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June 2018
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WomenWhoServed Magazine
"A Magazine specifically for Women Veterans....."
Melanie Bell- Carter Marines Veteran: (AD) LtCol,USMC Interview: Dual/Single Military
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Your leadership most often than not, is willing to assist or point you in the right direction for assistance.Book Anthology Remember, you are not alone and if you do not voice your problem, no one will know you need help. Most people are ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Inside
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Phenomenal
Retiree Spotlight: Retired Air Force Major
Tammie Ellerbe
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Happy 4th of July! 2018
xo, Christie
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2018 Issues
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Inside:
Featured Women Veterans
Retiree Spotlight Women Gulf War Veterans: Book Anthology www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
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Navy Veteran : Alisha Brown Originally from Troy, Alabama, Alisha Brown became an enlisted member of the United States Navy in 1999. Traveling from Great Lakes, to Corpus Christi, Norfolk and Cuba, she honorably discharged in March 2010. During her enlistment, she was blessed with opportunities of a lifetime – becoming a wife and a mother of two (2) very energetic boys. Her next adventure consisted of becoming a college student with Saint Leo University and graduating in 2013 with a B. S. in Human Resource Management. Simultaneously, in 2010, she became a human resource specialist with the federal government in Norfolk, VA. Her life not only stops at being a full-time wife, mother and employee, but she uses her spare time to give back to her hometown via an annual natural hair event – proudly titled “Naturals in TroyTM”. Her mission is to introduce attendees to certified natural hair stylists and affordable natural hair products. Her goal is to provide options and education on obtaining and maintaining healthy hair care at home. In June, she will proudly host the 3rd annual event featuring her personal stylist from Virginia Beach, VA. Alisha does not stop there, as she adventures into part-time entrepreneurship. She, alongside input from her immediate family, developed JumpStart Career ConsultationsTM. JSCC was created due to the lack of knowledge and information available to truly assist transitioning military with success in their new careers. She set out to, using her own personal and professional expertise, provide resume and non-resume related consultations, interview preparation consultations, and a myriad of other services – specifically tailored to transitioning military and veterans.
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The “Life After the Military Seminar”, occurs annually in September in the Hampton Roads area, and features panel members who provide their realistic and transparent transitioning stories. This seminar is one example of how Alisha gives back to the veteran community in her area. Alisha is dedicated to ensuring transitioning military members and veterans are given the resources they need for career success. A stickler for creating as many options as you can, her mental model and challenging perspective will make an everlasting impression to anyone greeted by her victorious smile and tenacious attitude!
WomenWhoServed Magazine
Marines Veteran
Melanie bell-carter
DUAL/SINGLE MILITARY Interview
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DUAL/SINGLE MILITARY Interview
WWS Magazine: How long have you served in the Armed Forces? MBC: April 27, 2018 was 26 years of active duty for me. WWS Magazine:How many children do you have? IMBC: have two (2) children; Erik (23) and Kennedi (11) WWS Magazine: Both dual and single military can be tuff, at what point did you become single military? MBC: I was once dual military but became a single parent when my son was 10 years old. It was tough both as dual and single military because when you're contracted to serve 24/7 you must find a way to make it all work. When it was dual military we shared the responsibility. As a single parent it's even tougher because you are the soul provider and at times I've hired nannies and drivers to help care for my child. WWS Magazine: What are 2-3 challenges you face as Single Military? (Then & Now, has things improved or worsened?) MBC: Challenge 1: As a Marine, you're expected to conduct physical training (PT) most often very early in the morning. Often, daycare centers do not open early enough to receive children before it's time to report to PT. There were times when I would take my child to PT with me and someone who was on light duty would watch the child. Also, there are times when you are required to work late and childcare centers close earlier than needed. Often, I would leave work to pick my child up and then return to work with my child to complete the task. Challenge 2: As a single military parent, when deployments were necessary, I had to find someone to care for my child during my time away. I have a supportive family who provided care when needed. When my son was 7 months old, I had to depart for a 1 year unaccompanied tour to Okinawa, Japan. His paternal grandparents cared for him during that time. The worst part of that return was he did not know who I was and was afraid of me. It took almost two (2) weeks before he truly warmed up to me again. When I was stationed in the Kingdom of Bahrain and had to depart for a deployment to Jordan, I sent my children back to the USA to be with family until I returned. Sometimes when I travel, I schedule childcare in the location I will be working in so I can take my child with me. Of course that's additional cost. Challenge 3: As a single military parent, I spend a lot of money on childcare/nannies/sitters and/or drivers. There are events outside of normal duty hours that you're required to attend so sitters are necessary. It has not gotten any easier, as a matter of fact, it is just as tough if not tougher as I've become more senior in grade. There are more events as I become more senior. After I've "made it happen" for so long, it's easier to find support now.
