Hey Women Warriors,

Welcome to April: Honor, Strength & Resilience!

This month, we’re diving into Purple Heart Trivia, sharing the untold stories of former POWs, and celebrating the resilience of military children. Get inspired with our Top 5 Must-Reads for Women Veterans and uncover library perks you didn’t know about!

Need a good laugh? Check out Laughter as Therapy and find humor in military life. Have VA questions? Our VA Claims Corner covers how to file a migraine claim with the VA. Plus, grab some free resources in honor of April’s special observances!

Stay strong, stay connected, and keep conquering! 💙

​Let’s go!

- Purple Heart Trivia
- The Untold Stories of Former Prisoners of War
- Raising Resilient Warriors: The Strength of Military Children
- Page-Turning Power: Top 5 Must-Reads for Women Veterans in Honor of National Library Week!
- Library Perks You Didn’t Know About
- Warrior Q&A: Ask, Learn, Conquer
- April Special Observances and Free Resources
- Tactical Tip
- Laughter as Therapy: Finding Humor in Military Life
- VA Claims Corner: VA Migraine Claims Made Simple: Get the Benefits You Deserve
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💡 Did You Know…
The Purple Heart, awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat, dates back to George Washington, who first introduced a similar award…
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(Scroll to the end for the details.)

April 9 marks National Former Prisoner of War (POW) Recognition Day, a time to honor the courage and resilience of those who endured captivity in service to their country. These brave individuals faced unimaginable hardships, yet their strength, perseverance, and sacrifice remain an enduring testament to the warrior spirit.

The Experience of a POW
Being held as a prisoner of war is one of the most difficult experiences a service member can endure. POWs have faced:
- Physical Hardships – Many endured malnutrition, illness, and harsh living conditions.
- Psychological Trauma – Isolation, interrogations, and fear for their lives left lasting emotional scars.
- Loss of Freedom – Stripped of their autonomy, POWs relied on mental resilience and hope to survive.

Stories of Strength and Survival
While every POW’s story is unique, many share common themes of bravery and resilience.
1. Vice Admiral James Stockdale (Vietnam War): Was shot down over North Vietnam in 1965, was captured and held for nearly eight years. Stockdale endured repeated torture but remained steadfast in resisting his captors. He later helped develop the military’s Code of Conduct for handling captivity.
2. Lt. Col. David Eberly (Gulf War): Shot down in Iraq in 1991, Eberly survived weeks of captivity, later sharing his harrowing experience in his book "Faith Beyond Belief."
3. Pfc. Jessica Lynch (Iraq War): Captured in 2003 when her convoy was ambushed. Her dramatic rescue by U.S. forces became one of the most well-known POW stories in recent history.

How We Can Honor POWs
- Learn Their Stories: Reading memoirs, watching documentaries, or visiting memorials keeps their legacy alive.
- Support POW/MIA Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the National League of POW/MIA Families work to ensure that no service member is forgotten.
- Attend Recognition Events: Local and national events honor POWs and those still missing in action.
- Express Gratitude: If you meet a former POW, a simple ‘thank you’ can mean the world.

Never Forgotten
Former prisoners of war demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the face of suffering. Their stories remind us of the price of freedom and the unbreakable spirit of those who serve. On this National Former POW Recognition Day, take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and honor their resilience.

Do you have a family member or friend who was a POW? Share their story to help keep their legacy alive.
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April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the incredible resilience, strength, and adaptability of children growing up in military families. These young warriors navigate a unique set of challenges, yet they develop extraordinary qualities that set them apart.

The Challenges They Face
Military children often experience:
- Frequent Moves: On average, they move 6-9 times before high school graduation, requiring constant adaptation to new schools, friends, and environments.
- Parental Deployments: Extended separations from one or both parents can be emotionally difficult, causing anxiety and stress.
- Uncertainty and Change: A military lifestyle comes with unexpected transitions, including relocations, school changes, and reintegration adjustments.

