Hey Women Warriors,

Welcome to April, a month of renewal and reflection.

This issue honors women who continue forward after life changes in ways they never planned—whether through loss, service in the reserves, or carrying responsibilities that don’t pause. Strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up anyway.

This month, we focus on endurance, identity, and the quiet ways women keep going—even when it’s hard.

You’re not alone here. You never have been.

Let's GO!
Carma
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WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DISCOVER:
- Strength After Loss: Gold Star Spouses
- Still Serving: Life in the Reserves
- April Observances
- Resources for Survivors & Service Members
- A Quote for the Season
- WWC Book Debrief
- VA Claims Corner: Survivor Benefits Simplified
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MILITARY TRIVIA:
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​There’s a military-related symbol that dates back to World War I—and today, it quietly represents both sacrifice and survival within military families.

Most people have seen it… but very few know its original meaning.

What is this symbol—and how did it start?
👉 Scroll to the end of this issue to find out
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GOLD STAR SPOUSES: STRENGTH AFTER LOSS
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April is:  
Month of the Military Child - https://www.militarychild.org

Apr 5 - Easter
April 5 – Gold Star Spouses Day - https://www.goldstarspouses.org/
https://www.goldstarwives.org
April 14 – Air Force Reserve Birthday - https://www.afrc.af.mil
April 22 – Earth Day - https://www.earthday.org
April 23 – Army Reserve Birthday - https://www.usar.army.mil

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APRIL RESOURCES

Healthcare & Wellness / Community Support
- Everyone for Veterans: https://www.everyoneforveterans.org/
- PTSD Alliance: http://www.ptsdalliance.org/
- Soldiers' Angels:  https://soldiersangels.org/
- Gary Sinise Foundation:  https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):  https://www.taps.org/
- Military OneSource:  https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
- Cohen Veterans Network:  https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/

Benefits & Compensation
- Search VA List of Veteran Service Organizations: https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/
- Texas Veterans Commission:  https://tvc.texas.gov/
- California Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/
- Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs:  https://floridavets.org/
- New York State Division of Veterans' Services:  https://veterans.ny.gov/
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services:  https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/
- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR):  https://www.esgr.mil
ESGR Note: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve fits Benefits & Compensation (supports Reserve spouses with employer rights/benefits under USERRA), but less directly for Gold Star widows post-loss

Recreation & Therapeutic Activities for Gold Star Spouses
- Gold Star Sailing:  https://goldstarsailing.org/
- Holbrook Farms Retreat:  https://holbrookfarms.org/
- Skills4Life - Military Warriors:  https://militarywarriors.org/s4l
- No Barriers:  https://nobarriersusa.org/
- Horses 4 Heroes:  https://horses4heroes.org/
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“Strength isn’t about carrying everything alone—it’s about knowing when to lean on your community and still choosing to move forward.”
                                                                                             ~ Women Warriors Connect
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WWC BOOK DEBRIEF:  Option B
by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

Option B explores how people rebuild after unexpected loss and life disruption. Blending personal experience with research on resilience, it emphasizes that healing is not linear and that support systems matter. The book reframes adversity—not as something to “get over,” but something to grow around.

Why this matters for women warriors:
Loss—of identity, structure, or loved ones—is something many in this community understand deeply. This book reinforces that moving forward doesn’t mean moving on—it means rebuilding in your own way, at your own pace.

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VA CLAIMS CORNER: Survivor Benefits, DIC & What Families Often Miss

Survivor benefits are earned—not optional—and many families never receive everything they qualify for simply due to lack of guidance.

What Is DIC?
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit for eligible survivors of service members.

Benefits Survivors Often Miss:
- Survivor’s Pension
- Burial benefits
- Education benefits (DEA/Chapter 35)
- CHAMPVA healthcare
- State-level benefits
🔗 Learn more:  https://www.va.gov/survivors

Find Accredited VA Claims Help

You don’t have to figure this out alone.
🔗 VA-accredited representatives:  https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

Important Reminders:
1.  There is no deadline to apply for DIC.
2.  You can reopen previously denied claims.
3.  Rules around remarriage have changed.

If you weren’t ready before—that’s okay. You can revisit this now.
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TRIVIA ANSWER: The Gold Star Lapel Button
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It originated in World War I as a way for families to show that a loved one died in service. Over time, it became a lasting symbol of sacrifice—and today, it represents both loss and enduring connection within military families.
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FINAL THOUGHTS

This month, we honored women who continue forward—through loss, through service, through change.

We recognized strength that doesn’t always look strong. Service that doesn’t always get seen. And resilience that shows up quietly, day after day.

If something in this issue resonated with you—follow it. Reach out. Ask questions. Take one small step.

You don’t have to carry everything alone.

​We’ll see you next month. 💙