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May 2018
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Donna Desrosiers E n t r e p r e n e u r Air Force Veteran
Interview : Transition
I highly recommend developing a career plan for after military service, ask yourself, “What do I really want to do, what makes me the happiest?” After separation, I suffered from two years of deep depression.
Mother + Daughter Veteran Feature Tonda Harris- Boatman & T 'Auna Boatman
Women Gulf War Veterans: Book Anthology
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2018 Issues
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Inside: Mother + Daughter Feature
Transition Interview
Featured Women Veterans
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Promotion Spotlight
Women Gulf War Veterans: Book Anthology
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Happy Mother's Day
Mother + Daughter ( Who have served or are currently Serving )
Tonda Harris- Boatman + T'Auna Boatman Air Force Veterans
Both my mother and I were/are in the Air Force. My mother got out after having my brother and followed my dad who was Army. I am her only daughter and youngest of five children. She was human resource and I am an medical technician. I have been in going on three years. I joined to follow in my mother and fathers foot steps. www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
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Happy Mother's Day
Mother + Daughter ( Who have served or are currently Serving )
Tonda Harris- Boatman + T'Auna Boatman Mother + Daughter Q & A
WWS Magazine: When did you all join the service? What Branch? (Mom/Daughter) Mom: July 1988 Daughter: August 2015 WWS Magazine: Where did you do Basic & AIT? (Mom/Daughter) Mom: Lackland AFB, Ait Denver Co Daughter: Lackland AFB; Fort Sam (phase 1) and Nellis (phase 2) WWS Magazine: What's biggest thing you've noticed that has changed greatly since you served? Mom: My discipline and appreciation for my freedom WWS Magazine: Did you want your Daughter to join? Daughter: Why did you join? Mom: Yes Daughter: I joined to follow in both of my parents footsteps. My father was Army and my mom Air Force. I joined at the same age as my father but in the same branch as my mother. WWS Magazine: How does it make you feel to know your daughter is serving? How does it make you feel knowing your Mom Served? Mom: Words can't describe it. The joy and smile in my heart Daughter: I am really proud of her. Knowing that I can call and talk to her and she understands has helped me adjust to actually being in the service myself.
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Air Force Veteran Donna Desrosiers
Transition Interview Q & A WWS Magazine: How long did you serve and when did you exit the service? Donna: I served in the United States Air Force from Nov 11th 2002 and exited: April 14th 2014 Nov 11th 2002- April 14th 2011 – Active Duty (8yrs) April 14th 2011- April 14th 2014- AF Reserves (4yrs) WWS Magazine: What made you decide to exit the military? Donna: I was a part of the 2011 force reduction, involuntary separation program in the Air Force, but I also desired to pursue another means of serving my country in Civil Service after I completed my 8 years of obligated service.
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WWS Magazine: Were you prepared? What did you do to prepare? Donna: Being a part of the force reduction program, unfortunately no as I was only given only 10 days’ notice. However, I requested a 30 day extension, which was granted. I began to do my own research and taught myself how to write a Federal Resume and professional Bio. In order to prepare quickly, I researched the application and hiring process and targeted the agencies and location in which I desired to work in. WWS Magazine: Do you feel the Military provided enough training and preparation for your transitioning out of the Military into the civilian world? Donna: Yes, I do believe that the military education and training I received fully equipped me to obtain a successful career in the civilian world. The Air Force especially prides itself on Education and Training- in which more military members in the Air Force obtain their college degree than any other Military branch. WWS Magazine: What are 2-3 challenges you faced during transitioning? (If any) Donna: The main challenge for me was finding new stability in career and life. Serving in the military, there is a sense of community, being a part of an elite organization and support of resources that we constantly have access to. As a civilian, that no longer exists. You are your own support system. The other challenge for me was to “build the bridge” of knowledge to know what my next steps would be to start a new career. I didn’t want just a job, I wanted a career with benefits and resources that the military provided but also wanted to do something important in a different capacity using my education and passion.
