome - something… but how? We are badass women – no ifs ands or buts about it. We have done things most people cannot even imagine; we have seen, experienced, and achieved in ways even Hollywood rarely glimpses onto the screen. The saying, “Hindsight is 20/20,” might be right this time, because it showed a lot of us what really mattered. We’ve embraced the suck, yet the suck isn’t the whole story. I may be a WriteHER for this magazine, but we are ALL WriteHERS of our own story in this life. I want to share 5 R’s I’ve discovered that have helped to refocus my vision, and I hope will help you to rewrite your own stories in 2021.

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How do we overcome? 1. Remember

Unfortunately, forgetting the bad times doesn’t always help us. We need to remember our journey, the pain, the hurts… “The boxes in our basement.” Those memories we think we have dealt with by burying them in the ‘basement’ of our mind. For a long time, the box in my basement was abuse I endured in the fleet. I had reframed abuse as “less than consensual,” because I didn’t think rape was possible, so I buried it. The problem is if we don’t bring the boxes out and open them up, those issues still leak out into our subconscious. Unless we open, we can’t make room for, or correctly interpret, more positive and healthy experiences. 2. Reflect

Healing trauma takes reflection. For me, this was perhaps the most difficult part. Reflection means sitting with focused attention on the box we open. That forces us to interact with – not merely observe – the memory. It’s uncomfortable… Nobody wants to think about that. But when we sit with a box opened and reflect on its contents, we can find key pieces of the puzzle that may have been glossed over. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a well-known mental health expert and Neuroscientist once said, “Sometimes growth & healing requires us to go backward but deal with the past differently.” What were you feeling? What was controlling decisions and responses? 3. Reevaluate

It is vital to reevaluate the values and beliefs that led us to respond or act the way we did. Guilt, shame, regret, fear, anger, sadness… These are some key emotions that might come up. Emotions help us to recognize the internal. A rape survivor who feels shame might revisit the same situations because her subconscious is hoping for an outcome she’d have control over. What lessons might be discovered by reevaluating? Maybe that you want to be vulnerable, or that you recognize certain character traits in others that you don’t want in your future? I now know that those ‘less than consensual’ encounters… were rape. Through cognitive processing therapy (available at your local VA) I have learned to not take responsibility for someone else’s poor choices and that there are certain behaviors in people I won’t allow into my circle of trust. 4. Redefine

You have the POWER to redefine yourself. Move from victim to survivor, then to healer, and ultimately advocate; transform from toxic to tender. Whatever it is, use that pain to find purpose and reimagine your life. Just because we experienced hard things, doesn’t doom our future to keep us from a real life. I have overcome many toxic thoughts through R’s, therapy and counseling; and so can you. There are books and resources in abundance to help, but the very first step is to believe a better future is possible.

Refocus your vision and rewrite your story in 2021.

5. Redeem

Unfortunately, I wasted years of my life believing lies as a result of my experiences. I felt I was doomed, can you relate? I stayed busy doing the wrong things so I would never have to sit alone with my thoughts and let a reality I didn’t choose catch up with me. I rejected my inner self, because I didn’t want to face the reality of what happened- that’s not the story I wanted. But now, for the first time, there is real hope. I’m overcoming the impossible that once lived in my mind. With a great deal of work, honesty with ourselves, and the humility to ask for help when we need it… we can start to achieve our dreams and redeem our stories. I’m entering a chapter where my life is finally redeemed, the boxes from the basement have been decluttered. I will continue to clear space inside to store more wonderful memories. I choose to live my life with possibility and love. Cheers, Sisters to 2021 – the year of redeeming our lives and coming back stronger than ever, together.

Application: Remember Revisit the memory you want to redeem. Reflect on the details surrounding the memory. Reevaluate the situation to reveal the values it exposes. Redefine the pain into a purpose that gives you direction and allows you to

outline what is and isn’t important. Redeem your value and align your purpose to prevent setbacks, which will enable

you to spend time on things that bring meaning to your life.

Brittany lara U S

M A R I N E

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Brittany is a 27-year old Colorado Native, Marine Vet, and Siberian Husky Mom. She is usually off traveling the world, loving Jesus, and advocating for the outcasts. Brittany would love to connect on her Instagram page. @4thebrokenpodcast.

