Thursday, June 06, 2024
Hey Women Warriors,
Happy June. Do you feel the heat yet? We're already pretty hot here in the south.
There are some important June dates you need to know about:
June 6 - Anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy, France, known as D-Day (1944)
June 11- Family Health and Fitness Day
June 12 - Women Veterans Day
June 14 - Flag Day & U.S. Army Birthday
June 16 - Father's Day
June 23 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
June 25 - Anniversary of the start of the Korean War (1950)
June 27 - National PTSD Awareness Day
June is also PTSD Awareness Month and National Great Outdoors Month
I have a special story to share with you this month!
What You're About To Discover
- 25 Unexpected Ways That PTSD Shows Up
- Of COURSE, Women Are Veterans Too
- Why Women Warriors Connect Exists
- Podcast Recommendations- 6 Unique PTSD Podcasts
- Veteran Resource Spotlight - PTSD, Fitness, Father's Day & Outdoors/Travel
- A 50 Year Contract Of Silence
- VA Claims Corner - Maximizing Your PTSD VA Claim: Essential Tips for Veterans
😳 Is what I'm feeling PTSD?
Scroll to the bottom to discover...
25 Unexpected Ways PTSD Shows Up.
Of COURSE - Women Are Veterans Too!
Women Veterans Day is celebrated on June 12th because it commemorates the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law on June 12, 1948, granting women permanent status in the military.
It is NOT just a separate Veterans Day for women or in any way intended to diminish or overshadow the contributions of male veterans.
During World War II, women played vital roles in various capacities, from nurses and clerks to pilots and mechanics, despite facing significant obstacles and discrimination. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifices paved the way for future generations of women in the military.
Today, women continue to serve with distinction in all branches of the armed forces, contributing their unique skills, perspectives, and talents to defend their country and uphold its values. From combat zones to humanitarian missions, their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise enrich the military community and enhance its effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. Women bring resilience, adaptability, and empathy, which are invaluable assets in challenging and dynamic environments.
They have overcome underrepresentation, gender stereotypes, lack of recognition, access to resources, cultural norms, double standards, and intersectional challenges.
As we observe Women Veterans Day, let us honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women who have served in the military. Your bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism exemplify the best of our nation and inspire us all to strive for excellence in service to our country.
If you have not yet told your story of your military service, I highly encourage you to share your 'her-story' in the Women's Memorial Registry: https://womensmemorial.org/
Of course, if you have the chance to go to the Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., you should definitely do it! I registered my story many years ago when I was visiting one of my Air Force buddies in D.C. We registered together, and I've updated my story once, but it needs another update.
Here's WHY Women Warriors Connect Exists.
If you've ever done any introspection, you've probably heard the phrase, "Find Your Why". If you're not familiar with this concept, it's essentially identifying your purpose for why you do what you do, in your business or career, in your relationships, and your life.
Today, I want to share with you the purpose for why Women Warriors Connect exists. The one person behind the scenes is Carma Connor, an Air Force veteran and retiree of the U.S. Public Health Service. That's me, I'm her. I am the whole team.
When I retired, I wasn't fully 'feeling like a veteran' and therefore not using resources available to me as a woman who served in the military. I'll back up one more step and say that I was not even aware of the many resources that were out there and available.
I started attending veteran events, first online and later in person, and I was blown away with the countless resources available. I had no idea. NONE. I met a retired USAF first shirt whose mission it was to share information on resources. So I started sharing on social media.
And then I realized that many other women who served also felt the way I did when it came to identifying with being a veteran.
"Yeah, I served, but I did't deploy; didn't fight in a war; was just in a support role; only served seven years; moved into a non-DoD public health uniformed service; etc."
Maybe one or more of those thoughts resonates with you. Or maybe you feel 100% veteran, but then you still get miffed when people don't recognize your service, or thank the male who is with you at the time even though you're wearing the veteran gear, or you get called Mr. at your VA appointment. If any of these examples hit a nerve with you, then this free training is for you.
So, I created the free, "Embrace Your Inner Veteran Bootcamp" training that is designed to help women who served in the military feel more like a veteran so they will use the free resources available to them just because they served.
You can check out that free training here:
https://www.womenwarriorsconnect.com/embrace-your-inner-veteran-bootcamp
There's also a t-shirt that's available when you take the bootcamp.
If you're into podcasts, here are some of the top rated PTSD Podcasts:
- The Head Space and Timing Podcast: Host: Duane France. Focus- mental health issues in the military - community, practical advice and resources for veterans.
- After Action with Max & Paul: Hosts: two combat veterans. Focus- a range of issues facing veterans, including PTSD, with candid conversations and personal insights.
- The Trauma Therapist: Focus- Interviews with trauma therapists/experts, offering valuable insights and strategies for coping with PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
- Veterans' Voices: Produced by the VA. Focus- stories and experiences of veterans from diverse backgrounds, including those living with PTSD, and provides information about VA resources and support services.
- PTSD & Beyond: Host: Dr. Rob Hoos, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma. Focus: explores various aspects of PTSD and trauma recovery, offering insights and strategies for healing.