Can you share any tips and or a bit of encouragement for fellow Women Veterans who are currently transitioning, will be or have recently. Donna: Prepare as much as you can financially before exiting the service. It took me four years to obtain a career in Civil Service. I started as a government contractor then become a civil service member, it’s not an instant process by any means. Prepare, even if you don’t plan to separate or retire when your contract ends. In my personal case, I didn’t plan to exit the service through a force reduction, but that obstacle taught me to prepare for anything at all times in life. I highly recommend developing a career plan for after military service, ask yourself, “What do I really want to do, what makes me the happiest?” After separation, I suffered from two years of deep depression. I felt I had lost part of my identity by getting out of the military, but that was not the case. After I discovered what I really liked to do that made me thrive and remembered I’m still apart of the military in a different capacity – a U.S. Veteran, that really helped me to come out of depression. Also know where you would like to reside after getting out of the military, I chose to remain in the DMV area based on my career choice. My last tip would be to establish a great support system outside of the military, being a member at my church at the time of my separation really helped me in the transition process as the inspirational word spoken every Sunday truly gave me a positive prospective. Also join an outside gym off base- to meet new people and focus on remaining healthy. It’s easy to let ourselves off the hook when we are now longer held to the strict military physical fitness standards, but remaining healthy will boost confidence when interviewing for a new role. Since I am a single mother, finding a new circle of nannies and childcare providers was also on the priority list as my family lived in another state. I truly hope these tips will help you have a best and smooth transition out of the military but also appreciate the journey and always be proud of yourself for serving our Nation.
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Donna Desroisers: Bio Air Force Veteran
Donna Desroisers joined the United States Air Force in 2002 and worked in the Personnel career field as an Executive Assistant for twelve years. She served in numerous leadership and management roles serving High Level Senior Executives. One of her most enjoyable assignments was assisting the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force and the Air Force Legal Operations Agency (AFLOA) at the Pentagon providing support to over 3,200 military members assigned to eight locations worldwide. Donna spent her entire enlistment career in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area, which opened doors to numerous community service opportunities. It was during her final active duty assignment that Donna realized her passion for raising awareness for social injustice issues and the importance of digital advertising for campaigns, after she became a Semi-Finalist in the 2014 Ms. Veteran America Competition with Final Salute Inc. After she raised awareness for homeless woman veterans and their children while advocating for better housing solutions, she decided to change her degree major to Graphic Communications with a minor in Marketing in hopes to fulfil her dream of becoming a Social Media Manager for National Campaigns for social injustice. After changing her major, she was selected to photograph and design digital advertisements for the Miss District of Columbia Pageant in Washington, D.C. and was featured in the Miss USA Pageant magazines and publications. Being passionate about community outreach, Donna desired to merge her love of community and the arts into a service – she launched her own website in 2016, (donnaimages.com) where she donates part of her proceeds to organizations that provide transitional housing to the homeless population.
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Donna holds an Associate Degree in General Studies and is finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Communications at the University of Maryland University College. She is currently a member of U.S. Veterans Assistance Committee (VAC) and works in the Federal Government in the Office of Communications supporting White House affiliates and the Office of The Secretary. Donna is also a licensed minister within the African Methodist Episcopal Church and continues to serve under the leadership of Pastor, Dr. Jamal H. Bryant of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Donna is currently writing a memoir which shares details of her teenage years of survival which will debut in the summer of 2018. She plans to complete a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology to help others overcome trauma by the year 2021.
