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WomenWhoServed Summer 2017
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Army CPT: Jacqueline N. Just
Air Force Major: Janelle J. Quinn
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ARMY VETERAN Shellane Demarest I served in the US Army as a Military Policeperson from 1989 to 1992 in Cooke Barracks, Goeppingen Germany. It was a very historic time during my enlistment because that is when "The Wall" came down and the unification of both Germanys occurred. It was also during Desert Storm took place. Such a scary time but I am glad I experienced history while it happened. On a personal note, it was also during my enlistment in Germany that I fell in love with fitness. Although I passed the physical fitness test, I was always overweight, therefore I was given remedial physical training to lost weight.At first, I saw it as a negative thing until I realized I was actually good at coaching and soon I was assisting my Platoon Sergeant. At first, I saw it as a negative thing until I realized I was good at coaching and soon I was assisting my Platoon Sergeant.
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After I had got out of the Army, I noticed the weight gain crept back up again. I was embarrassed and decided to workout at home to Taebo tapes. The weight came off, and the tapes were no longer challenging. I joined a local gym and took my first live kickboxing class. The workout was no longer a video where I could pause or skip. I had to follow and complete it. I loved it! I discovered I liked it so much I wanted to pursue a career in fitness. That was back in 2000. Here I am 14 years later, and I have since then got certified in AFAA Primary Group Fitness, Les Mills BODY PUMP, BODY COMBAT, BODY JAM, CXWORX and BODY FLOW. I am now a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. It's amazing how little stumbling blocks are stepping stones to success! Today, I am a wife to a wonderful man named Dean Demarest. He encourages me to keep reaching for the stars no matter what anyone else says.
Because of his support, I model, train clients, coach CrossFit, and pursue my Bachelor's Degree. Looking back at all of the stumbling blocks, I see now as a stairway to a bright future where I can help others follow their path.
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Navy Veteran: Keiaria Moore
My name is Keiaria Moore. I am a navy veteran. I served 5 years active duty, from June 2008 - June 2013. My first duty station was the USS New York. In which I was fortunate enough to arrive in time to become a part of the first crew, and gain the pride of a plankowner. My time in the military was very rewarding. I used the military's tuition assistance program to pay for my associates degree and the used the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to complete my bachelors degree and two minors. There isn't a day that goes day without me missing my military family, however I am forever grateful and enjoy watching my daughter grow up. I'm looking forward to all of my future accomplishments.
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Coming Soon! #OneMillionVetsStrong Campaign Kick Off Date 01 October 2017
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Army CPT:
Jacqueline J. Just Captain Jacqueline Just is currently assigned to the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) at Fort Sam, Texas, as the Deputy Chief, Patient Administration Division. She enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) in July 1997 as a Medical Laboratory Technician and served her first assignment at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA. She completed tours in Okinawa, Japan and Washington D.C. and completed her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University in Healthcare Management and her graduate degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University. She was commissioned in the USA Medical Service Corps on July 17, 2010, and spent the next several assignments serving in various healthcare administration and executive roles. www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
Captain Just has served alongside her twin sister Major Janelle Quinn. Major Janelle Quinn will retire from the USAF after 20 years of service on 1 August 2017 and Captain Jacqueline Just will retire from the USA after 21 years of service on August 1, 2018. Captain Just will pursue similar roles in Healthcare in the civilian sector and utilize her Post 9-11 GI Bill to pursue studies in culinary arts and Sports medicine.
