Freedom Sisters Magazine | Oct. 2021 | Battles She Fights

October 2021 • VOL . 1 • ISSUE 10

•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•

-PlusUnique State Benefits for VetHERans You Didn’t Know Existed

•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•

•MAGAZINE•

October 2021 | Vol. 1 | Issue 10 Publisher Freedom Sisters Media, LLC

EditHER-in-Chief Copy EditHER

Contributing WriteHERs HER Life

MentHERship HERstory FoundHER LeadHER HER Next Mission

Woman Warrior

HighlightHER ActivateHER

Cover Photographer

Click to Subscribe

Letters to the Editor

Marketing Opportunities

Kerri Jeter Allaina Rapps

Aaliyah Al-Mahdi Diali Coll-Mercado | Carrie Hammer | Allaina Rapps Rosy Velez Kerri Jeter Jacqueline Zappey Amy Forsythe | Krista Morris-Tworek Joanna Sweatt | Cynthia Cline Jennifer Ballou | Brittany Taga Kerri Jeter Kerri Jeter Brooklynn Images LLC

Save 60% with our annual subscription 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, VetHERan, MentHERship, EditHER, SuperSHEro, highlightHER, WriteHER, FoundHER, LeadHER are trademarks of Kerri jeter.

From the EditHER-in-Chief Usually, by the time October arrives, I am so ready for the crisp air, sweater weather, pumpkin spice everything and my most favorite—Apple Cider margaritas! This year, has flown by so I am not quite ready for fall, in fact, some days I don't know if I am quite ready for anything.

But month after month, I get the honor of recording stories on our podcast (we just hit our 100th episode) and I get to read stories of my sisters-in-service and I regain strength each day to keep anticipating the unexpected and boldly continue down the path to uncover, discover and reveal your beautiful stories—in and out of the uniform.

This month we feature a nonprofit LeadHER that saw a need for homeless female vetHERans and did something about it. Jas Boothe in her vision to start Final Salute Inc. also created the first VetHERan competition, where the winner gets a crown and a sash—Ms. Veteran America.

WE learn more about her and her vision and her future plans on page 25.

Then we continue this incredible issue, highlighting the EmpowHERing Entrepreneur, Natalie Oliverio—the undisputed career champion for both men and women veterans. Her organization, Military Talent Partners is on a mission to cultivate, coach and connect veterans to meaningful careers after military service ends. If you don't know about her or her organization...go to page 31.

T H A T ' S

me!

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we have a vulnerable piece on page 17 about a survival story and how to identify abuse. If you read that and you feel like you may be in an unhealthy situation, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 en Español.

As always, it is my mission to help you reach your maximum potential in your own story with every article we prepare for our readHERs. Your life, your contributions, your hardships, your setbacks, your successes and your growth are the incredible elements that make your story uniquely yours and we all can learn from you.

Be brave, be bold, and most importantly—be beautifully you.

CONTENT

25

31 In every Issue Note from the EditHER HighlightHER WriteHER Connection ActivateHER

HER Life

Fall into Fun this Autumn: at Festivals, Celebrations and Outdoor Activities Fall is a time to take part in festivals ranging from German Oktoberfest celebrations, to harvest time activities like pumpkin patches and hayrides as well as spooky fun like haunted houses and moonlit mazes.

PAGE 5

MentHERship

HERstory

Recovery: A return to normal

Different Commands.

Different Challenges

Lower Stress and Save During a PCS

Military MotHERs have a lot to manage in addition to military bearing and responsibility when growing families. Every command presents new challenges for moms, read this article to find out how.

Domestic Violence: Leaving the abusive lifestyle.

PAGE 9

FreedomSisters Magazine

PAGE 21

39

13

35 LeadHER

Life and Happiness with Jas Boothe.

FoundHER

HER Next Mission

The Undisputed Career Champion—Natalie Oliverio.

A sit down interview with Jas Boothe, LeadHER of Final Salute Inc and Ms. Veteran America. Who still looks for ways to grow and leave impact.

Meet the woman on a mission to connect, coach and cultivate meaningful careers for veterans!

PAGE 25

PAGE 31

My top five favorite Instagram accounts (women in uniform).

Where to plant your roots: Unique state benefits for VetHERans that you didn't know existed.

Woman Warrior No longer Invisible Faith is more than believing in God. Fall feelings: Responding instead of reacting Operation: Love OtHERs

PAGE 35 FreedomSisters Magazine

PAGE 45

T FALL INTO FUN TH AT FESTIVALS, CELEBRATIONS AND FreedomSisters Magazine

Autumn is a time of cooler weather, making it a perfect opportunity for outdoor events and gatherings.

Read on for a few ideas of how you can make the most of this time of year.

Outdoor activities abound during autumn, and the celebration of harvest time is a great opportunity to visit a local farm or orchard to take part in familyfriendly fun like pumpkin patches, apple picking and hayrides.

HIS AUTUMN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

If you like hairraising activities, take a trip through a nighttime spooky corn maze or a haunted house.

If you prefer to be more of a spectator at events, check into hot air balloon races, like Albuquerque International Balloon Festival happening the first two weekends in October.

Enjoy traditional German fare, music and brews at Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the U.S. and in Germany.

Most cities and towns have an Oktoberfest gathering, but if you want to check into some of the biggest and best festivals, there are several locations that go all out for the German celebration.

A few of the larger Oktoberfest festivals in the U.S. happen in Leavenworth, WA., Tulsa, OK., Denver, CO. and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Or large food truck festivals happening in Chicago, Paramus, NJ. Sturbridge, MA. and historical celebrations such as Folklife Festival in Oklahoma, OK., or Ravenwood Faire, a Medieval festival in Clear Brook, VA. Fall festivities don’t end with the celebrations outlined here.

Check out events in your area on Facebook, Eventbrite and community calendars.

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

Recovery: A Return to Normal By: Diali Coll-Mercado

The last several months have been a whirlwind—the continued COVID pandemic, back-to-school, the return of employees in the workplace.

Many people may have experienced something traumatic recently. And many more are left to deal with the recurrence of past traumas as they face this time of chaos and uncertainty.

During a time like this, recovery is important.

But what is recovery?

It is not the same for everyone because people may experience different things they will have to recover from, such as those I previously mentioned or possibly an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the death of someone close or even a very serious vehicle crash that left them scarred.

FreedomSisters Magazine

According to Google, recovery means: A return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.

The action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost.

Therapy is sometimes required to help through the process of recovery and I recommend that traumainformed process, I myself, have used it and found it helpful.

I am not a therapist, but I wanted to provide some insight from a military perspective on recovery.

I wanted to ask someone who has been in the military for quite some time about recovery. Sergeant 1st Class Marilyn Simeon is not only a Soldier, she is also an entrepreneur and a mother to twins (“Twinkies”), to see how she handles this topic in her life.

FSM: Give everyone a brief introduction of who you are… name, age, job, status (married, single, etc) and provide your Army “short” resume (if that’s even possible).

MS: My name is Marilyn L. Simeon, I am 41 years old and I serve in the Florida Army National Guard as a Brigade Operations Noncommissioned Officer. I married my best friend from high school and have been in the military for 21 years. I have been in several units in the State of Florida and New York.

FSM: Do you have children?

MS: Yes, Sebastian and Savannah— six-yearold twins.

FSM: What does recovery mean to you?

MS: It means to be able to reclaim who you once were or what you once lost and to be able to come back more self-aware, wiser and stronger than before.

FSM: Have you dealt with anything traumatic while being in the army?

MS: Yes, I have witnessed firsthand the recovery of 9/11. I served in the New york National Guard and was placed on duty at ground zero.

FSM: How has the army been when you’ve had to recover from something since you work for them full-time?

MS: After 9/11, I deployed to Kuwait with the 719th Transportation Company out of Harlem, shortly after my return, I moved to Florida. As a traditional and Active Guard (AGR) Soldier, it was never mentioned. It Either has never been asked or perhaps deep within myself, I didn’t want to mention it in order to not have to talk about it. If I did, it would only be to a few Soldiers that later became friends that I felt I could confide in.

FSM: How do you feel women veterans are with each other when one of us are recovering from something traumatic— whether it’s the loss of rank, like a demotion or a loss of a spouse/child or something obviously affecting them at work or home?

MS: Based on the examples you have given, I have had similar situations. I have experienced a mixture of support when it comes to women in leadership roles versus my peers and subordinates and more of the support seems to come from my peers and subordinates

FSM: Do you use the resources made available to you through the army when you need them?

MS: Absolutely! I am always searching for more.

FSM: How do your children deal with anything you feel may be traumatic such as the year of COVID “2020”, or anything else you may want to mention?

MS: I have been fortunate that my Twinkies are very understanding even at such a young age. During difficult times, I have always explained things to them in an ageappropriate manner. I allow them to see all of my emotions and never hide my feelings from them.

I want them to be aware of not only what they feel, but what others may be going through as well. I tried [and continue] to instill in them that it is okay to feel their emotions, to express their emotions and feel safe doing it.

FSM: What is something you believe all women veterans should know to help get them through the recovery of any kind?