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 : Keyanna L. Jones There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have a desire to want to do more than what you’re currently doing. As a Co-Founder of Rho Upsilon Tau Military Sorority, Incorporated, I was able to assist in finding a way to fill that void; not only for myself but for other female veterans who may have the same desire. My name is Keyanna Jones and I currently serve as the National Executive Secretary for Rho Upsilon Tau Military Sorority, Incorporated (PYT). I was part of the starting line-up/ the first line of initiates, “9 Rhoyal Ladies of Rhosilience”. I was born and raised in the Magnolia State, Mississippi! My born day is May 15th, 31 years ago (1986). I’m the daughter of the greatest father in the world, Robert Wilks. On August 5, 1992, the worst thing a girl could ever experience happened. My mother lost her battle to cancer. This tragic incident forced my dad to become a single parent and raise three amazing children. I am the only daughter and the baby of my three siblings (One older brother from my father, prior to marriage to my mom). Through it all, God has been amazing to my family and me. The aforementioned experience taught me to be a kind and loving person, friend, mother, wife, daughter, sister, professional and Soldier! www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
I graduated high school and on October 26, 2004, I enlisted in the United States Army as a Food Service Specialist. My first duty station was Fort Campbell, Kentucky where I met my husband of 11 years. While stationed at Fort Campbell, I completed 3 Combat tours. From 2005-2006, I deployed on a 12-month tour to Kirkuk, Iraq; 2007-2008, I deployed on a 15-month tour to Balad, Iraq; and 2010-2011, I deployed on a 12-month tour to Jalalabad, Afghanistan. During the course of this time, I crossed trained to Human Resource. Being dual military during these years was very manageable. However, in June of 2011, after arriving back from Afghanistan, I found out some breath taking and exciting new. I was 4 months pregnant with my first and only child, a baby boy! An addition to my family changed the dynamics of how my husband and I lived our lives. My son came into this world on February 2, 2012 and I was on orders to Korea (dependent restricted), scheduled to report July 10, 2012. Needless to say, I boarded a plane to Korea, unbeknownst to me. After leaving Korea, I was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Needless to say my last day as an active duty Soldier was August 17, 2014 and I don’t regret it, yet I miss certain aspects of it.
Life comes with the good, bad and ugly but how you deal with it all justifies who you are! Currently, I work part-time (at my leisure) as a Behavior Interventionist/ Psychologist, specializing in children with Autism. My all-time favorite thing to do is, (drum roll, please) TRAVEL. When I’m feeling down, I travel; When my dad calls, I travel; When I’m happy, I travel; When I miss my Army Sisters, I travel; When I want to experience new ventures, I travel and When I want to relive breath taking experiences/ moments, I travel! I believe in peace and serenity, the main reasons why I travel. The concept of such a dynamic movement/ unity is amazing. This is a great way to bridge a/ the gap between women of different military organizations. I am a huge fan of camaraderie and unity, which is what I miss most about being a Soldier. I wish each of you, individually and collectively, the best as you start your journey to anew and something great!
Keyanna L. Jones National Executive Secretary/Co-Founder, Rho Upsilon Tau Military Sorority, Inc.
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Army Veteran (Reserve): Kateri Silveira
My name is Kateri Silveira. I am the daughter of an Air Force Vietnam Veteran (father) and a Navy Gulf War Veteran (mother). I grew up in Baltimore City, Maryland. And in 2006, I decided to join the Army as a Military Policeman. Since then, I have been deployed in support of OIF, and mobilized in support of OEF – contingency operation. I served just over eight years active duty, and now four years in the reserves between CONUS and OCONUS. I think so far the best part was the time I spent overseas with my comrades. My newest adventure is helping to train the newest leaders in the Army, and I have a feeling this may turn into a great adventure. I am one-half of a dual-military couple, and a mother. Much to my husbands dismay, I also like to rescue animals. I work as a security assistant when I am not wearing my uniform and go to school full-time. When I grow up, I want to be lawyer. I am also active with my local VFW, and I am looking to do as much good in the world as possible. I can’t wait to get to talk to all of you soon
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Navy Veteran Tyierra Wilson
Tyierra Wilson, 27, a Louisiana native, enlisted in the US Navy in 2008 as an Information Systems Technician shortly after graduating from high school. Tyierra’s childhood, family gambling issues, and the effects of Hurricane Katrina storming in to New Orleans city limits in 2005 influenced her choices to join our country’s armed forces. Along with a number of other determinations to better our nation, Tyierra deployed to Columbia, South America in 2012 to assist in the efforts to reduce drug trafficking into the US. During her eight years of enlistment and after experiencing an abusive relationship, Tyierra found herself facing the effects of PTSD. Despite the destruction of what was behind her, Tyierra made a promise to herself to take what was the leading cause of her tribulations and turn it into reason she would never give up. In 2014, the then single mother of one son completed her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and her Master of Science in June 2017. Tyierra ensures she betters her community and positively impacts lives across the country and around the world. Outside of her everyday career in management of a group of IT professionals, Ms. Wilson recently took on the role of Regional Director for the Borgen Project and represents the organization in the Jacksonville, FL Congressional District to lobby for legislation that improves living conditions for those living on less than $1 per day in outside countries.