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Jacqueline Just, (Army CPT) Interview Questions
What's one word that sums up your feelings towards serving in the Military? Fulfilling Why did you join the Military? I joined the Military to travel as well as for the opportunity to go to school. I had a twin sister and do to financial limitations my mother could not afford to send both of us. I decided to join the military so that my sister could go. Consequently she also decided to join and we both received our Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees while serving on Active Duty. What challenges have you face while serving? While on Active Duty I have faced the challenge of having a normal relationship that most civilians do not face. With the multiple PCS movements and deployments my personal relationships have really suffered. I have achieved a lot personal growth at work but it is hard not having someone to share it with as again I am currently deployed and the distance seems to add in complicating relations. What is your occupation in the Military? I am a 70B ( Health Care Administrator) Thus far do you have any regrets? I don't have many regrets but I do wish I had attempted to start a family sooner. Are there any things you would do differently? I would not do anything differently in regards to decisions I made in my career. I do feel that the Lord has guided me thus far and opened and closed doors that were not meant for me to pass through. While I wish somethings had turned out differently, I personally wouldn't change a thing. Do you have family background of Military Service? I had several uncles serve in Vietnam. My twin sister currently serves in the United States Air Force and I have had several cousins enter after our entry. Why did you choose the Army? I commissioned into the United Army because when I tried to commission in the United States Air Force I was told I had been enlisted too long. In 2010, the Army was commissioning more officers so I decided to take the opportunity that was provided to me. What are your plans for the service? Will you retire? I am dropping retirement papers in July to fulfill my commitment with the United States Army to serve on Active Duty for 8 years. What's your opinion in regards to this statement: "Every American Citizen should serve for at least four years". I do not agree that every citizen should serve at least four years. It takes a certain type of individual that is willing to sacrifice for their country and lay down their life for others. It's takes an exceptional individual to enter battle and leave parents, children and loved ones behind. I want someone that knows the risk, has accepted that risk and is ready to enter battle with me willingly. Unfortunately that is not every citizen, regardless of how long you try to make them serve.
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Air Force (Retiree) Janelle Just Quinn Major Janelle Just Quinn, is currently assigned to the Defense Health Agency in Falls Church, Virginia as the Chief Portfolio Manager, Enterprise Intelligence Data Support Branch. She enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) in July 1997 as an Information Management Specialist and served her first assignment at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. After completing her undergraduate degree in Business Management she was commissioned in the USAF Medical Service Corps in December 2004, and spent the next several assignments serving in various healthcare administration and executive roles. www.WomenVeteransMagazine.org
Congratulations on Your RETIREMENT!
Major Quinn is married to Major Michael Quinn who is also in the USAF and is assigned as a Contracting Officer. They have two beautiful young daughters: Savannah who is six and Sydney who is five. Major Janelle Quinn will retire from the USAF after 20 years of service on 1 August 2017 and she plans to enjoy motherhood to the fullest extent possible.
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Janelle Just Quinn (Air Force Major) Interview Questions
What's one word that sums up your feelings towards serving in the Military? Dedication Why did you join the Military? I initially joined the United State Air Force for the opportunities to pursue my educational goals while simultaneously working on a professional career in the Armed Services. What challenges have you face while serving? As I embark upon my retirement from the USAF this summer I now recognize that some of the challenging aspects of serving are also considered strengths. I recently went to a TD Ameritrade Career Day and highlighted to the attendees how many military moves I had in a 20 year career. Some of those individuals stated it would have been very challenging to move to a new location every three to four years. I then realized those moves provided me additional breadth of knowledge and experience in every assignment. Whereas some of the attendees had been in the same profession for up to a decade and sitting in the same office, I had several various positions under my belt which made me stand out from the crowd of interviewees. What is your occupation in the Military? I am a USAF Medical Service Corps Officer (Healthcare Executive) Thus far do you have any regrets? My only regret is that I did not convince more Airmen to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities I did while on active duty. Are there any things you would do differently? If I could rewind the clock I would have honed my focus earlier on my post military career aspirations. As a young Airman, I always had a desire for work in the Financial Services Industry. To improve my knowledge base I earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business Administration and then a Certificate in Financial Planning. I also dibbled and dabbled in following other post military career goals but I always ended right back in the Finance Arena. Had I known back then what I wanted to be when I grew up I would have stuck primarily with Financial Services. Now that I'm within months of retirement I am striving to learn as much as I can about the new profession I plan to enter upon retirement from the military this summer. Do you have family background of Military Service? I had several uncles serve in Vietnam. My twin sister currently serves in the United States Army and I have had several cousins enter after our entry. Why did you choose the Air Force? I know this will most likely be omitted, but I recognized the probability of completing AF Basic Military Training was very high (Aim High!) What are your plans for the service? Will you retire? I have an approved retirement date from the Air Force, which is 1 August 2017. What's your opinion in regards to this statement: "Every American Citizen should serve for at least four years". Before I commissioned, I worked as an enlisted Discharge Clerk at the Cannon Air Force Base Legal Office. During my three year tenure, I helped prepare administrative discharge packages for over 300 Airmen who voluntarily joined the Armed Services. Some of those Airmen were leaving voluntarily but the majority of those Airmen were not. While I agree that "Every American Citizen should serve for at least four years", I also know from experience that citizens should be given the right to choose which path to take in regards to "Service Before Self" and service to their country. Having led Airmen and civilians in different capacities over the last decade, I believe our ability to accomplish the mission was due in part to their willingness to serve. Each individual under my charge was ultimately there because they volunteered to be. It would be an entirely different dynamic to deal with if you are trying to lead Airmen who did not have a choice as to whether they wanted to be there.
