May 2019

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE VETERAN Colonel Mary J. Mayer, USAF (Ret.) I’m a Portland, Oregon, native who joined the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant in 1972. I served my country for over 30 years in a variety of intelligence, personnel policy, administration, contracting, program management, and special duty assignment positions — in […]

UNITED STATES NAVY VETERAN I was stationed at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, where I was aboard the USS Shippingport (ARDM-4), a floating dry dock that docks the nuclear subs for overhaul. As a woman of color in the U.S. Navy, my tour was very challenging. I had to fight for everything I

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE VETERAN Serving in the United States Air Force has been, by far, one of the best experiences I’ve been blessed to encounter. As an airman, I learned invaluable lessons that have provided me the skills I need to be successful in all aspects of my life. As a member of the

UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN I volunteered to serve, leaving for boot camp two weeks after graduating high school. I chose my MOS because it looked fun, as the recruiter showed me a video of soldiers zipping around in greasy camo paint on a Zodiak (a large inflatable raft with an outboard engine rigged on). I

UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN I joined in 1977, having been convinced by my friend to join under the buddy system. She changed her mind, but I did not and entered basic training in Ft. Jackson, SC, with the second wave of women to go through a fully integrated (co-ed) Army. Following AIT, I was sent

UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN I served in the U.S. Army from 1998-2004, both as an enlisted reservist and an active-duty commissioned officer. My advocacy and activism efforts have focused on raising awareness of the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life, while ensuring veterans and their families have access to resources and

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD VETERAN I spent nine and a half years of sea time on four cutters and three different platforms: law enforcement, polar operations, and aids to navigation. I also taught navigation in “A” and “C” school. During my service time I was able to circumnavigate the Antarctica and visit every continent in

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS VETERAN I was the first female Cobra pilot in my squadron and served multiple combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. I am living proof that gender integrated combat squadrons are more effective and efficient. In today’s social and political climate, I believe we need more women

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS VETERAN I enlisted in 1995 and was assigned to ASGE 29 Palms as my first duty station. The mission was to refuel aircraft in support of CAX combined armed exercises. As a veteran, I’ve given myself a moment of tranquility, rejuvenation, and awareness that I could not enjoy in the past. Download

UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN I was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. After receiving my associates degree in pursuit of a music education, I joined the US Army in June of 2010. I completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, graduating as soldier of the cycle with the General Commandant Award, and moved onto Arabic