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She has also volunteered time to Susan G. Komen, Ronald McDonald House Charities and is an advocate for Mariska Harigitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation. Her recent step up as one of the 2017 top 10 Ms. Veteran America finalist was to continue her dedication to spread the word of how the word should help end homelessness for female veterans across the country. Petty Officer Wilson’s efforts have achieved a number of honors. Her admirations includes the Hampton Roads, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Excellence, two Navy Marine Achievement Awards, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Washington DC Dunkin Donuts Community Hero Award, and was nominated and selected for the 2016 Obama Administration White House Hosted “United State of Women.” Ms. Wilson’s desire to assist those who have gone unnoticed like herself has led her to become an author and an activist for women and children around the world. Tyierra has written her life’s story entitled “When God Closed His Eyes” illustrating the tribulations and obstacles of her life. The Autobiography is to be published in 2018. Tyierra likes to summarize her life’s belief with “My past was that of a nightmare. All the more reason why I am going to make my future, our future, a dream.”
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Army Veteran Jessica Kenyon
Hello, I'm Jessica Kenyon, I am not hiking the Appalachian Trail, I am the Band of Sisters Hike Coordinator. I run the sites, help with resources for those and generally whatever comes up while BOS' Anne is on the trail. She reached out to my organization Benefiting Veterans, and I saw what a big undertaking she was going to do and she didn't have a website so I wanted to help, that's how I became part of this organization. I admire her undertaking of hiking the entire 2200 miles and wish her the best! A little background on me is I joined the Army in 2005 as an Apache Helicopter Crew Chief. During my time there I experienced rape, sexual assault, command abuse and harassment on multiple occasions so once I was discharged I started working on fixing the system and all its flaws and loopholes that allow predators and commands to crush victims and allow injustice in almost every single case. I started two groups, Military Sexual Trauma.org and Benefiting Veterans, both of which are geared towards MST and MST related issues but we expanded to cover more than just MST issues, such as Agent Orange, TBI and so much more. I am inspired by Anne and her drive to bring awareness to the issues women service members and Veterans. Lets cheer her on!!!
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Navy Veteran Chief Yeoman Anne O'Brian
Chief Yeoman Anne O'Brian enlisted in the Navy six months after graduating from high school in 1985 in the town of Arvada, CO. Highlights of her career: she was among the first women to be detailed to serve onboard combatant ships and is a Plankowner USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6). She served overseas onboard NAS Sigonella, Sicily and on a small island Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Her advocacy began when she requested and became a Sexual Abuse Victims Advocate, Command Equal Opportunity Advisor and Education Services Officer. Anne loves to hike and has been hiking since she was a teenager living in Colorado. Hiking allows her to decompress and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and deal with her own PTSD from a non MST traumatic event that occurred in Sigonella. She decided to hike the Appalachian Trail after watching the MST hearings in DC 2013 & when women finally broke the glass ceiling in uniform. Ultimately, she would love to hike with women veterans on other trails across the U.S. and the world. On this hike, she wants to honor women veterans who sacrificed their lives in combat when they weren't officially recognized as serving in combat. Advocate for women veterans who are in crisis from military sexual trauma and for those who are in crisis. She feels lucky to have had a great career & credits the women who blazed a trail. Anne wants to ensure that women who serve after her will have more opportunities then she did. Since Anne retired in '05 she noticed the care women veterans were receiving between leaving the military & VA compensation were severely lacking, “we are losing so many veterans to substance abuse, suicide, homelessness. I am a Navy Chief, I've sworn to look after my sisters & brothers. I see a problem & I want to do what I can to help. If I can get one troubled veteran to walk with me for the day, week, month & it helps, then I'm doing something in a small way. I'm going to finish this hike if it takes the rest of my life!�
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Congratulations Promotion to Master Sergeant April 1, 2018 Dazzarie Hill Army Veteran (Active Duty)
My name is Dazzarie Hill. I’m happily married to the love of my life and we have 2 beautiful children together 4 amazing kiddos total! I have been in the Army for almost 18 years joining the Army and is the best decision I have made. www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
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