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DUAL/SINGLE MILITARY Interview
WWS Magazine: Over the years, have you implemented certain schedules or routines that work in your favor? MBC: Over the years I have ensured that no matter where I am, I develop a support system. Find good people who you can count on to help when needed and provide support for them in return. I typically workout during my lunch break so I can give my child my undivided attention after hours. WWS Magazine: Do you feel the Military has programs in place to assist Single military? MBC:Yes, the military has programs in place to assist single and dual military families. I think the best thing they provide is Military One Source that provides access to so many different programs that assist with every need. There is so much provided through that resource. Also, single and dual military often have priority for childcare and other programs. WWS Magazine: Share any words of advice or wisdom in regards to being single military? MBC: If you are single military, find a network or other single military personnel. These network or people help each other with many things to include childcare/sitters when needed. This is a network of people with similar lives/stories and can be that support system. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Your leadership most often than not, is willing to assist or point you in the right direction for assistance. Remember, you are not alone and if you do not voice your problem, no one will know you need help. Most people are ready and willing to lend a helping hand.
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL MELANIE R. BELL-CARTER (Biography)
From July 2015 – present, Lieutenant Colonel Melanie Bell-Carter serves as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 at Marine Corps Combat Development Command/Combat Development and Integration; Quantico, Virginia. Lieutenant Colonel Bell-Carter possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management, Masters of Military Operational Art and Science Degree, Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Management and is pursuing a PhD Organizational Development. A native of Cleveland, Mississippi, she enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992 and graduated from recruit training Marine Corps Recruit Depot; Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation from recruit training, she attended the Aviation Ordnance Course at Naval Air Station (NAS), Millington, Tennessee. Upon completion in November 1992, she attended the AV-8B Armament Organizational Systems Maintenance Course at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Cherry Point, North Carolina. February 1993, MCAS Yuma, Arizona, Aviation Ordnanceman at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13) and later served with MALS-36 in Okinawa, Japan. February of 1996- Norfolk, Virginia, Instructor Training Course. Upon completion, she transferred to MCAS Cherry Point, NAMTRAGRUDET, to attend the Curriculum Developers Course then served with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 as an Aviation Ordnance Instructor. July 1998- Naval Air Station, Meridian, Mississippi, Aviation Operations Course. While attending the course, she was selected to the Meritorious Commissioning Program. December 1998- Graduated Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. In January 1999, she reported to The Basic School at Quantico and graduated in July of 1999. August 1999- Camp Johnson, North Carolina, she graduated the Adjutant’s Course. She later attended the Legal Officer’s Course at Naval Base San Diego, California. September 1999- Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, Adjutant and Legal Officer for Headquarters & Service Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group (FSSG).