The Strengths They Develop
Despite these challenges, military children exhibit remarkable qualities:
- Resilience: They learn to adapt quickly and thrive in new environments.
- Independence: They develop strong coping skills and a sense of self-sufficiency at a young age.
- Empathy and Open-Mindedness: Exposure to diverse cultures and experiences makes them more understanding and adaptable.
- Strong Sense of Duty: Many develop a deep appreciation for service and sacrifice, carrying a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

How We Can Support Military Children
- Celebrate Purple Up! Day (April 15): Wear purple to show your support and appreciation for military kids.
- Encourage Stability: Establishing routines and creating familiar traditions can provide comfort amidst change.
- Promote Emotional Well-Being: Open communication about deployments and transitions helps children process their feelings.
- Connect with Resources: Programs like the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), Sesame Street for Military Families, and the National Military Family Association provide invaluable support.

Recognizing Their Strength
Military children serve in their own way, supporting their families through moves, deployments, and reintegration. This April, let’s take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, celebrate their resilience, and ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Do you know a military child who deserves a shoutout? Share their story with us and help recognize these young heroes!
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1. Shoot Like a Girl by Mary Jennings Hegar – A memoir of a female combat veteran.
2. Grit by Angela Duckworth – The science behind perseverance and mental toughness.
3. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman – Strategies for building confidence.
4. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Understanding trauma and healing.
​5. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – Leadership insights from one of the best.

Many public libraries offer free access to LinkedIn Learning, Rosetta Stone, and even veteran job training programs! Check with your local branch.

Question: What veteran-founded organization mobilizes veterans to serve communities through disaster relief and humanitarian efforts?
Answer: Team Rubicon—a nonprofit started by veterans to provide emergency response and disaster relief.
* You might consider volunteering with this organization.
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April is:
Month of the Military Child
National Stress Awareness Month
National Counseling Awareness Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
National Volunteer Month
Financial Literacy Month
​Celebrate Diversity Month

Apr 1- April Fool’s Day
Apr 5- Gold Star Spouses Day
Apr 7- World Health Day
April 7-13 - National Library Week
Apr 9- National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
Apr 10- National Siblings Day
Apr 11- National Pet Day
Apr 15- Purple Up! Day – Mid-April
Apr 22- Earth Day
Apr 23- Army Reserve Birthday
Apr 26- National Hug a Friend Day

COUNSELING RESOURCES:
- Mental Health Apps: (VA/DoD) The Virtual Hope Box; The Mindfulness Coach; Breathe2Relax; Tactical Breather; Anger and Irritability Management Skills; PTSD Coach; PTSD Family Coach; Mood Coach; Positive Activity Jackpot; T2 Mood Tracker; Life Armor; Moving Forward; Parenting2Go; Dream EZ; VetChange; Together Strong; Stay Quit; MOVE! Coach Mobile; The Concussion Coach; (VA/DoD For Use WITH Therapy) The ACT Coach; The CBT-i Coach; The CPT Coach; The PE Coach 2; STAIR Coach; (Non-VA) MindShift; eMoods; What's Up; MoodTools; MY3; CBT Thought Record Diary; Stop, Breathe, & Think; Gottman Card Decks; Quit That!; OpiRescue; FlexDek MAT
- Give an Hour- https://giveanhour.org/military
- Head Strong- https://theheadstrongproject.org/get-help

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES:
- Volunteers of America- https://www.voa.org/
- Habitat for Humanity Repair Corps- https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you/veterans-build/home-depot-repair-corps-program
- Center for Development and Civic Engagement- https://www.volunteer.va.gov/
- Combined Arms- https://www.combinedarms.us/   
- Travis Manion Foundation- https://www.travismanion.org/
- Vets4Warriors- https://vets4warriors.com/
- Operation Gratitude- https://www.operationgratitude.com/virtual-volunteerism/

FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
- Operation Homefront – Critical Financial Assistance- https://operationhomefront.org/
- PenFed Foundation- https://www.penfedfoundation.org
- Sen$e app- https://www.apple.com/app-store/
- The Jewish Free Loan Association- https://www.jfla.org

CHILDREN AND FAMILY RESOURCES: 
- Babies on the Homefront (App)- https://babiesonthehomefront.org/
- Blue Star Families- https://bluestarfam.org/
- Child Care Aware of America- https://www.childcareaware.org/
- FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress)- https://www.focusproject.org/
- Military Child Education Coalition- https://www.militarychild.org/
- National Military Family Association- https://www.militaryfamily.org/
- Operation Child Care- https://www.occproject.org/feeschedule
- Sesame Street for Military Families- https://www.sesameworkshop.org/

April 1st is April Fool’s Day, a perfect time to embrace the healing power of laughter—especially for those who have served in the military. Humor has always been a part of military culture, helping service members and veterans cope with stress, long deployments, and the sometimes absurd realities of military life.