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THE SUBSCRIPTION BOX FOR THE LADIES HOLDING DOWN THE FORT AT HOME

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Your Faith

Why growing your faith is the only resolution to a great new year.

fter the year we’ve had, we are all ready to conquer our God-sized dreams and goals. We are determined to make this year different and far better than in 2020. This is our year! Our year to write that book, our year to make the dean's list in school, our year to turn that side hustle into our main hustle, but at what cost? Culture and society are yelling at us to focus inwards and to find the strength within us to make it all happen, but I am telling you to focus upwards and find the strength in Him who gives you strength. What if we started with our eyes looking up towards God? What if instead of focusing on the things that we wanted, we focus on the things He was calling us towards? What if we focused on being obedient to his will? What if instead of hustling in 2021, we slowed down and remained silent enough to listen to the Holy Spirit‘s promptings in our life? Imagine what would happen. Sister, stop trying to do it all while relying solely on your own power. You are strong but not stronger than the mighty God we serve. Do you want to achieve those goals? Do you want to make BIG things happen in this upcoming year? Make sure you are aligned with our Heavenly Father. If you want 2021 to be different, then the answer is Jesus. Growing your faith is the only solution to a successful new year. How to grow your faith. Recognize that no matter what, His purpose will always be greater than we can ever imagine (or see). Start by praying. Do you want to know what God wants for you? Do you want to see where He’s calling you? Start communicating with Him. Pray every chance you get. Pray when the kids are driving you up the wall, pray when you are on the treadmill struggling to finish that last mile, pray in the morning for God to show you the way.

PRAY every you

chance get!

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WomanWarrior - BelieveHER

Plug into a community. There’s no denying that we were created for community. While 2020 was filled with a lot of isolation and loneliness, 2021 doesn’t have to be that way.

Coronavirus may still be here but that doesn’t mean that we have to go through this alone and so I encourage you to find a church. Start streaming it online, get plugged in, and find your community. Church Community is instrumental in encouraging you and keeping you accountable and holding you up when you can no longer hold yourself up.

Read your Bible. Do you want to know how you’re supposed to live? Do you want to know what you’re supposed to do? Do you want to know how God answers? Read your Bible. You will learn and you will grow and you will have a lot more questions but your faith will be grounded in truth, not just individual experience. Step out in bold faith. Sometimes, God will call us to move, armed with limited information. Trust Him, and step out in bold faith. Is He calling you to separate from the military? Trust Him. Is He calling you to leave your job? Trust Him. Is He calling you to start publishing online? Trust Him. Whatever it is that He’s calling you to do, trust Him. Are you ready to tackle this upcoming year? Are you ready for a renewed perspective and strength? If so, then it’s time to stop the hustling and start turning our gaze to the God who controls it all.

Cynthia Cline U S

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Cynthia Cline is a veteran of the U.S. Military, a Military Spouse, and a momma to two. She has a passion for books, coffee, and Jesus, and a desire to share her story to encourage women. You can read more from her on her blog, A Faithful Step. Cynthia encourages and equips women in the area of motherhood, relationships, military life and Christian spirituality. www.afaithfulstep.com.

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You are more than enough In the military, you were trained to be both effective and efficient. Expectations were clearly stated. The chain of command and battle buddy system made it clear who should have demands of your time and whom you could ask for help if needed. There are very few instances in the military where you can fail as an individual because accountability is shared, as are success and failure. Civilian life is much less clear, structured, and collective which is why I find it to be a far more complex way of life. Why? Because when expectations are unclear and boundaries are porous, the construct of “less than” thrives. If you’re wondering what the construct of less than is, follow me for a moment. It’s Thursday. It’s been a long week. Your boss changed their mind for the millionth time on something this week which causes you to go back to square one for the millionth time, your pet/child won’t stop whining for that third straight hour, your significant other needs you to do something they are more than capable of doing themselves, and you are looking forward to that small cry you’re going to have by yourself in your car to release all these feelings that you simply aren’t enough. You can’t help but feel less than because if you weren’t then you would be able to meet all of these needs seamlessly. If this resonates with you, don’t worry, I’ve been there too. I won’t leave you alone in the place of less than. We all have our moments of simply feeling less than so don’t feel alone or ashamed. Often, this feeling sneaks in whilst we are distracted by the negative self-talk we are whisper-shouting at ourselves and it sits quietly in the corner of our brain, feeding on our insecurities and mistakes and slowly ever-growing. This is compounded by the fact that in our society, being a woman often means having a second shift—the household and family care duties that fall on women after a full day’s work.