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Army  Veteran Ashley Brown
My name is Ashley Brown I'm a single mother of 3 beautiful children who motivate me everyday to get out and do my best. I'm a United States Army veterans I served 8 years with Fort Bragg being home for 7 years. I spent 9 months in Afghanistan where I was able to perfect my craft as an Ammunition Specialist. After separating from the military I decided to continue my career in cosmetology. I attended cosmetology school before I joined the military and now that I'm out I'm finishing up to become a licensed cosmetologist. Currently I'm in the process of starting my own non-profit organization called "A Dream Come True Wigs" I want to make wigs for patients who have permanently lost their hair due to some medical treatment/procedure or illness at no charge. Hair is how a lot of women identify themselves and I want to give that identity back to as many women and children as I can.
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Army Veteran Rolande Sumner
I enlisted in the Army National Guard May 1995. I was a 17 year old junior in high school placed in the Delayed Entry program. After I returned from Advanced Individual Training I continued my service as a traditional guardsmen for 7 1/2 years. After 9-11 I was accepted into the Active Guard/Reserve program where I served until my retirement. During my service I was primarily a Human Resources Manager, and Heavy Vehicle Operator. During the final years of my service I deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Army SGT (P) Jeneane Foster SGT/(P) Jeneane Foster I'm a United States Marine Corps Field Radio Operator veteran; having served proudly as an Active Duty and Reserve Marine for 8 years. Jeneane, since 2008, is serving as a Unit Supply Specialist in the US Army. She has supported Operations Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Joint Task Force Bravo, and is currently supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Jeneane is working towards her Bachelors of Arts in Reverse Business Logistics at American Military University. In her free time, she likes to expand her mind and creative nature with craft projects or scuba diving. She has volunteered her time with Habitat for Humanity, Chapel Hikes to remote areas of Honduras, and serving as Logistics Support for Surgical Readiness Teams. Jeneane is a single mother residing in Central Texas that will be well on her way to the next chapter of her military career.
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ARMY VETERAN Angelica Leon
My name is Angelica leon and I am a 10.5 yr Army Veteran. I served on Actuve Duty, reserves, and national guard. I also did a One year tour in Afghanistan. My husband is active duty army. In February 2011 while on active duty I was promoted to SSG/E-6 at the age of 24, that same month I enrolled in college and in March 2011 we found out we were pregnant w our first child. In 2014 with a 2yo and 6month old, I decided to step out of the army and stay at home w the kids. My husband deploys yearly and it became too much. we did not want to leave the kids at home wo one of us there. It was the hardest decision I have ever made, the army was my identity, all I ever had known since I was 17. I continued to dedicate my spare time to school and on May 13, 2017 I graduated with my bachelors in Intelligence Studies from American Military University with Honors and Cum Laude.
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I currently volunteer my time with a local anti-Human Trafficking organization, 5 Sparrows, as an Open Source analyst, I also volunteer at Angel's Kitchen where we help feed the homeless, homeless veterans, and those less fortunate who are in need of food. I plan to continue w my education, maybe start my Masters program in September. During this whole process I have been suffering from Chronic pain from previous injuries while in the Army and I am currently awaiting my VA rating. I love that communities in which women help empower each other exist. I love being able to spend time w fellow veteran wives, moms, and students Bc it shows that the comradeship gained in the military is never broken or gone. I know that hundreds of other female vets out there have also lived similar lives and accomplished much more. I love reading their stories, i
t pushes me to be the best mother, wife, student, veteran, and woman that I can be. Thank you for everything you do for us women veterans!