MS: I want them to know that not only are there resources for them, but that there are people that truly care and are willing to support them through their recovery. It all starts with you though, you need to be ready and allow others in, when needed.

Needing or reaching out for help does not make you weak, it only shows your strength!

It takes strength to acknowledge that you need help and reach out to receive it.

FreedomSisters Magazine

FSM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

MS: Something I wish I would have realized sooner is the importance of my physical and mental health first rather than my career.

FSM: Thank you, again, Marilyn. You’re amazing and I appreciate you as a woman, mom, fellow veteran and friend.

When I am feeling like I need to really reach out, knowing there is another veteran I can speak to makes me feel so much more comfortable. I believe what Marilyn says is correct, we have to be able to reach out because it does not make us weak.

Some resources for Veterans to find assistance: www.militaryonesource.mil www.warriorrising.org www.mentalhealth.gov If you are in a crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7—call anytime to 1-800-273-8255 or by TEXT to 838-255.

Never Alone Advocacy Organization is a PROVEN non-profit to help survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassments, domestic violence and abuse of power obtain justice and promote awareness for critical change.*

Click Here Army females who are sexually harassed are

Army males who are sexually harassed are

16X

60X

more likely to be sexually assaulted

more likely to be sexually assaulted

*within 6-months of engagement NAA was able to obtain justice for Asia Graham resulting in her offender being convicted and sentenced for 18-years despite her untimely death!

By: Allaina Rapps

Lower Stress and Save During a PCS

Moving in the military is inevitable, but don’t let the stress of a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) add an additional burden by emptying your bank account.

A fierce advocate on PCS reform, Megan Harless, created PCS Like a Pro and accompanying Facebook page that shows service members and their families how to navigate their PCS like a pro.

Know Your Entitlements

As an Army veteran and military spouse, Megan provides ample of tips on PCS’ing, such as moving with small children, checklists to streamline your move and tons more.

Chapter 5 of the Joint Travel Regulation breaks down the rules of PCS travel for service members, dependents, shipment and storage of household goods (HHG).

The Official DoD Customer Moving Portal details qualified entitlements you might receive. The site includes moving guides and a calculator to find your exact weight allowance for HHG. Don’t delay scheduling your HHG shipment.

Once you receive your PCS orders, the first thing you should do is sign into the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule your move. You can also access DPS from the DoD site above, under Schedule Your Move.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Army Emergency Relief (AER) PCS Assistance is currently helping soldiers affected by moving contractor shortages.

Requesting financial aid due to delays or cancellations is possible if a situation occurs that is out of your control.

Knowing what you're entitled to in advance, helps you budget appropriately and avoid overspending.

Ways To Save Purge: Go room by room and discard unnecessary items.

What hasn’t been used in over a year?

What furniture will you not bring to your next location?

Once complete, host a garage sale or sell items on Facebook Marketplace.

Getting rid of unnecessary stuff puts extra cash in your pockets, cleans up cluttered spaces and helps you stay within your weight restriction when it comes time to move.

Recommend going through this process three to six months prior to your move.

Boxes: Whether you're doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formally known as a DITY move, or a partial DITY move, you’re going to need boxes. Before spending your entire paycheck at the local U-Haul Store, try these options first.

Ask local friends and family if they have any boxes they want to get rid of Post on Facebook or check Facebook Marketplace. You’d be surprised how many people have moving supplies that are willing to part with Ask local stores. I used to get my boxes from grocery stores all the time and they are usually very sturdy. I recommend calling the store in advance, stores usually have specific shipping days and will crush their boxes on specific days also.

Lastly, if you are going to purchase from U-Haul or any shipping store, ask about their box kits. Often, box kits are more cost effective versus buying items individually.

Last Minute Items Thrift Store, Airmen's Attic, Army Community Service, Fleet and Family Services: If you find yourself in a pinch because HHGs are delayed or something was broken during shipment, don’t rush out and spend hastily. Every military installation has a thrift store or service specific program that might have those items on hand for you to have or borrow.

Personally, I have utilized the Airmen’s Attic in the past and got a bed frame, pots, pans and an entire dish set, which saved me a lot of money while trying to get situated somewhere new.

Pro Gear/Office Supplies: When shipping your HHGs, always claim your military working gear, which includes uniforms. These items do not count towards your HHG weight total.

Receipts: It’s easy to misplace items during the PCS process, especially when they are small. Designate one place to put all your receipts and either take a photo or scan with a PDF scanner on your phone so you have a digital copy just in case. Receipts are very important so that you don’t have to claim your purchase and avoid paying out of pocket.

Helpful Apps: The Army has a very informative app called Army PCS Move, that has an abundance of PCS info. The app allows you to chat with a live person from the Army Personal Property Office. The Navy version is called MyNavy Family, but it’s organized a little differently and doesn’t have the live chat option.

Next Duty Location: Follow PSC grades on Facebook to learn more about your next base of assignment.

I hope that you can now go into your PCS move with more knowledge, confidence and tools to ensure the next chapter in your life is smooth. And more importantly, with the extra cash in your hand, spoil yourself with a nice hot pumpkin spice latte or two!

FreedomSisters Magazine

In the past 25 years, there have been over 600,000 casualties of sexual misconduct in the Department of Defense, but only ONE military general to conduct a command-wide, worldwide investigation of alleged sexual misconduct.

Major General Robert D. Shadley (U.S. Army, Retired) has been a leader in the fight to eliminate the virulence of sexual assault and its precursor, sexual harrassment, from both military and civilian workplaces for over 25 years.

Major General Shadley's heroic efforts are documented in The GAMe: Unraveling a Military Sex Scandal.

He focused on three main objectives (1) find and care for all potential victims; (2) from these victims, find all alleged perpetrators and turn their cases over to a legal system outside of his chain of command; and, (3) identify to senior leadership in the Pentagon systemic changes needed to preclude recurrence.

Get an autographed copy directly from the publisher at www.shadleyeditions.com!

Two years after my divorce, I thought I was healed and in a really good place. I was a full time student at a women’s college at the age of 42.

I was grieving the loss of my step-mom, trying to raise teenage boys alone and began to prepare us all for my deployment.

I was a First Sergeant, you can’t be in this career field unless you have your stuff together, at least that’s what I thought.

Domestic Violence: Leaving the abusive lifestlye By: Carrie Hammer

So, because I was struggling to manage grief, school and motherhood I sought counseling from my college’s mental health office.

During one of my first conversations with a therapist we were discussing my marriage.

This question stopped me in my tracks and will always be a reminder of my worth and human rights, “Did he ever hit you? " “Once but I fought back and didn’t let him hurt me again. After that he only pressed me against the wall, or locked me in a room until I calmed down,” I replied.

This didn’t feel wrong, but she calmly, confidently stated “If anyone takes your freedom from you, that is abuse.”

My only response was physical, I could not process what this meant. I only cried the rest of the hour with her and she let me. In that moment I realized my entire 17 year marriage was abusive.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Upon further reflection, and counseling I have discovered and named all the ways he was abusive to me.

Domestic abuse comes in many different forms and can affect any socio-economic situation and often manifest in more than just one way.

Physical Abuse: The form we most often associate with abuse, this includes behavior such as hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, burning, damage to personal property and use of weapons.

Emotional Abuse: Intimate partner seeks control by name calling, insulting, blaming, extreme jealousy, humiliation, isolation and gas-lighting which is defined as a form of psychological manipulation to make a person feel like they don’t know the truth.

Sexual Abuse: Forcing someone to have sex against their will, forcing a partner to have sex with other people, pursuing sexual activity when their victim is not fully conscious or is afraid to say no.

What are the symptoms of Domestic Abuse?

There are the obvious signs and symptoms for physical abuse such as bruises, broken limbs, marks on the body and because of these physical injuries the victim may cover with long sleeves, scarves or more than usual make up.

There are also emotional signals for domestic abuse and they are not limited to agitation, anxiety, changes in sleep, developing a drug or alcohol problem, low self esteem, fearful and even talk of suicide.

It's really difficult to self identify if these are your symptoms. It is really important to hear when others suggest abuse to you, if it is suggested to you, please listen and ask for examples.

Symptoms of domestic abuse can present to physicians who don’t know your situation as other mental health concerns leading to misdiagnosis and error in treatment. This will perpetuate abusive situations and can feel hopeless for the victim.

Technological Abuse: Use of technology to control and stalk a partner. This is most common among teens who use technology. Monitoring interactions via social media, using tracking devices in a cell phone to monitor location, phone calls and messages and demanding to know passwords.

Financial Abuse: Maintains control over finances, causing a partner to lose their job, controlling financial assets or damaging a partner’s credit score.

Abuse by Immigration Status: Destroying immigration papers, restricting partners from learning a language or threatening to have partners deported.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Trusting a friend while experiencing domestic abuse is very difficult, you don’t know who will report back to your partner or who may discount what you are describing. Please continue to tell people who you have the slightest feeling of safety with, even if it is your physician and your partner is not in the room.

Once you have made steps towards leaving the abusive lifestyle you will begin to have some clarity on what occurred—it may take some time.

In my situation it took two years and another five years to be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the abuse.