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This means that women are already predisposed to having more demands placed on their time which can lead to this feeling of never meeting all of the requests others have of you. So, how do we stop this? Set yourself up for success by creating healthy boundaries in all aspects of your life! The truth is, you are more than enough. Read that again. You are more than enough. But, this can only be true when you reserve yourself for the things and people that should hold priority and are healthy for you. What do I mean by that? Well, perhaps you have a very demanding friend right now that is draining your energy, a superior at work with unrealistic expectations, or a child who is old enough to start helping with chores but you know it would just take less time for you to do it yourself. A breach in any of these boundaries can leave you overextended and failing to meet the needs of everyone, causing you to feel less than. This is where clearly stating your boundaries with others in your life is necessary. No one wants the piece of toast with jam spread so thin they aren’t sure what type of fruit was used. We all start off as a nice thick layer of jam but when we spread ourselves over too many pieces of toast, no one gets the best version of us and we self-fulfill the less than prophecy. Set up clear boundaries in your life and watch yourself transform back into the delectable piece of jammy toast that you are because you have always been and always will be more than enough.

E.V. Moore U S

A R M Y

Dr. Emily Moore is a U.S. Army National Guard disabled veteran, college professor, dog mom, and pun-maker extraordinaire. Admittedly, she spends too much time behind her computer screen but loves a good excursion into the great outdoors.

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A Journey to find Post-Traumatic Stress relief. For many of us, the transition from the military to civilian life can be a difficult one. Too often, reminders we would rather not have from our military service follow us long after our time in service is finished. The quest for “the new normal” begins while trying to manage old hurts, both physical and mental, in addition to our daily lives. I am one of those veterans and this is my journey to real post-traumatic stress disorder relief. As a result of my PTSD chronic pain, muscle loss, foot drop, neuropathy and personal frustrations with the Veteran Affairs system I have made it my personal aim to research alternative medical treatments that deviate from the “tried and true” standard treatments. After my divorce, I was at a point where I absolutely needed to find a way to manage my PTSD. It was just my daughter and me; she needed me to be better and I did too. I decided to hit it hard and I reached out to a PTSD expert I knew from my Air Force days, where I worked with him in England as a younger medic and he was someone I looked up to because of his immense medical knowledge.

Known to the Special Operations Group as the infamous “Doc Dougherty” I knew there were not many others who would know more about new, alternative and effective treatments for PTSD because of how closely he worked with it. He immediately recommended the Stellate Ganglion Block as a possible treatment for my severe PTSD with some pain-relieving properties. The Stellate Ganglion Block uses a numbing medicine that is injected on each side of the voice box. The injection quiets the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for “the fight or flight response.” It also helps relieve neuropathic pain, vascular pain, and anxiety; after reading many patients noticed an immediate diminishment of symptoms, I was intrigued. (RTI, 2019). Could something so simple really have such an effect so quickly?

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I was at a point where I absolutely needed to find a way to manage my PTSD. After polling numerous veterans who reported the rapid diminishment of PTSD symptoms, I had to try it. The VA referred me to the pain management clinic but much to my dismay, after my initial consultation I was found not to be a good candidate for the SGB; however, I was offered a different modality, known as a ketamine infusion. I was temporarily crushed. It seemed that the arterial blood clots that ended my military career also disqualified me for what I thought was my one and only chance to finally put a more manageable lid on my PTSD. Seeing my sudden change in disposition, my doctor explained more about why he felt ketamine infusions would give me similar results I was looking for with the SGB procedure. I still wasn’t sold. I still grappled with taking a medication that, as far as I knew, was either meant for horses or abused by humans. At first, I almost didn’t believe he was telling me about a real treatment. He went on to explain that only a few VA pain management clinics provided the treatment, he recommended a fourhour infusion session every six to eight weeks in order to see results similar to the SGB; furthermore, I might experience a sizable diminishment of pain. It turns out, and much to my relief, these ketamine infusions weren’t just for horses. The infusion is mixed with an anti-anxiety medication, which should have an immediate effect as well. Wanting relief, I reluctantly agreed to receive the treatment and scheduled my infusion. Though I was comforted by a nurse, who monitored the whole infusion, imagine being obscenely drunk at the VA while being hooked up to a handful of machines.