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ARMY VETERAN
Aronda Smith-Benson
Aronda Smith-Benson is an honorably discharged Army veteran; she deployed for Desert Shield/ Storm as a medic with 3rd Armored Division 45th Support Battalion. Aronda’s Unit received the Valorous Unit award. The Valorous Unit Award is the second highest unit decoration which may be bestowed upon a U.S. Army Unit (the highest being the Presidential Unit Citation) and is considered the Unit equivalent of the Silver Star. It is awarded to Units of the United States Army which displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States of America. Aronda is also the first female and youngest appointment (2013-2018) member of the City Council Veterans Advisory Commission of Philadelphia since its inception in 1957. She is a recipient of the Women Veterans Rock – Leaders and Legends Award, Women Veterans Leadership Award and the Unsung Hero Service Award. She also had the distinguished honor to moderate a panel at the Women Veterans Employment Symposium in Washington, D.C. sponsored by Redbook Magazine and First Lady Michelle Obama. Aronda remains active in the veteran community through participation on numerous panels, workshops, hosting events and activities, serving on boards and facilitating City Council roundtables for Council President Darrell Clarke. Aronda’s passion for women veterans resulted in founding the Veteran Multi-Service Center-Women Veterans Center (WVC); the first of its kind in the region. She spearheaded the VMC- Women Veteran Center project, which is a private area for female veterans to attend workshops, network, acquire resources, participate in discussion groups and receive pertinent updates. Aronda resigned from her role at the VMC-Women Veteran Center to further expand her vision for women veterans. After leaving the VMC, she started the Women Veteran Command Center. The Women Veteran Command Center is dedicated to providing opportunities for women veterans to explore and define their life purpose. The Women Veterans Command Center provides strength based initiatives to empower, educate, and enrich the lives of women veterans throughout their lifespan. In addition, Aronda has extensive experience working with ex-offenders. She worked at Liberty Management Services a Community Corrections program as the Assistant Director; a 124-bed facility designated for parolees and pre-release. During her tenure, Mrs. Smith-Benson directed, managed, and oversaw operations. She was later promoted to Director of the Liberty Management Center Women Work Release program contracted by the Philadelphia Prison System. She directed the overall management of the facility to include health and safety. As a consultant, she offers workshops about the culture of the military and how it affects the journey from service-member to veteran. Participant gain an overview of each branch & their function, types of military affiliation, and discharges. The workshop also covers common experiences during military service, as well as hard and soft skills acquired as a result of this service.
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WomenWhoServed Magazine continued:
ARMY VETERAN Aronda Smith-Benson
• Facilitator, Breaking the Silence Senator Hughes • Member, Veterans Advisory Council – Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital • PBS Panelist: When Women Veterans Come Marching Home Documentary • Guest Speaker, State Rep. Brian Sims – Brunch Honoring Our Veterans • Guest Speaker, Federal Reserve Bank Diversity Council • Guest Speaker, PECO Entergy – Women History Month • Guest Speaker, Red Cross Veteran Consortium • Panelist, Temple University Women Veterans Consortium • Panelist, Bucks County Women Veterans Symposium • Guest Speaker, Peace Island Institute • Guest Speaker, American Legion Hug – A – Vet (2years) • Moderator – Women Veterans Career Development Forum, Washington, DC. sponsored by Redbook and First Lady Michelle Obama • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Advisory Committee • University of Pennsylvania Community Scholar • City Council Veteran Advisory Commissioner (2013-2018) • Union League Veteran Fellowship 2016 • Veteran Administration Advisory Board Intimate Partners Relationship • Founder, Houma United Against Homicide (Community Organizing) • Executive Board, Cranaleith Spiritual Center
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ARMY VETERAN Sally Rejas
My name is Sally Rejas, born August 5, 1983 in Paterson, NJ. I served in the U.S. Army from 2001-2008 where I began my career as a finance specialist working for the 82nd Airborne Division (AIRBORNE). Shortly after, I began my career in the government as a Finance Manager for the United States Property Fiscal Office in 2008. In 2009, I continue both my education and career while working at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and then in 2013 accepting a Strategy Analyst position in Marketing for AFLAC World Wide Headquarters in Columbus, GA. Today, I hold a Program Analyst position with the United States Department of Agriculture. Working in Veterinarian organization, I’ve been honored to hold the position of the Veteran Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) with the roles to provide leadership with guidance and support for VS Directors and their Civil Rights efforts; to monitor and evaluate progress in the areas of accountability, program delivery, workforce diversity, outreach, resources, recruitment, and retention; and to encourage integration of Civil Rights/Equal Employment Opportunity goals in all program activities and services.