If you are the person someone came to with trust, please believe them, give them space to tell their story or even the part of the story they are willing to tell. And if any part of that story tells you there is abuse please tell them—keep telling them.

Use words like I am concerned for you or the things you’re describing are not healthy situations and offer to help. Tell the victim the story back to them so they can hear what is happening to them.

Enlist the help of others, the more people helping the more there is safety and support.

There are many reasons to waver, one is that she may not be confident she can survive, fear or lack confidence to continue. She will need more support, patience and listening friends more than ever.

Leaving may be the scariest thing she will do, this is when leaning on others will be what she needs to continue healing and protecting herself and potentially her children, if she has children.

A two-year investigation by CBS News found roughly 100,000 incidents of domestic abuse have been reported to the military since 2015.

Many of the nearly 40 survivors who had reported domestic violence to the military and who spoke to CBS News described a broken system.

If you are in the military or a milspouse and think you are experiencing DV, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 en Español.

Research and resources are your best way to provide support and change what is happening to a friend in an abusive situation. If you suspect that a friend is experiencing abuse, start to do some research in your local area of what support is available, resources for her to review and consider.

Providing a place where she can store those resources, because storing in her home may not be the safest option, is one way to care for her.

It could take some time to make the decision to make changes, and when a decision is made it can cause wavering.

FreedomSisters Magazine

DID YOU KNOW...

99% of All Podcasts Make $0 PLAN | PRODUCE | PROMOTE | PROFIT FreedomSisters Magazine

By: Rosy Velez

Being a parent is hard and managing all the different challenges can be frustrating.

I have been serving for 18 years in the Army while raising four children mostly as a single parent.

When researching motherhood challenges, phrases like sleep deprivation, managing mom guilt, me time, why is my baby crying and most importantly patience are just a few things that come up.

Three were born while on active duty, two at Fort Hood, Texas and my last one in Germany. As many otHER women who have had multiple births, each pregnancy was a completely different experience.

Now throw the military on top of that and you can add sacrifices to the top of the lis.

FreedomSisters Magazine

My first experience during my pregnancy was simple and once I informed my chain of command, everyone was supportive. They all checked on me after I delivered her and when problems arose—they worked with me to find solutions.

According to the report, Access To Reproductive Health Care: The Experiences of Military Women, 37 percent of active duty women polled said they had chronic problems in conceiving or carrying a baby to term, while 30 percent of female veterans said they experienced infertility while trying to get pregnant.

With my second pregnancy, I experienced complications and went on bed rest at 28 weeks. I had my son at 33 weeks and he had some health issues.

He had to stay in the NICU for a couple of weeks. It was very stressful and the hospital staff did not make it easier.

I had him at The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood. Sleep deprived and ready to go home, the Colonel in charge of the NICU got upset when I did not call him Sir. Although the hospital experience was stressful, my company commander at the time was a great person and leader.

He even came to the hospital to check on us and gave me extra time off because of my son’s health and longer than normal hospital stay.

FreedomSisters Magazine

This was before the new Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP) that women get to utilize in the armed forces today.

After my son, I experienced multiple miscarriages and numerous doctors told me I would not be able to carry another child. As a military woman, I am not alone in this medical concern.

The rate of infertility among civilian U.S. women is 12 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Air Force is giving airmen who suffer a miscarriage a more flexible time period before they take their next physical fitness assessment, according to an updated instruction.

Many females worry about their career, the command climate and stereotypes when choosing to grow their families—unexpectedly or planned.

No one should ever make you feel bad about that personal decision.

I personally know several older females who told me there was never a good time; then it was too late to start a family and lived in regret.

This is a needed benefit for women who are in the Air Force, but it may not be enough to process the gravity of the pregnancy loss, here is a great article on where to find help after a miscarriage.

When I got pregnant again with my last child, I was expecting the same outcome and was preparing myself for the loss.

Around eight weeks into my pregnancy, I got called into my boss’ office. My military leadership questioned me about if I had anything to let them know.

FreedomSisters Magazine

I informed them about my pregnancy and my boss yelled at me for not letting anyone know.

I was a captain in the Army at this point and as I explained my private medical history to them, I became emotional and they dismissed me from the exchange.

Later I would learn that during a command staff briefing, my company reported I was pregnant, by name since I tested in the clinic on post. It was a complete violation of HIPPA and very inappropriate— I hadn’t even told my family about the pregnancy.

The mission will continue, adjust and your career might take a small break but it does not mean it has to end.

Do not let anyone ever decide what is best for you and your family.

One day, your military service ends, but your family will always be there.

•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•

SCAN QR FOR A

FREE The only monthly magazine for women who defend our freedoms! www.freedomsisters.com

FreedomSisters Magazine

Life a nd

e ooth sB

s s w e n ith i p p Ja a H

By: Jacqueline Zappey Photo by: Phelan Marc

The moment I met Jas Boothe at the Ms. Veteran America Competition I knew I had a lot to learn from her. Jas has won many awards for her philanthropy work.

She is an Oprah Winfrey Standing Ovation Recipient, CNN Hero, People Magazine Hero Among Us, YWCA Woman of Distinction and US Army Chief of Staff Outstanding Civilian Service Awardee—just to name a few.

Being a woman in the military and leaving service due to medical reasons, she was told to go to Health and Welfare, there were no services for her at the VA to help her get suitable housing.

She wanted to end the cycle of homelessness and provide resources for women who served.

And if that wasn’t enough, Boothe is a VetHERan, wife, mom and business owner.

According to FinalSaluteInc.org, the federal government estimates there are currently 55,000 homeless women Veterans in the United States on any given day.

Boothe founded her nonprofit, Final Salute Inc., in 2010 after being told there were no programs available to help struggling women Veterans like herself.

There is a shortage of housing facilities for women Veterans which oftentimes leaves them out on the streets or couch surfing if they have children.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Final Salute Inc. has three programs; H.O.M.E, S.A.F.E. and Next Uniform to help prevent homelessness for women Veterans and their children.

The H.O.M.E program stands for Housing Outreach Mentorship Encouragement and provides transitional housing, food, employment services and other support services.

The Savings Assessment and Financial Education (S.A.F.E) program supplies women Veterans with financial support and education.

The Next Uniform program helps Veterans transition from military to civilian life by providing business attire, makeovers and professional headshots are just a few of the items provided to honor their service and uplift their spirits during the annual event.

Photo to the right: Contestants from 2018 Bottom Row: Past Queens of the Ms. Veteran America Competition (left to right) Mary Ann Hotaling (2020), Naviere Walkewicz (2019), Kerri Jeter (2015) Molly Mae Potter (2016) and her mom, Ann Potter.

The Ms. Veteran America (MVA) Competition is hosted annually by Final Salute Inc. and raises awareness and funds for their programs.

The competition is a way for like-minded women to come together and join a tribe wanting to help our sisters-in-arms.

Starting a nonprofit organization isn’t easy but Boothe made it happen. She is fierce. She is determined. She is a SHEro to many.

Freedom Sisters: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Boothe: I am a former Army Officer who flips adversity on its tail! A spiritually-centered entrepreneur, Chicago native, disabled Army Veteran, cancer survivor, advocate, and speaker who gave over 17 years of service to this great nation.

I was left with lifelong disabilities from cancer, depression and major surgeries to include double-knee replacements and spinal fusion. I then found a healthy self-care channel through meditation, mindfulness and spirituality.

Freedom Sisters: What are your top three tips you would give women veterans separating from service to be successful in life?

Boothe: 1. Trust Your Intuition 2. Feed Your Spirit 3. Make Self-Care a Priority Freedom Sisters: What type of people should you surround yourself with to be successful?

Boothe: I don’t surround myself with people, I surround myself with energy. People can fake emotions and character; energy never lies.

Photo by: Phelan Marc

Freedom Sisters: What led you to start the nonprofit organization?

Boothe: In 2005, I was a single parent in the Army Reserves living in New Orleans. During my mobilization for a deployment to Iraq, my life presented seemingly insurmountable challenges.

That August, I lost everything I owned due to Hurricane Katrina but rather than succumb to my losses, I shifted my focus to my platoon whose lives relied on my leadership.

However, the next month I received a devastating diagnosis of aggressive head, neck and throat cancer and was unable to deploy.

I faced limited options, difficult choices and because of my illness, was discharged from the military. Yet, I would not go down without a fight!

In need of complex full-time medical care, a job and a place to live with my young son, I was told there were no existing programs for female Veterans with children and that I should explore welfare and social services just like every other single mother.

[I felt] America had forgotten about the women who serve, fight, bleed and die alongside their male counterparts.

I found these options unacceptable and was determined to not only find my own way but make a lasting change that would benefit others like me.

After extensive cancer treatment including radiation therapy that left life-long side effects, I was able to stay in the [Army] Reserves and immediately began looking for full-time employment and housing.

While living with my aunt in Missouri, I accepted a job offer from the Army National Guard and later returned to full-time duty in Washington, DC. My struggle led to my determination to ensure my fellow female Veterans had a resource in their time of need. I founded Final Salute Inc., in November 2010 as part of my commitment to Never Leave a Fallen Comrade.

Freedom Sisters: What advice can you give to someone looking to start their own non-profit?