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL MELANIE R. BELL-CARTER
March 2000- 1st FSSG Headquarters, Human Resources Officer. March 2001- 1st Transportation Support Battalion, and then I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, Adjutant and Legal Officer. During that tour, she participated in Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens in Seoul, Korea from July through September 2001. August 2002 to March 2003, she deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM as the Officer-in-Charge of the Joint Visitors Bureau with Combined Joint Task Force 180. June 2003- Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, Adjutant and Airport Liaison Officer for the Depot and Eastern Recruiting Region. July 2006- MCB Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Adjutant, Legal Officer and the PSD Company Commander at Marine Aircraft Group 24. June 2009- Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, Programs & Resources Department, Administrative Officer, Security Manager, and Operational Sponsorship Manager. June 2010- Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Staff Secretary and Administrative Officer. September 2012- Marine Corps Forces Central Command Forward [MARCENT (FWD)], Naval Support Activity, Kingdom of Bahrain, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 and Headquarters Company Commander. September 2013- MARCENT Coordination Element-Bahrain, Deputy Officer-in-Charge. August 2014 to June 2015- Air Command and Staff College; Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Masters of Military Operational Art and Science Degree.
Her personal awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Good Conduct Medals and a host of Meritorious Masts, Certificates of Commendations, and Letters of Appreciations. Lieutenant Colonel Bell-Carter has two children; Erik age 23 and Kennedi age 10.
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Women Gulf War Veterans : Book Anthology Vol. 1 Be Featured in the Inaugural Issue! Visit: www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org to register Today!
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Army Veteran
Sherry futch
Who is Sherry Songbird? Many may know me as a National Award Winning Gospel Artist. Others may know me as the little girl from Charlotte NC. But today I share my story as Sherry the Disabled Veteran. I always had an attraction to the idea of being in the military. With no military family history to follow and only a dream of serving my country. I took that step. I joined the US Army in 2005 and served until 2012. During my time in the military I sustained injuries physically and mentally. Upon discharge I was diagnosed Excessive Depression disorder with Anxiety. At the time of Diagnosis I had no idea the struggles ahead. Depression and Anxiety was something that I was not prepared to deal with. From long days of depression to dealing with Anxiety on the daily basis. I knew that I could not let it get the best of me so I channeled my inner me and decided to perfect my gift.
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From the day I can remember being able to talk. I remember being able to sing. I sang in the US Army Soldier show and I was the Winner of the US Army Rising Star Competition Army Idol Ft. Stewart GA in 2008-2009. If I could conquer the test that I had already went though I knew I could overcome Depression. So I began a journey in music. Here I am today with a record. Never Too Late that hit the Billboard Charts on March 7, 2018. Never Too Late tells the story of feeling that all hope is gone and that its too late to turn around. For many Veterans the idea of stepping into the civilian world is the most scary thing in the world. My music is designed to encourage and uplift those that feel hopeless. My passion is not only for music but for the Lost. Though my music I believe that I can help those with depression and PTSD find solitude.
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Marine Veteran EMichele Paul
EMichele Paul is a 20 year, retired, disabled combat veteran. She is a single mother of two sons, her youngest currently serves on active duty in the US Navy. After spending her entire adult life serving her country, EMichele, like many other veterans, found herself searching for something that she could devote the next chapter of her life to. She soon realized her passion and became a recruiter. As a recruiter, she was able to mentor veterans who were entering the workforce as well as their families. As a single mom for most of her career, she understood that she wouldn't have been able to be as successful as she was without the support of her sons. Since 2014, she has helped 300+ veterans and family members and over 1000 civilians find meaningful employment to help sustain a quality of life that they deserve. She also volunteers her time to helping veterans, reservists, and guard translate their experience, prepare for the interview, and resume writing. She also works with organizations in San Diego county to help migrants and other people who are looking for work.She believes that a strong America is an America where there are opportunities for all to have