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I am a recent Master’s Degree in Organization Management graduate of Ashford University. I also received my B.S. in Social Science at Ashford University and an Associates in Social Science from Northern Virginia Community College. On my spare time I advocate for homeless female veterans through Final Salute Inc. and was a finalist last year for Ms. Veteran America 2016. My goal is to continue to serve through my community as a member of Mission Continues. I am inspire to encourage minority women veterans to love their diversity, inspire minority women veterans to nurture their beauty, and to change the perceived image of a veteran as the June Model of the month hopefully becoming the Model Ambassador in November 2017. I am married to an Army soldier and we have two beautiful and energetic children. In our crew we also have two beautiful fur babies, Zeus and Princess.
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ARMY VETERAN Tabitha Nichols
Tabitha Nichols joined the Army at 17 years old, a junior in high school. She was deployed to Iraq in 2005. A mortar attack left her with multiple herniated discs, damaged ribs and chronic back pain. Transition into civilian life was not easy and she hit rock bottom. She suffered severely with PTSD. After finding help at the VA, Tabitha was able to begin to find life. With a team of mental health professionals, she was able to accept her past trauma and move forward. Tabitha began a career in modeling as a way to break through the shadows of PTSD. She has since been featured in several fashion magazines. She is dedicated to putting a face to the "disabled veteran" status and empower all veterans. Tabitha serves as a Board Member for two non profit organizations, Community Action Program Committee and the Center for Independent Living-Disability Resource Center. She is a member of a task force for her community to bring legal aid to low income individuals. She is also a spokesperson for a homeless women's veterans program at another non profit organization, Pathways For Change. Tabitha is passionate about serving her community and remote veterans, as well as children and disabled individuals. She became a Big Sister with the Big Brother's Big Sisters of Northwest Florida organization and has been matched over two years. Tabitha has worked with the Florida Humanities Council and The Telling Project to tell her military story, alongside other veterans, to bring narrow the gap between civilians and military personnel/families. In March of 2017, Tabitha performed her story on stage in Minneapolis, MN at the Guthrie Theater for sold out performances. Tabitha, now a mother of a seven year old daughter whom she homeschools, fills her life with giving back to her community. She became certified to be a Suicide Prevention Peer Mentor. Being a suicide attempt survivor herself, she is passionate about helping to save lives.
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ARMY VETERAN Makissa Lewis
The Zimbabwean author, Tsitsi Dangaremba, states “this business of womanhood is a heavy burden,” For that reason I am committed to working with various organizations and activities to lighten this burden. As a graduate student at Florida International University while pursuing a Masters in Higher Education Administration I served as the only student representative on Florida International University’s Veteran Upward Bound Grant Writing Committee. During this time I was also the Knowledge Committee Chair for Region III for Veterans Affairs for the National Association of Student Personnel Administration. In addition as a graduate student while a member of the National Black Graduate Student Association I was assigned to be the Education Representative for the organization. A year after I graduated from a two-year Master’s program, I continued to tirelessly work in the community. This past year I was recognized by Legacy magazine for being one of the 40 under 40 black leaders of today and tomorrow. Last year, I also held the position of the National Education Director for the National Women Veterans of America. I was a panelist that spoke on women veterans and mental illness at Florida’s Mental Health Counselors Conference. Most recently, I volunteer as the editor-in-chief of Camouflaged Sisters Forward March, a magazine that is for female veterans by female veterans. In addition, I work with the state as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program specialist. I help veterans overcome their barriers to employment so they can be employed. Currently, I am enrolled at Nova Southeastern pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration with a specialization in Non-Profit/Non-Governmental Organizations. It is my desire to establish a Veteran Upward Bound in the South Florida area. I see there is a lack of one in this area and I hope to be filled this void while helping my fellow veterans who are attempting to earn a college degree. I am always seeking ways to help female veterans, a population I am proud to be part of.
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Happy 20 Year Military Anniversary!
Jacqueline J. Just
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Janelle Just Quinn