Boothe: If you think abundantly, you'll find abundance. If you believe you can do amazing things, you will do amazing things. If you believe that you can live life on your own terms, find success and help people along the way—you will.

Freedom Sisters: Let's get to a fun question, tell us one thing about yourself that most people don't know?

Boothe: Earlier this year, I launched the newly created skin-care line, AJNA Awakening, www.ajna-awakening.com encouraging others to nourish their skin and their mind.

Freedom Sisters: Anything else you want to add?

Boothe: It does not matter if you are student, athlete, business professional or ballroom dancer, your happiness, success and well-being are directly related to your mindset.

Always, always, always keep improving, building, growing, learning and reflecting.

Following your dreams is imperative. You never want to have regrets. Starting a nonprofit is hard work. There is a lot of research, time and paperwork involved.

Promote your event on social media, with flyers and through word of mouth. The more excitement you create around your fundraiser the more success you will have.

A final tip from Boothe—focus your energy into your cause and improve it. If you put positivity towards your passion you can make a difference in your community and across the nation. Become an advocate for your cause. Shout it out on your social media platforms. Start recruiting supporters from online, in person and local business owners. Research other nonprofits with the same cause to see how they run their businesses.

Above all else—be yourself. As with any business there will be ups and downs. Stick with it and don’t give up on your dreams. You never know the impact you will have on others if you quit before you even get started.

You can find a guide that outlines the process here. The steps may vary state to state, do your due diligence in researching your state laws to begin your nonprofit organization.

Your first step is to identify a cause you are passionate about and list ways you can help. Create your mission statement and visualize how you will be successful in achieving this.

Networking is key. Introduce yourself to local businesses and community members.

Ask to speak at monthly meetings and share your nonprofit proposal with them.

Don’t be afraid to tell them you need their support.

Brainstorm fundraiser ideas: raffles, concerts and fun runs are a few that have been successful for myself and others. If possible, relate your fundraiser to your cause by tying in the theme.

Photo by: Phelan Marc

By: Kerri Jeter FreedomSisters Magazine

Photo By: Brandon HIll

Oliverio accepting a small business grant from Black Riffle Coffee Company Gives for Military talent Partners in August 2021.

For years military spouses and military VetHERans have been yearning to find meaningful work no matter where the military may take them or after their final mission.

Companies have struggled to understand the military lifestyle and have historically overlooked filling positions with these incredible assets.

According to Syracuse University Institute for Military Veterans and Families, 48% of women struggle in finding a career post-military service.

In 2018, one woman’s mission was to reduce that burden and by helping, our nation’s heroes find their career path—that woman is Natalie Oliverio.

Oliverio is a military spouse, vetHERan and motHER who has an unstoppable mission— cultivate, coach and connect military veterans with meaningful careers.

FreedomSisters Magazine

After her own service, Oliverio immersed herself in mentoring military members and fell in love with it. Before starting Military Talent Partners, Oliverio worked as a Corporate Recruiter across multiple industries and specialties.

Carrying over her skillset, her company has a 98% fulfillment rate and has helped connect more than 3,000 veterans and military spouses to meaningful careers.

Alongside partner organizations, MTP, provides mentorship, coaching and career discovery to help military talent realize their potential and define their professional goals.

Their extensive talent network has been organically grown from the relationships they’ve built, and their reputation is trusted by clients everywhere thanks to their authenticity and credibility in the market.

Oliverio’s for-profit-for-a-purpose business is so successful because as a mentor or MentHER here at Freedom Sisters, she understands who it is she is helping. Relating to everyone they work with at MTP is key in making the right connection between candidates and careers.

Therefore, finding a mentor is so important as you are transitioning out of the military lifestyle.

Not only are the services at MTP top-notch, but 50% of their annual revenue is dedicated to keeping their mentorship and career coaching for vetHERans, transitioning military and military spouses, FREE!

As a recruiter she realized first-hand how impactful the right career was for someone’s life—in fact it could even save a life.

When you break it down to the core—MTP understands putting purpose into collaboration with their clients, to help them figure out exactly what they want to do and where their passion and purpose collide.

With veteran unemployment at an all-time high, sexy titles and cushy paychecks matter even less.

When you’re unemployed, or underemployed it can feel as if you are dying on the inside and make you hate showing up to work every day.

Living in the Rat Race is exhausting and lacks true value or calling.

That’s why meaningful careers make such a difference.

“As a veteran, you have to tap into your vulnerability, because in the civilian world— your core values gained in the military come with you, but your rank does not,” stated Oliverio.

It is difficult to embrace the uncertainty of your next mission, many vetHERans feel the uncertainty is crippling.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Oliverio lived a high-stress corporate life for over 10 years often feeling underemployed and struggling to transition herself.

“I know personally, as a result of my own unmet needs I started Military Talent Partners,” said Oliverio. “I wanted to create a path to meaningful careers by pairing the magic of mentorship with full lifecycle recruiting services for companies that want to hire veterans.”

The bigger picture of matching military talent to meaningful careers is to eliminate one of the biggest catalysts to suicide amongst veterans - hopelessness.

Joblessness can lead to hopelessness, which can lead to suicide—over 30,000 veterans have lost their lives in the last 20 years.

Military Talent Partners is mission-focused and committed to results.

Tapping into the right partnership organizations is crucial to the successful recruitment of veterans, transitioning military and military spouses.

The potential is limitless in this dynamic group of talent as they connect with mentor organizations, corporate America, and other Veteranowned businesses.

Oliverio and her daughter.

Like anything in life, success happens with a team.

Services are 100% free and include mentorship, career coaching, interview preparation, resume review, and much more.

One of the paths to creating lasting impact is by collaborating with strategic non-profit partners like: Veterati, American Corporate Partners (ACP), Elite Meet, and Travis Manion Foundation.

All ranks, branches, military spouses, and gold star families are invited to discover their success with Oliverio and her team at MTP.

If you are a vetHERan looking to define a plan to meet your career goals, look no further and reach out to MTP sooner than later.

Connect with Military Talent Partners today!

The work Natalie has accomplished and will continue to do, at MTP is changing lives and the veteran community is lucky to have such a genuine and passionate champion when leaving military service and finding purposeful and fulfilling careers.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Instagram has been around for more than a decade but recently more and more military members and veterans have been using the app to share photos, videos and stories to inspire others and gain a following.

They are sharing parts of their lives that you wouldn’t normally see and attracting fans from around the world.

Some of those women are emerging as ‘influencers’ by showing their daily routines and what life is like in the military or on a deployment.

Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking service created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger.

FreedomSisters Magazine

In April 2012, Facebook acquired the service for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock.

Finding the right balance of inspiration and lifestyle trends without getting too political or overbearing is what attracts new followers and keeps people engaged and anxious to see what will be shared next.

Some people are ditching Facebook and just using Instagram to funnel their fans to this social media platform.

I’ve come across several women on active duty and female veterans whose accounts are worth sharing because they consistently showcase their military service in a positive and inspiring manner. They’re always honest and uplifting without being demeaning or detrimental to others.

Here are my top five favorite Instagram accounts of inspiring women in uniform!

Kellie Hall Hall is an active-duty U.S. Naval officer who graduated from the Naval Academy, competed in beauty pageants and hosts a popular podcast called ‘Missunderstood.’

She shares stories about her journey in the Navy, developing confidence and promoting a healthy lifestyle. She has more than 28,000 followers.

Tia McMillen McMillen is a U.S. Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer who also operates a resume writing business that helps people land jobs within the federal government. She’s also always sharing delicious meal recipes, lessons about family traditions and her cutie dog named Clover.

Margarita Chmykhalova

FreedomSisters Magazine

Chmykhalova is a U.S. Army Reserve critical care nurse and shares beautiful and inspirational content about her current deployment to Central America and outdoor activities. She’s passionate about preventing sexual assault in the military and shares stories about her travels and life of serving others.

Tomina Ward Ward is a retired sergeant major who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 20 years. She helps entrepreneurs learn the skill of professional speaking for the purpose of enhancing their brand awareness and increasing profits.

She posts content that empowers and encourages people to make meaningful changes in their lives. She has more than 13,000 followers.

Kristie Ennis Ennis served as a U.S. Marine and CH-53D helicopter door gunner and was wounded in action in Afghanistan in 2012. Since establishing the Kirstie Ennis Foundation in 2018, Ennis has issued over $70,000 in grants for nonprofits benefiting veterans, women, and the disabled population.

The foundation also runs outdoor clinics that help to expose underserved populations and minority groups to outdoor sports. She has the largest following with more than 144,000 followers and shares stories about her recovering from being wounded in combat, her outdoor adventures (climbing Mount Everest) and reflections about a life of service.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Amy Forsythe served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Combat Correspondent and currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer. You can follow her on Instagram at @amyforsythe760.

HER Next Mission

►

┃┃

►►

► ►

LIVE NOW!

HER NEXT MISSION

Podcast

Sign up HERE to be a guest expert on the Best Podcast for military women to start HER mission after the uniform.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Where to Plant Your Roots: Unique State Benefits for Veterans You Didn’t Know Existed By: Krista Morris-Tworek

1 Virginia 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

South Carolina Florida South Dakota Alaska Alabama Maryland Wyoming Missouri New Hampshire

You did it.