a piece of the dream. She has been recognized over the last few years for her work in the veteran community to help get our brave hired. She was awarded a Medal of Excellence by the State Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Certificate of Excellence by the Department of Rehabilitation, and in May she and her team was awarded the Veteran Employer of the Year by the California Employer Advisory Council. In December 2017, she formed a business that will assist African American businesses to advertise their businesses globally. She believes that a community's ability to be self sufficient creates safer neighborhoods, higher property value, more jobs, and better schools that are paid for by the taxes received from that business. She recognized that only 11% of businesses with paid employees belong to African Americans and that they typically are closed by year five. A part of the reason that these businesses close so quickly is due to low sales that in part a result of little to no advertising budget. Her business provides a high value service to businesses that otherwise would be successful for decades provided they have the right advertising. She takes the exact same passion that puts towards the veteran community and put it into the African American community. She has dedicated her life to a lifetime of service and she enjoys knowing that she is a role model, a mentor, and a leader in her community. www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
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Army Veteran
Jairmene “Jai” Robinson
Jairmene “Jai” Robinson I, Jairmene Robinson, was born on March 31, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am the daughter of Jerome Palmer and Lolitta Robinson, but the proud niece of Marian Robinson and Harvey Hausley of whom raised me. Although born in the city of Brotherly Love I was actually raised in the Aloha state: Hawai’i (Makakilo and Kailua). This all came about with heavy persuasion from my aunt and uncle and the death of my grandmother Marjorie Hollingsworth. I am the oldest child out of three children on my mother’s side (Cynthia and Jasmine) and the only child on my dad’s side. I am the highly excited, usually tired mother of Janae’ Meilani and Jai-Lyn Marie. Both daughters have names that are very special Janae’ Meilani who’s middle name is Hawaiian means my heaven and Jai-Lyn’s who has the first three letters of my first name and the first three letters of my middle name. Both girls are at any times infectiously funny, so there are not many dull moments in the house. I enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in June 1996 as the Automated Logistical Specialist (92A) Honolulu, Hawaii, later transferring to the Georgia Army National Guard in 1997. In April 1999 I decided to go Regular Army and served under the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, K Co. 158th Aviation as 92A yet again.
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Released from Active Duty I then enlisted in the Army Reserves in May 2000 to serve in the 587th Service Company on Ft. Gillem, GA. In October 2001 I received orders to be deployed with 803rd Quartermaster Company under Operation Enduring Freedom due to September 11th a year later rejoined the 587th Service Company. Coming back to the 587th Service Company in the Army Reserves gave me plenty opportunities to work with others in my command. Various Active Duty Special Work orders allowed me to work with other commands such as 81st RRC, 81st SETS, USARC (PBO), and the STAMIS Support Team. It was on the ADSW tour with STAMIS Support Team where I was accepted for the Active Guard/Reserve Program (AGR) as a 92A. In September 2007 I received my first assignment as an AGR Soldier to the 282nd Quartermaster Company in Montgomery, Alabama. There I held various roles such as SAMS-E Clerk, Training NCO, and Supply NCO. Between 2009 and up till recent I was able to reclass to a Unit Supply Specialist, 92Y, graduated with my Associates Degree in Information Technology from University of Phoenix, and enrolled back in school to work on my Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management. 231st Transportation Company (
Inland Cargo Transfer) in Athens, GA was my first assignment as 92Y followed by my second at HHC, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade on Ft. Jackson and now 316th Engineer Company (MAC). Earlier this year I had the opportunity to be appointed as a Notary Public in my county, and work some Photography certificates. I also have been able to get my second poem copyrighted and now I have 2 that are copyrighted! My longterm goal is to retire from the Army in 6 years, stress free!! In my spare time I enjoy doing things that are stress free, such as working on my non-profit organization; Yolanda’s Wings, researching genealogy, swimming, traveling, and most recently meditating. I am pretty much an easygoing person, as I tend just to want to enjoy life without all the hustle and bustle. I want to share what I know and this journey that I am on, I know it will be contagious. With My life’s mantra is Mi Vida, Mi Viaje (My Life, My Journey); I’m sure to leave more than just footprints.