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For more than three years, I have managed my PTSD and anxiety with ketamine infusions. During that time, I found my PTSD is much easier to manage and I am able to better side-step my anxiety, as long as I maintain consistent intervals between treatments.

Additionally, though not all recipients of the ketamine infusion will, I experienced a small number of psychedelic side effects while receiving the infusion.* Thankfully, my nurse took good care of me, ensured I felt safe and when the treatment finished, she guided my wheelchair with ease to the curbside where my friend was waiting. I was informed I would not be allowed to drive or work for the rest of the day, which sounds fun, but I would come to find out that wasn’t and the side effects of the infusion would take several hours to abate. Though I must admit, I immediately noticed a drastic decrease in pain, a rare luxury, and noticed a decrease in my normal level of anxiety. The next day it was even better! The next day I noticed a drastic improvement in my PTSD symptoms, especially the flashbacks I normally experience while driving. The pain relief lasted for almost a month, far better than I expected. Best of all, I felt I could manage my anxiety better compared to past treatments and medications. Finally, the benefits outweighed the side effects and the antianxiety effects lasted six-weeks for me. It is important to note that treatment effects vary for everyone.

However, when I wait too long my body and my mind notice, which is a good reminder why I do the infusions and how much it has helped me conquer my daily life. Never would I have thought that a treatment I didn’t even think was real would be what helped me find relief and diminishment from my pain, PTSD symptoms, and anxiety. As inconvenient as it is to miss a day of work for treatments, I no longer suffer from my PTSDinduced daily sob sessions on my drive home from work, nor am I in so much pain that I uncontrollably shake. Continuing to research and being willing to try new treatments made me realize how important self-advocating was critical to achieving overall wellness. I am thankful each day that I am no longer my long-suffering self and that I continue to become healthier.

If you are suffering... If you are suffering, I encourage you to be your own best advocate, which means something different for each person. Perhaps that will encourage you to have candid conversations with your care team or family and firked, or seek out new treatments. I’m glad I refused to continue suffering in my pain both mentally and physically. *Pro-tip: If your care team decides this is the right treatment for you, I highly recommend a calming playlist to listen to while you are completing your infusion. Some of my favorite artists I listen to while I do my infusions are Lindsey Stirling and Lana Del Ray. Here are some additional links regarding Ketamine Infusions that I found helpful. https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/anxiety/ketamine-a-promising-noveltherapy-for-anxiety-and-ptsd/ https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/for_researchers/cyber_seminars/archives/2354-notes.pdf https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA620363.pdf RTI.org https://www.rti.org/news/new-treatment-ptsd-shows-promise-clinical-trial

Brandi Pett U S

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I am a medically retired USAF staff sergeant. Before I became my biggest patient I was a medic, EMT Instructor, CPR Instructor, and CPR Instructor Trainer. I am a single mama, and currently MVA’s 2020 Hot Mama of the Year Award winner.

You are NOT alone. “The Truths We Hide” Podcast was created by A Wild Ride Called Life, who shares people's stories of triumph and how they how are overcoming them. Tune in every Tuesday www.awildridecalledife.com/podcastepisodes

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Shero Activation

SHERO ACTIVATION

BE HER

Each magazine issue will close with an

activation page. We take little treasures from the content and encourage you to

live boldly, bravely, better. You got this!

1. Have fun and make a cake or cake truffles. We want to see your

creations. #freedomsistersbakeHER 2. Our HERstory is important and evolving. We want to

encourage you to reflect on your service and share with us one thing that you can do to better our sisterhood -or- tell us how

we can make the force safer for all who serve. #betterTogetHER 3. After reading She still answers the

call to serve, write down what you need

most in your business to grow. Marketing? Networking? Funding? Share with us on

LinkedIn and let's get you connected with an expert.

I am More

4. Do you feel like helping out the cause after than reading Justice for SurviveHERs? If so, check out one of the three Organizations Pamela Enough mentioned, Vets for the People, Minority Vets, or Not in my Marines Corps. Stand strong and fight the good fight. #iamvanessaguillen 5. Write this down on a post-

it note and hang it on the

mirror or the wall behind your kitchen sink.

I AM MORE

THAN ENOUGH. Take a pic and share to your stories on

Instagram and tag us! We believe in you sis!