You have that DD-214 in hand and your commitment to the US Military is over.

Thank you for your service, and it’s time to move on (literally).

For the first time in maybe your entire adult life, you can create a homestead and settle down for a while. Wow, that’s a scary thought for some. More than two or three years in one place?!

Is that possible?

A detour to the Bahamas may sound appetizing, since you’ve spent the last decade or two serving your country, and you should do something to celebrate and relieve the upcoming stress.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Source: WalletHub

The transition from military to civilian life can be stressful enough with all the paperwork required; add in where to live during the next chapter of your life, and maybe now you’re starting to feel overwhelmed.

After the Gulf War (1990-2001), the majority of Veterans chose to live in Virginia and Alaska. So how will this generation of VetHERans decide to plant their roots?

Over the years, many lawmakers and former Vets have put benefits into place as a thank you for serving.

Collectively, states spend more than $6 Billion annually on Veterans and their families.

While many states will waive tuition and fees for state schools and universities (Maine, North Carolina, California, Virginia, Michigan, South Carolina, Alabama to name a few), that’s just pennies on the dollar for many states and these programs are widely underutilized.

From veteran’s license plates to tax exemptions to free hunting licenses—every state offers something a little different.

The decision on where to build your home post-military is wide open, however maybe these perks will help you make up your mind.

This article is all about some unique benefits of the most popular post-military states.

VIRGINIA Virginia has the lowest poverty rates and very low unemployment rates of Veterans. Boasting one of the largest Naval bases in the Nation, the number of Veterans filing disability in the state comes to more than $3.5 Billion dollars annually (2019).

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) has helped over 200,000 Veterans submit claims and appeals—and for good reason. If you receive 100% disability in Virginia, you are exempt from property taxes on your home!

If you’re a spouse or have dependent children, the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program may pay their tuition and fees at ANY state-support college or university for up to 36 months (applies to spouses and children of service members killed in action, missing in action, taken prisoner, or have a 90% or more service-connected disability from armed conflict).

The most underutilized state benefit is the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Transition Program.

The V3 program provides peer-to-peer assistance for Veterans and their families during the transition to post-military life including resume review, introduction to the Virginia Labor Market, connections with certified companies for employment, enrollment in GI Bill institutions, among a variety of other specific needs.

One last Virginia perk: if you have over 70% serviceconnected disability you can apply for discounted hunting and freshwater fishing licenses!

ALASKA If you decide to take up residency in Alaska, where the number of Veterans exceeds 10% of the population, consider visiting the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for a free camping pass. With all that beautiful sparsely populated land (twice the size of Texas), you could spend your first two years of Veteran life camping around the Aleutian Island chain exploring active volcanoes.

The most popular state benefit is actually the Alaska Property Tax Exemption. If you received more than 50% VA disability rating, this exemption provides a tax break on the first $150,000 of assessed value for a home. Also, as a Veteran you receive a one-time land discount/purchase preference of 20% off the purchase price of state residential and/or recreational land! Sadly, most folks never take advantage of these huge savings.

MONTANA Looking for wide open spaces in the lower 48?

Look no further than Montana and proudly display your Veteran designation on your driver’s license for only $10. While this benefit is the most popular, this state also offers free passes to State Parks and free hunting and fishing licenses for service-disabled Veterans.

In 2017, Montana initiated a new and unique benefit called the Honor and Remember Medallion for Gold Star families to recognize legal residents of Montana killed in action or classified as missing in action since 1939. The medallion is for surviving family members to recognize their loss and let families know this sacrifice will always be remembered by the state.

WYOMING Another state with over 10% of the population being Veterans, Wyoming also has the smallest population of adults in the United States so feel free to spread your wings and get some fresh air.

The most popular state benefit used in all 23 counties is the property tax exemption. Once you’ve claimed residency in the state for more than three years and have your DD-214 in hand —you can apply. There are stipulations, but if you end up not using this exemption on your property, you can apply it to any vehicle licensing fees.

If you know a Veteran who attended high school in Wyoming, but never received their high school diploma and served in the military instead, they may be eligible for an Honorary High School diploma. This benefit is widely underutilized and there hasn’t been a request in over three years. Check in with your fellow Veteran friends and family to make sure they aren’t missing out on this opportunity!

Where you will be buried may not be something you want to consider having survived any number of deployments and lifethreatening events during your time in service, however being a Veteran, you’ve been a part of our nation’s HERstory in a unique way.

Deciding how you want to be memorialized is just as important as deciding where you live out the rest of your days.

Did you know there was an Oregon Trail State Veteran’s Cemetery? Established in Wyoming in 1983, any Veteran with an other than dishonorable discharge can be buried here (along with the spouse and any minor children).

If you have 50% or greater disability you can purchase a hunting/fishing license for $8.13 (2020).

Finally, if you have a family member in the National Guard who has been mobilized or is deploying, you may be eligible for short term financial assistance through the California Military Relief Fund (CMFRF).

Quite frankly, California offers a lot of state-specific benefits for Veterans.

You can check out their website for a comprehensive list.

CALIFORNIA

1.58 Million is the number of Veterans who call California home these days (aka CalVets), and it’s not surprising considering how many large military bases line the coast. Not only does California offer a property tax exemption for disabled Veterans and unmarried surviving spouses, but this state also offers flexible financing options for any Veteran purchasing a home and includes exceptional fire, hazard, earthquake, and flood insurance. There are stipulations, but you can check them out here before you make the move.

It’s one of the most comprehensive programs offered by any state and applies to ALL Veterans with more than 90 days of active-duty service and an honorable discharge! There are also loan programs to purchase farms, homes, mobile homes, new construction, home improvement and rehabilitation needs.

California also offers waivers for: Motor vehicle registration fees for some permanently and totally disabled Veterans Business licenses/taxes for hawking, peddling, or vending goods in a fixed location Tuition and fees for dependents to state-wide colleges and universities.

FreedomSisters Magazine

TEXAS Texans love to hire Veterans and encourage starting your own business. The cost of living in the majority of the state is relatively low, and there’s no state income tax to boot. From 2019 to 2020, The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Claims Department assisted Veterans in receiving over $250 Million in retroactive payments through VA claims and appeals.

Sounds appealing, but there’s one particular thing I love most about Texas: Texas was the first state to establish Women Veterans Day as June 12th in 2017 (House Bill 2698).

Compared to many other states, the support and resources available to Women VetHERans is staggering.

The TVC Women Veterans Program (WVP) coordinates with government and non-profit agencies to ensure all VetHERans of Texas have access to equitable care and services.

This state does offer some excellent Veteran benefits for in-state tuition, property tax exemptions, expanded Veteran’s preferences and waivers for certain licenses and fees. Plus, there is no state income tax.

I recently caught up with Elizabeth Hartman (featured in HER Next Mission of our January issue) as a fellow resident of North Carolina.

Elizabeth filled me in on a new initiative for the state: “Currently, North Carolina is moving to eliminate income tax on retirement pensions.

One of the most unique benefits is Operation Outdoor Freedom.

This organization offers opportunities for wounded Veterans through events on state forest, agricultural and private lands at no cost to the Veteran. Events include fishing trips and various hunts (gator, turkey, deer, hog, etc.). You must have a serviceconnected disability rating of 30% or more or be a Purple Heart recipient to be eligible to attend. If gator hunting isn’t your thing, then consider moving to Maine for their Disabled Veteran Controlled Moose Hunt.

This bill can be tracked at https://www.billtrack50.com/Bill Detail/1315951. This would clearly be a game changer for retiring military, questioning where to plant their roots.” Right now, North Carolina offers tax exemptions for 100% service-disabled Veterans to a certain extent.

FLORIDA

NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina makes this list as I may be partial, since it welcomed my family with open arms when I transitioned out of the military. While the most popular benefit is getting a Veteran license plate, you can also purchase a lifetime hunting/fishing license for $110 if you received a rating of more than 50% service-connected disability.

Disabled Veterans are exempt from paying the highway tax on vehicles that are specially adapted by the VA to accommodate their disabilities. Let me tell you, this is an awesome benefit. That highway tax was an unexpected expense when I moved here!

North Carolina offers Veterans preference for state employment and credit towards several NC licenses based on Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is also a state program under the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services that can assist Veterans with disabilities in transitioning smoothly back to civilian life through demonstrations, device loans, training, and technical assistance.

FreedomSisters Magazine

NEW YORK There’s one last state you should consider living in if you received an other-than-honorable or general discharge due to sexual orientation, gender expression, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or military sexual trauma. New York’s newest state benefit is called the Restoration of Honor and through this program you can potentially have state Veteran benefits restored.

This does not change your official discharge paperwork but allows a review of your discharge and possible reinstatement for any New York state specific benefits. The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services is available to review applications and assist with this process.

"Let your roots grow down in Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

Colassians 2:7 PLANTING ROOTS If you have questions, ask your local Veteran’s Service Organization (VSO) or check out the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA).

Otherwise, you may end up in Nevada where they boast their #1 Veterans benefit is the state income tax exemption (There’s no state income tax in Nevada…).