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Navy Veteran Patricia Wilson
COMMANDER PATRICIA “RENÉE” WILSON INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL OFFICER (1820) UNITED STATES NAVY CENTER FOR INFORMATION WARFARE TRAINING IT TRAINING PROGRAM MANAGER (N76) CDR Renée Wilson is currently the Information Technology Training Program Manager, Center for Information Warfare Training Command, Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida. CDR Wilson received her commission in 2002 through the Naval Direct Commissioned Officer Program. Her career highlights include a highly successful combat deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism in 2004. On this deployment, she managed around-the-clock maintenance of four HH-60H helicopters. She has completed assignments onboard USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), Pentagon (N3/N5), USTRATCOM (J8), United States Forces, Korea (N65), and USTRANSCOM (J6). EDUCATION 2014 ITIL Foundation for IT Service Management - Certified 2014 Leading Change Executive Education Program, University of Texas at Austin 2014 Executive Program, Big Data: Making Complex Things Simpler, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 2009 Navy Intermediate Leadership School, Norfolk, VA 2007 Masters of Business Administration (MBA), St. Leo University, St. Leo, Florida 2004 Joint Aviation Supply Maintenance Material Management School, Athens, Georgia 2002 Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Business Administration (Specializing in Computer Information Systems), St. Leo University, St. Leo, Florida 2001 Liberal Arts, St. Leo University, St. Leo, Florida
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ASSIGNMENTS 1. January 1981 – June 1983, U.S. Navy, Repair Department Yeoman, USS Jason (AR-8), Pearl Harbor, HI 2. November 1983 – February 1986, Administrative Assistant / Operative, Merit Protective Services, Honolulu, HI 3. 1986-1987 Electronic Funds Transfer Specialist, State Street Bank and Trust, Quincy, MA 4. 1987-1988 Administrative Assistant, Clean Harbors, Inc., Braintree, MA 5. 1989-1993 Technical Documentation Specialist, SYSCON Services, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA 6. 1993-1998 Technical Documentation Writer, INTECS, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA 9. June 1995 – October 2002 – Aviation Administrationman (Navy Reserves), Helicopter Special Support Squadron FOUR (HCS-4), Norfolk, VA 8. 1999 - February 2006, IT Project Manager, Information Systems Support, Chesapeake, VA & Arlington, VA 10. October 2002 – January 2005 – Aerospace Duty Maintenance Officer (Navy Reserves), Helicopter Special Support Squadron FOUR (HCS-4), Norfolk, VA 11. February 2006 – March 2008, Technical Director, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Pentagon, Arlington, VA 12. March 2008 – March 2010, Command Information Systems Officer, USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), Norfolk, VA 13. March 2010 - March 2013, Operational Requirements, Capabilities Action Officer, United States Strategic Command, Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction, Fort Belvoir, VA 14. March 2013 - March 2014, Interoperability Branch Chief, United States Forces, Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, Korea 15. May 2014 – April 2016, C4 / Cybersecurity Staff Officer, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL 16. April 2016 – August 2017, Executive Officer, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, IL 16. August 2017 – Present, IT Training Program Manager, Center for Information Warfare Training Command, Pensacola, FL MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) Combat Action Ribbon Joint Meritorious Unit Award Navy Unit Commendation Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Navy E Ribbon Navy Good Conduct Medal Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal Navy Expeditionary Medal National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Iraq Campaign Medal Korea Defense Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Navy and Marine Overseas Service Ribbon Armed Forces Reserve Medal Navy Rifle Qualification Ribbon Navy Pistol Qualification Ribbon EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION Ensign August 4, 2002 Lieutenant Junior Grade August 4, 2004 Lieutenant September 1, 2006 Lieutenant Commander April 1, 2012 Commander May 1, 2018
CDR Wilson is a native of St. Louis, MO. Her hobbies are playing the guitar, cooking, and traveling. She is looking forward to spending time volunteering and mentoring students at the local middle and high schools. CDR Wilson’s spouse (Wyatt) is a 24-year Navy Veteran and they plan to retire in League City, TX. They have four adult children; two sons currently serving on active duty in the United States Air Force and 8 grandchildren.
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Retiree spotlight 21 Year Air Force Major Tammie Ellerbe Retirement Date: 01 June 2018
Retired Major Tammie Ellerbe served as an Air Force enlisted member for 7 years and an Air Force Officer for 13 years. Originally from Holly Hill, South Carolina, she has lived in Fayetteville NC, Tucson AZ, Shreveport LA and Beavercreek OH over the last 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Fayetteville State University and a Master of Arts degree from Troy University.
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