October 2021 • VOL . 1 • ISSUE 10
•AMPLIFY WOMEN VETERANS•
-PlusUnique State Benefits for VetHERans You Didn’t Know Existed
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.
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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.
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FreedomSisters Magazine
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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!
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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
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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!
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
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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.
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