If you’re still feeling discouraged on where to settle, remember Colossians 2:7.

Did you see a benefit you wish your state would introduce? Then make it happen!

Hit up your local government officials and propose a new bill for your fellow VetHERans.

FreedomSisters Magazine

le i v

s

l A

ng

ib

No

o

er In

documentary, The Invisible War debuted summer of 2012. I was recovering from the fourth reconstruction surgery on my right hand from a horrific band saw accident I had at work. I had been working as a butcher in a grocery store chain post-Marine Corps career, under distress from a failing economy; and this was all happening after having earned my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 2010, via my Post 9-11 GI Bill.

By: Joanna Sweatt

By 2012, I was 5-years transitioned out of the Marine Corps and I was silently suffering. Prior to the debut of this documentary, I had rarely spoken about the sexual traumas I experienced in the Marine Corps because I had conditioned myself over the years to push those memories away—even though the pain was seeping from my pores.

A dear girlfriend of mine who I grew up with and never served in the military kept up with me all these years. She was a true confidant and someone I had shared things with over the years related to my military experiences and although I wasn’t forthcoming with all my trauma—she knew me to my core from our youth and she knew I would need support once she saw the documentary being marketed.

It is important to note that during this time, I was in what I call a fog of service.

There are bad practices in the military as it related to culture and women and I had conditioned myself to never talk publicly ill of my experience or of the Marine Corps, because in doing so, that may somehow negate the positive values of my service. This speaks to the dangerous indoctrination process of joining the ranks of military service and how the perverse culture of extreme machismo and misogyny can breed.

Fact: An American female soldier in a combat zone is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. A culture of privilege and impunity has resulted in few prosecutions and the systematic isolation of women—and men—who dare report the crimes.

FreedomSisters Magazine

2012 to Present Day: How did a Groundbreaking Investigative Documentary about one of America’s most shameful and best kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the U. S. Military influence the MST Movement in the United States Military? One can deduce that, when The Invisible War was nominated for both an Oscar and Indie Spirit Award for Best Documentary, it was bound to buck the military justice system.

By 2014: Military Sexual Assault Reports jumped up nearly 50% from the previous year, increase defense officials said could indicate that victims are now more comfortable coming forward after a year of scandals shined a spotlight on the crimes and triggered months of debate on how to improve the military justice system.

And that’s where the #NotInvisible movement began.

Partnering with veterans’ groups, women’s advocacy organizations and policy experts, #NotInvisible initiated a grassroots outreach campaign targeting Congress and the Department of Defense to address this issue head on.

Dozens of screenings were held with policy makers prior to the film’s public release—resulting in then Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta pronouncing military sexual assault as the second most important issue of the military after the war in Afghanistan and immediately instituting significant policy reforms.

“One of the reasons why ‘The Invisible War’ was so effective: It put a face on this issue.

Those were real victims telling their stories.”

– Senator Kirtsen Gillibrand, The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell FreedomSisters Magazine

Since then the Pentagon has increased spending by hundreds of millions of dollars annually to hire and train thousands of more investigators, prosecutors, victim attorney counsels and victim advocates.

Additional reforms include: Increasing the decision to investigate and prosecute these crimes to the level of General Limiting the power of commanders to overturn convictions Keeping perpetrators separated from their victims Providing legal representation to victims Instituting an ambitious campaign to educate everyone in the military about sexism and sexual assault, including showing the film to hundreds of thousands of service members No other U.S. documentary in history has had this kind of immediate reach into an institution it has critiqued.

On the legislative front, the impact has been even more significant —the film spurred 5 congressional hearings and the passage of 35 new pieces of legislation on military sexual assault.

Although progress was being made in the U.S. Military concerning MST, many victims failed to receive due process—protecting aggressors within the service through extreme toxic pitfalls in leadership.

By 2013, Senator Kristin Gillibrand had compiled reports from research that led to the creation of the Military Justice Improvement Act (MIJA). It was designed to professionalize how the military prosecutes serious crimes like sexual assault and to remove the systematic fear that survivors faced when they report the crimes against them.

However, despite earning bipartisan support from the majority of Senators, the MIJA was unfortunately filibustered and the fight was still on.

They blatantly failed her and instead of admitting their wrongs and correcting the problem, they dug their heels in the dirt further and punished Ohu severely—discharging her with a characterization of service disconnected from veteran benefits, support and ongoing care.

Although we are celebrating a victory for our community, it is important to understand the history and acknowledge the fight—with the supportive players and the enemies of the cause.

The military continued to report climbing figures in reports of sexual assaults. By 2019, the Pentagon reported that about 20,500 service members had experienced some form of sexual violation. That was 37% higher than two years earlier.

Finally in 2021, major changes finally passed legislation. The bill gathered significant momentum due to developments in bipartisan support, the new presidency of Joe Biden and the findings of the 2020 Fort Hood report.

The recent and very public tragedy of Spc. Vanessa Guillen’s death by her aggressor on Fort Hood, rallied a public cry from women servicemembers and vetHERans across the world.

As voters, we are responsible for legislation that affects the worlds in which we have specifically played.

As more women veterans share testimonies of their service, the better the conditions can be made to ensure that those that come behind us are not perpetual victims of a broken system or a system that sees them as less than.

Slow progressiveness in our military has fostered a culture that women are no longer tolerating. Now more than ever we must lean in and turn our rally cry into a roar!

The testimonies of trauma were fast-coming and the public learned of more severe cases, such as Cpl. Thae Ohu, the Marine who had been confined to the brig, awaiting court-martial as a victim of sexual assault who had a triggering moment from her assault.

The Marine Corps opted to jail her versus tending to the crimes that occurred against her and never did they provide her protection, recourse or support during her time of need.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Check out the Justice Timeline of the Military Justice Improvement, and Increasing Prevention Act, here.

Do you ever question who God is?

Have you ever thought about what faith really is?

Have you ever been confused about the difference in believing and having faith?

If you said yes to any of these questions—you are not alone.

There is a prevalent ideology that believing in God and being a good person is all it takes to enter into the Pearly Gates. I fell victim to that belief for much of my youth.

I believed God existed, and because I believed, I tried to be a good person. I didn’t cheat or steal. I volunteered for different organizations. I was friendly and respectful to almost everybody. Surely that would be enough to get into Heaven? Yet, it wasn’t.

Faith in Jesus Christ is what separates us from the rest of the world.

It is more than believing in God, but in trusting in who He says He is and allowing scripture to transform us from the inside out.

Not too long ago, I would have told you I was a believer, but I wasn’t following Him. I was pursuing my own will and paving my own way. I wish someone would have told me sooner that I was doing it all wrong.

Sister, we’ve got to arm ourselves with His word if we want to have genuine faith. There is a difference between believing in Jesus and following Him. Where do you stand?

If you aren’t sure, or if you find yourself believing in a God you do not know, I encourage you to read your Bible.

When I arrived at my first duty station, I found myself walking into a church and, for the first time, discovered what true faith looked like.

Get started in any of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) or check out James. Discover for yourself that faith in the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ is what leads to salvation.

Surrounded by a godly community, I realized the God of the Bible and the god of my life were two different people.

Don’t allow yourself to get sucked into the generic belief of God, but take the time to discover who He is through His Word.

I thought I believed in the Christian God, but I didn’t. And even if I had, so what? Even the Devil believes in God, and I can tell you, he won’t make it into Heaven (James 2:19).

We are all called to be disciples (students of Jesus), but the only way to do that is to crack open the Bible and learn.

Believing in God, that is, to believe that God exists, is the first step, but there is more to it.

If you’re looking to get started in reading the Bible, then check out 6 Simple Steps to Studying the Bible on Your Own and download your free guide.

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

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

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

Contact us to share your story today!

Regular Features Her Life HERstory MentHERship FoundHER LeadHER Woman Warrior HighlightHER AcitvateHER

Be Our Next Covergirl

Want to share your story?

Contact FSM at: info@freedomsisters.com www.freedomsisters.com

Subscribe Today!

Let's get social!

feelings Responding Instead

of

By: Jennifer Ballou

Reacting

This is the second article in a (two part) series that will provide you with the golden ticket to emotional wellbeing. If you missed the first article, be sure to check it out here.

After becoming aware of your emotions and understanding where you might need help, you may begin to realize that your emotional reactions are due to your interpretations of what is happening around you.

Often instead of choosing how to respond to an event, you allow your buttons to be pushed and react with catabolic energy, which is draining and destructive, instead of anabolic energy, which is fueling and growth oriented.

It is worth mentioning that someone can only push a button that already exists.

For example, if you are confident in your leadership abilities and someone says something derogatory about how you handle an incident with a subordinate, you will most likely blow it off.

But, if you have been struggling in your relationship with that subordinate, you might take the comment personally and get upset by what is said.

In other words, if you doubt your ability in an area and someone reinforces that belief—your button gets pushed.

When your button is pushed, you ultimately suffer.

The good news is that there is a process to use when dealing with buttons: Stop before anything else happens.

Breath.

Ask, “How appropriate is my emotional response to this situation?”

What story am I telling myself that’s causing the upset?

What else may really be going on here?

If this situation comes up again, how will I handle it? What should I do about it long-term?