Why Humor is Essential for Veterans
- Builds Resilience: Laughing in tough situations helps veterans navigate stress and adversity.
- Strengthens Camaraderie: Military humor creates bonds through shared experiences.
- Eases Anxiety & PTSD Symptoms: Studies show that humor can reduce stress and promote emotional healing.
- Reframes Difficult Situations: Finding humor in challenges makes them easier to overcome.

Classic Military Humor We All Relate To
- “Hurry up and wait.” – The eternal military paradox.
- “Embrace the suck.” – A phrase that sums up the ability to endure the worst with a grin.
- “Mandatory fun.” – The oxymoron for military social events.
- “Lost? You’re not lost, you’re on an adventure.” – A common phrase when land navigation goes wrong.

Ways to Bring More Laughter into Your Life
- Watch Military-Themed Comedy Shows & Movies: Shows like MASH*, Major Payne, or Stripes capture the humor of military life.
- Follow Veteran Comedians: Comedians like Rob Riggle, Jon Stewart (a huge veterans’ advocate), and Kathleen Madigan bring military humor to the stage.
- Share Your Funniest Military Moments: Encourage storytelling among fellow veterans—some of the best laughs come from reminiscing about past mishaps.
- Join Veteran Humor Groups: Pages like Terminal Lance or Duffel Blog provide a daily dose of military satire.

Laughter: The Best Weapon Against Stress
Military service comes with challenges, but humor reminds us that we can handle anything. So this April Fool’s Day, take a moment to laugh, share a joke, and embrace the healing power of humor.
There are comedy training programs available for veterans through Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP). Check them out here: https://asapasap.org/
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What’s your funniest military moment? Share your best story and let’s bring some laughter to the Women Warriors Connect community!
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If you're not already following Women Warriors Connect on Instagram, that's where we post some pretty funny stuff. Check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/women_warriors_connect/

Here are some of the funniest videos that have the most likes and shares:
- My therapist's face when I'm telling a military story...link
- When you finally get a job but your military humor gets you fired in a week...link
- Me rushing to the comments when someone says women aren't real veterans...link
- Real talk. Military therapy...link
- Me trying to fit in at a civilian job after I leave the military...link

Migraines are more than just headaches. They can cause throbbing pain, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Many veterans develop migraines from military service, including exposure to loud noises, burn pits, TBIs, or PTSD. If you’re struggling, the VA may provide compensation—but you’ll need to file a claim.

Step 1: Get a Diagnosis
See a neurologist or headache specialist to confirm your migraines. The doctor will rule out other conditions and suggest treatments. Track your symptoms—note when migraines happen, what triggers them, and how they affect your daily life.

Step 2: Choose Your Claim Type
You can file a primary claim if your migraines started during service. Service medical records and a doctor’s statement can help prove this. If migraines stem from another condition (like PTSD or TBI), you’ll file a secondary claim with supporting medical letters.

Step 3: Build Your Case
The VA needs detailed evidence. Document how migraines impact your life. Instead of saying, “I get headaches,” explain, “I have to lie in a dark room and miss work due to the pain.” The more specific you are, the stronger your claim.

Step 4: Explore Treatment Options
Your doctor may recommend medications, therapy, diet changes, or pain management. The VA offers some treatments, but Botox is usually not covered.

Filing a VA claim can be frustrating, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need help, reach out to veteran support organizations to guide you through the process.

* Content adapted from VA Claims Insider Blog.
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💡 Did You Know…
The Purple Heart, awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat, dates back to George Washington, who first introduced a similar award, the Badge of Military Merit, in 1782.
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