It may even be helpful for you to consider keeping a journal to record the situations as they occur, the emotions experienced, the interpretations made and what adjustments need to be made if the situation occurred again. This will help make longterm adjustments.

Remember that you do not need to show up to every argument that you are invited to!

Eventually over time, you can begin to identify which situations or interpretations show up repeatedly and explore how you want to handle them moving forward. You can even begin to consider how to create a new pattern that leads to more productive or positive outcomes.

If you have any questions or are interested in exploring your emotional wellbeing on a deeper level, please feel free to contact me here. I would love to connect with you!

SWEATER

Weather FALL FASHION

is here!

WHAT'S YOUR

Style?

CENTS OF

Style

Operation: Love OtHERs By: Brittany Taga October is upon us and the chilly air will start creeping in for most readHERs soon.

When the weather gets cold, it can become easy to turn inward.

Challenge yourself this month to turn outward and extend appreciation to those around you—creating a culture of love and connection.

There are many opportunities this month for you to step outside and pour into someone's cup.

Being kind to otHERs has double rewards—it blesses that person and it fills your emotional cup.

Take up the mission this month and turn outward, share, care and Love otHERs.

10/1: International Coffee Day Offer to pay for a stranger’s coffee at the drive-thru or bring some to the women in your workplace.

10/2: International Day of Non-Violence Consider donating to a local battered women’s shelter, or stop by their administration building to drop off a big box of donuts or cookies.

10/3: Mean Girls Day Plan a girl’s night in with your ladies to watch the famed film, and choose not to be actual mean girls yourselves.

10/4: National Taco Day Gather round and serve a homemade taco bar and margaritas, or head out to a taco truck and snap some pics for the gram with your pals.

10/5: World Teachers Day Teachers, what would we do without them?

Let’s show our teachers we appreciate them, send a thank you card to your student’s favorite teacher, maybe even include a gift card for a treat. Are you a teacher? Appreciate your fellow teacher and remind her she is doing a great job.

10/10: World Mental Health Day Be kind to yourself today, give yourself space to breathe when possible. Spend some quiet time and pray, reflect, rest, whatever you need to do to ground yourself and regroup.

10/11: International Day of the Girl Around the world, millions of girls don’t have basic rights like we do in the US. If it’s in your heart to help girls everywhere to thrive then consider donating to your favorite girl’s charity, buy some Girl Scout cookies, and find a way to celebrate and support the girls in your world.

10/13: No Bra Day Let them breathe ladies! Not a fan of the girls going in public without much support? (me either.) Swap your usual bra for one with a more comfortable relaxed fit, or try some nipple petals under your shirt instead.

10/14: National Dessert Day Buy from your favorite local bakery or support a veteran-owned bakery today and pick up that cheesecake you’ve been dreaming about.

10/15: International Rural Women Day Get out of town, maybe go thank a local farmer for their hard work or visit a girlfriend who lives in the boonies.

10/16: Boss’s Day Take time today to thank your bosses for their hard work and leadership! Treat them to lunch, or bring some cake to the office to say “We see you Boss”.

10/17: International Day for Ending Poverty Have some spare cash? Donate towards a program you care about that’s meeting the needs of people in poverty.

10/26: National Pumpkin Day Time for a visit to the pumpkin patch, hit up the corn maze, or go try pumpkin carving.

Get some fresh air, have some Fall fun, and make round, orange, memories. Or- just enjoy a slice of pie.

10/28: National Chocolate Day Time to pick up your favorite chocolate bar and treat yourself to a bite, or give someone that cocoa gold brick and make their day.

10/31: Halloween Instead of just handing out candy to the kiddos, how about handing out candies and positive affirmation stickers? Spread the love, be a voice that lets kids know they are valuable.

FreedomSisters Magazine

Highlight Read Grace & Mercy: A Devotional Journey was created from a desire for a fresh look at discipleship within the modern, busy church. The book explores the progression of the seed planted in a sermon: how truth gets watered, germinates, sprouts, grows and eventually bears fruit. Grace & Mercy demonstrates how to have a nourishing and flourishing spiritual life. A soft plot line meanders throughout and the book gently explores themes of communication, discipleship, positive expectations, and diligence.

Podcast

Shop SIFT & GATHER IS A CREATIVE CAKE STUDIO IN OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON. A FEMALE VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS. IT IS A TYPE 1 DIABETES FRIENDLY KITCHEN, RAISING MONEY & AWARENESS TO HELP FIND A CURE. A CREATIVE STUDIO THAT SPECIALIZES IN BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER THROUGH CAKE.

Are you a true crime enthusiast?

If you cannot get enough of Investigation Discovery, Snapped or any of the endless Netflix crime documentaries....then we have the podcast for you!

Check out the latest episode here from the Mama Margot Productions!

Please enjoy this excerpt from our highlighter WriteHER of this book!

That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what

is essential is invisible to the eye.”

de Saint-Exupery Antoine

Growing up, I had several jobs. The job I held the longest was delivering newspapers. When I was in seventh grade, I took over my older sister Karen’s paper route, which was a really good gig delivering to The Central Towers. I added almost forty-five new customers to my original route by just adding that one building. My next younger sister, Kristen (a sixth grader), shared the now-joined paper routes with me.

After school we walked together to Vincie’s, a small Mom & Pop convenience store, to pick up our stack of newspapers.

We counted and split the papers, tucked them into our single-strapped, cloth newspaper bags, and then raced across the street and through the six floors of The Central Towers, dropping and kicking the papers under customers’ doors.

We still delivered to our original customers who lived in regular houses. Their deliveries took much longer. Plus, December through March each year, we had to wear snow boots and trudge through the piles to reach people’s front doors. Our mom slipped empty bread bags over our feet to keep them dry inside our cheap winter boots.

Friday was our hardest paper-delivery day, because it was collection day. It took almost double the time and double the effort. It cost $1.25 for a week’s subscription to The Kane Republican. We knew all our customers. For the interesting ones, we made up stories to fill in the blanks about what we didn’t know. It became a game. Each house held a family, and each family held a story. To this day, Kristen and I share a nickname back and forth of “Derm,” because of our near-perfect impersonation of Mrs. McDermott. She lived in an extravagant house near Vincie’s. Mrs. McDermott had a matching extravagant personality. When I finished graduate school, Kristen gave me an engraved frame that read, “Doctor Derm.” Some childhood memories stay strong despite the typical fade of time.

Kristen made a special friendship with Rosie Bonadio, an Italian woman in her eighties, barely five feet tall. Rosie sat in her wheelchair inside her little apartment at The Central Towers. She listened to an FM radio. Rosie loved music. She also loved for Krissy to sit with her and share stories. In turn, Kristen loved Rosie. I knew that was true because Krissy rarely sat still. She was packed with springs like a kangaroo. Sitting still took lots of control. And finding that control took even more control.

While they visited, I ran my own kangaroo self to our grandparents’ house just over the hill and across the railroad tracks. When I got to Grammie’s candy dish, I took a few extra orange gumdrops. If Kris and I showed up together, she would oversee things with, “Why, you two share and see that you only take two pieces each.” I suppose when you raise ten children, you never stop refereeing for fairness.

Kristen would tell Rosie things that happened at school. If there was a bad ending (someone getting in trouble) Rosie would sigh and smile and say, “well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.” Rosie never seemed troubled. She accepted life on life’s terms. Her eyes sparkled even when her brow was furrowed trying to understand why so-and-so-middle-schooler would do something silly or foolish or even downright dangerous.

Rosie asked questions. Curiosity was her special gift; she inquired about things and people and ideas and what was going on over at Vincie’s that day. Filling in the gaps of the story, Kristen and I said that Rosie and Vincie were boyfriend and girlfriend. They were about the same age. Rosie’s false teeth clinked together when she said, “that’s the way the cookie crumbles.” Krissy used to imitate Rosie saying that. I went with Kris to visit Rosie on Fridays so I could hear for myself. I doubt we fully understood the such is life meaning of the idiom, but we certainly visualized the misfortune of a cookie crumbling.

After Rosie gave us her dollar and quarter, we sat and talked. I told Rosie about Drew, the browneyed Italian boy at school. I liked him. He ignored me half the time and teased me the other half.

Turned out that Drew liked my best friend Tosha. She had bright yellow hair and was allowed to wear eye-liner. Grammie called her a fashion plate. Drew was taking Tosha to the Snow Ball Dance.

Unburdening my heart, I told Rosie everything. Her stillness and affirming presence made me feel safe. Sure enough, Rosie looked me straight in the eye (hers twinkling), nodded her white curlyhaired head, and said, “that’s the way the cookie crumbles.” I felt better for having put words around the drama of the me-Drew-Tosha triangle. Kristen was more interested to know. “Did you hear it?”

Yes, I heard it. I thought that maybe when they’re not your own teeth, you’re clumsier, and they clunk. That’s what I told Kristen. She believed me.

Old folks sit still, look you in the eye, and listen. They have lots of time to practice so they get good at it. Rosie was in a wheelchair, so she had extra training. She didn’t worry about what Krissy or I thought of her. She was too busy thinking about us. That made her genuinely interested in our stories.

My pastor, Chris, reminded me of Rosie. Not the wheelchair or false teeth, just the sitting still with curiosity running strong. Pastors are like the elderly. Or perhaps the elderly are like pastors. They sit still, offer their bright eyes, wise hearts, and undivided attention to each crumbling-cookie story.

Old folks sit still, look you in the eye, and listen. They have lots of time to practice so they get good at it. Rosie was in a wheelchair, so she had extra training. She didn’t worry about what Krissy or I thought of her. She was too busy thinking about us. That made her genuinely interested in our stories.

My pastor, Chris, reminded me of Rosie. Not the wheelchair or false teeth, just the sitting still with curiosity running strong. Pastors are like the elderly. Or perhaps the elderly are like pastors.

They sit still, offer their bright eyes, wise hearts, and undivided attention to each crumbling-cookie story.

While Pastor Chris and I met about writing our book (Grace & Mercy), he sat, listened, and spoke with curiosity about people and things and ideas. Earlier today we met and he reflected on his work as a pastor and thinking about church culture in America. He suspected that by the time folks buckle their seatbelts and exit the church parking lot, many have forgotten the sermon. They turn on their radios and chatter about what restaurant to go to and what time football starts.

Had Chris been an engineer, he would have had the advantage of seeing results of his work in the physical realm. Engineers work from and toward straight angles, squares, and plumb lines. Feedback comes from positive and negative results and engineers can modify their efforts based on perceivable data. Chris talked about the differences between an engineer and a pastor. I understood what he was saying. I kept nodding. He was on to something. And then, Chris spotted a shining similarity with his work and the engineer’s: offering order in exchange for chaos. And there it was, a glimmer of a shared purpose between the otherwise divergent careers. Being an engineer and being a pastor were linked in their purpose of creating order out of chaos.

I thought about carpentry and how it’s like engineering. I thought about Jesus, the carpenter. It is an unmistakable wink from God to send Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, in human likeness to practice the trade of carpentry. Likely Jesus would have first submitted to his dad, Joseph’s teaching and training. He would have been Joseph’s apprentice. That makes me smile. Jesus: the original “Undercover Boss.”

Jesus, humbly worked with His hands, creating, and building and likely, as all carpenters do, rebuilding and repairing broken things. Profoundly and providentially, Jesus’ earthly vocation as a carpenter represented what He was doing in the invisible, eternal world. Talk about exchanging chaos for order! Talk about a perfect plumb line!

I imagined Jesus talking to a potential customer, “Well, the demolition work here will be extensive, but yes, with your permission, I can rebuild your house. This current ground seems a little sandy, and I foresee some storms and high winds coming your way. May I suggest moving to more solid ground?”

“And how much is this demo, relocation, and rebuild going to cost me?” the customer would ask.

“Not a single denarius. I will do it as a free gift to you. Do you believe in Me? Do you believe that I can do this work?” would come Jesus’ reply.

Chris has long understood that his work happens on life’s unseen platform. But every now and again, engineer envy manifests. I understand that longing to see and know what reconstruction work is happening on the inside. I think every parent or teacher reaches a similar reflection point when the desire emerges to know if what you’re doing is actually working and if you’re building something that will last. Seeing the interior scaffold of godly character taking shape requires spiritual eyes.

The construction of that scaffold takes a parent and pastor partnership. Hopefully, that pastor is like Chris, willing to work diligently, building sermon by sermon, week after week. Pastoring requires commitment to the long haul. Pastoring is like a Friday newspaper collection day in a blizzard with no bread bags on your freezing feet. You have to stick it out and receive encouragement when offered.

Perhaps you meet a Rosie Bonadio in a cozy, high rise tower and get to sit still and clear your thoughts.

Chris smiled, stroked his goatee, and told me about a particular sermon many years ago. He’d spent hours preparing. He preached it to the entire congregation on a crowded Sunday morning. His message was on keeping an eternal perspective, not attaching and clinging to the material world because it could (and would eventually) disappear. True to form, he included an object lesson. He told of getting a new cell phone and failing to transfer over his contacts. He said how, just like that, all he had accumulated was no longer available and there was no way to recreate what was lost.

After the church service, Chris was mingling. A man saw him and made a quick approach. Chris was excited, anticipating that perhaps his sermon had greatly touched this man’s heart. Pastors know that there may be two hundred people in the room, but maybe the message is going to transform only one of them. Instead, the man was eager to offer a tip to Chris about a new software application to download that would prevent unintended loss of data. Chris smiled and kindly thanked the gentleman for the tip. Inside, he sighed.

Some people are blind to the unseen, eternal world and when you include a parable in your sermon, they do not understand. I thought of Jesus crying out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 8:8). Chris admitted that working as a pastor without visible feedback of results is not for the faint of heart. I saw Jesus’ heart reflected in Chris’ honesty. It made me understand why Jesus would cry out his plea for people to tune in and listen. Good pastors, like the Good Shepherd, want all to come to a saving knowledge of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

In 2000, I was a blind, lost sheep. Through the persistence of a retired Army Warrant Officer who had traveled as a Christian missionary throughout all of Italy, I heard the voice of the Good Shepherd calling me. That retired soldier was Robert Nebeker. He was in his sixties and had undergone surgery.

I cared for him at Evans Army Community Hospital on Fort Carson in Colorado, where I was stationed.

Robert spoke of Jesus as a friend. To me, Jesus was a one-dimensional character in the Christmas and Easter stories, not to mention that in my church He still hung dead on a cross behind an altar.

Plus, most of the time I was actually praying to His mother. I had never heard the good news of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone.

Thankfully God sent Mr. Nebeker to intersect my misguided beliefs and prideful attachment to them.

He met me right where I was. Through Robert’s gentle demeanor, curiosity of my story, and presentation of the truth, I read the gospel of John. My twenty-five-year old eyes were opened, and I entered into Jesus’ sheepfold and exchanged my religious chaos for His perfect spiritual order. Robert guided me when I was just a “babe in Christ” desiring that pure spiritual milk of the Word. I attended a Navigators Bible study and read the Bible.

My husband, our son, and I moved away from Colorado. Robert sent us letters with extensive passages of Scripture copied in his exceptional handwriting. His messages differed, but they all conveyed that he had time for us.

Robert emailed me faithfully throughout my military deployment. In the middle of the night in Afghanistan, I thought about God sending Robert into my life. In the January coldness, in that bunker, I remembered just how stubbornly I’d played the top-ram as his therapist (as if the healing I was giving was the better offer), and there was Robert, shepherding me to the Good Shepherd who would exchange my dead spirit for rebirth to eternal life. His was, by far, the better offer. Gratitude overtook me and warmed me in that cement block bunker. To this day, I remain thankful for Jesus’ love, His calling, for Robert’s obedience (and boldness), and for our common salvation.

Robert introduced me to Jesus, the carpenter, the engineer of eternity, the One who no longer hangs on a cross, who definitely does not want me to pray to His (earthly) mother. I met Jesus, the one who demolished my religious strongholds and relocated and rebuilt my life on His perfect, finished work.

No more altars. Jesus was the once-for-all, one-time, perfect sacrificial lamb.

I am also thankful for the long-haul work of pastors, chaplains, and Christian brothers and sisters.

Year in and year out, whether by letter, email, or sermon, faithful and dedicated people built my inner spiritual scaffold. It’s some of the best engineering and carpentry work. Invisible, yes, but eternal.

One day, months after returning from Afghanistan, I received a notification from Robert’s daughter that he had died. I look forward to the reunion of the saints. It’s powerful to have reassurance that Robert will be there. Hopefully, Rosie Bonadio will be too, using her new teeth to enjoy cookies that will never crumble.

KEEP READING BUY THE BOOK

HERE

W r i t e H E R s

connection

K ER RI J E T E R , E D I T H E R - I N -CHIEF

@FREEDOMSISTERSMEDIA

A A L IYA H A L - M A D H I , T R A VELHER

@PIXIETALES

C A R RIE H A M M E R , E D U C A T EHER

@CARRIE_THE_HAMMER

D I A LI CO L L - ME R C A D O , E N COURAGEHER

@THECHARLIEMIKE

A L L AIN A R A P P S , E Q U I P H ER

LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ALL AINA-RAPPS/

R O S Y V E L E Z , M I L I T A R Y M O THERHOOD

JACQ U E L INE ZAPPE Y, LEADHER

@ROSY1526

@JACQUELINE.ZAPPEY

FreedomSisters Magazine

W r i t e H E R s

connection

A MY FOR S Y TH E , I N F L U E N C EHER

@AMYFORSYTHE760

K R I STA M O R R I S - T W O R E K , BENEFITHER

J O A NNA S W E A T T , H E A L H E R

LI: KRISTARMORRIS

@JSWEEZYBREEZY

C Y N THI A C L I N E , B E L I E V E H ER

B R I TTA N Y L A R A , E N C O U R AGEHER

J E N NIF E R B A L L O U , C O A C HHERR

@CYNTHIA_CLINE

@4THEBROKENPODCAST

@JENBALLOUWELLNESS

Connect with us!

FreedomSisters Magazine

•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•

www.freedomsisters.com

Copyright 2021