- Combat & Classics: Focus: discussions of classical literature with insights from military veterans, offering a unique perspective on themes related to war, trauma, and resilience.
PTSD, HEALTH/FITNESS, & OUTDOORS RESOURCES
PTSD:
- Save A Warrior: https://saveawarrior.org/apply/
- All Secure Foundation: https://allsecurefoundation.org/
- STRIVE: https://medicine.osu.edu/departments/psychiatry-and-behavioral-health/strive/treatments-and-services
- Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
- Home Base: https://homebase.org/
- Bulletproof Warrior: https://bulletproofwarrior.org/
- Make the Connection: https://www.maketheconnection.net/
- Operation Reach Out app: iTunes App Store the Android Market.
- White Flag- app
- Chaplain Consultants - Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, Inc.: https://chaplainconsultants.com/
- Give an Hour: https://giveanhour.org/military/
- Battle Buddy Response Team: https://battlebuddyresponseteam.org/contact/
- Battle Buddy Foundation: https://www.tbbf.org/
Health/Fitness:
- The Veterans Yoga Project: https://veteransyogaproject.org/
- Fire Team Whiskey: https://bit.ly/ftwYTworkouts
- Warriors At Ease: https://www.warriorsatease.org/military-community
Father's Day:
- Coloring Pages:
https://www.operationwearehere.com/FathersDayBoy.pdf
https://www.operationwearehere.com/FathersDayGirl.pdf
Outdoors/Travel:
- National Parks Pass: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
- U.S. Vet Camper: http://www.usvetcamper.com/veterans/state-park-passes/
- Military One Source Best Kept Secrets: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/recreation/best-kept-secrets/
- FamCamp FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1667274956832809
- Space A DoD Travelers FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/325711150854371
- Sisterhood of the Traveling Veterans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/514920675701572/
A 50 YEAR CONTRACT OF SILENCE
My grandfather was a WW2 hero, he was my hero, and this is his story.
John E. Verbout was a radio-gunner in the Army Air Corps in WW2 with a few different bomb groups. Nobody in our family knew the details of his story because he signed a "contract" when he was discharged in 1945 that stated he would not speak of his experiences in Europe for 50 years. And he didn't, until...50 years +1 day.
In October of 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps right out of high school, and starting in July of 1942 he flew 52 missions in 9 months out of Alaska. He married my grandmother in May of 1943, and was stationed in Boise, ID, for a year before heading to England on the Queen Mary.
My gramps said he was very lucky, and here are three examples:
1. While he was sick in the hospital with pneumonia, his crew went on a mission and all of them were killed.
2. On another mission, a round hit their plane and killed the man standing right next to him.
3. The last one was a doozie. Read that story below.
While in Europe he flew 5.5 missions. On July 7, 1944, their crew of 8 men was shot down over Normandy. Three crew members died on the plane. Four of the crew were taken as prisoners. Gramps did not pull his ripcord until he saw the tops of the trees, making his fall fast and first. He landed on a French farm and hid in a haystack. He ate apples off of trees and drank milk from the cow. The farmer was pro-allied forces and his daughters brought him food.
Madam Leonard Gille was the head of the French Underground and arranged for my grandfather to be taken on a wagon covered with loose hay into a town to a home where he was hidden for 5.5 weeks by Odette Gatine, her husband (who were both 20 years old) and their 6-month-old baby.
Germans were patrolling the streets, and sometimes a German soldier would come inside and play the piano. One day when he was in the house alone, there was a knock on the door. It was a German solider and he 'tore ass up the stairs'. Odette helped to get a false ID that said he was a deaf mute. They gave him a bowl haircut. Odette's home was hit by a rocket from a bomber while he was there, and they moved to her parents' house. They had to walk across a bridge that was guarded by Germans. He stayed at Odette's parents' house for another two weeks before the area was liberated by Belgium and the British 6th Airborne Division.
The Underground helped get him back to England, and he was on his way home to Illinois by September 1, 1944. He received a Purple Heart for being wounded (shrapnel).
He stayed in the service and went to pilot training, but then decided to separate in October 1945. My grandmother had given an ultimatum: it was either her or the service because she wasn't going to move around and wanted to settle down on a farm in Illinois.
All of this was not known to the family until my mother was going to France for 6 weeks in an adult exchange student program in 1995. Gramps showed my mom railroads and bridges on a map that he had bombed when he was a young 20-year-old man. Later in 2000, my grandparents took their children to Europe to visit all the places my grandfather had been. It was a memorable and an emotional trip.
I'm so thankful to have served my country. My gramps beamed with pride whenever he talked about my service. He visited me when I was stationed at Keesler AFB, where he had also been stationed "when it was an Air Field with a bunch of huts with tar paper roofs." He was proud to have me attend WW2 reunions with the Armed Forces Escape and Evasion Society. The happy hours were the best. He said, "You'll hear a lot of war stories, and some of them will be true."
Below: My Gramps' Fake ID
VA CLAIMS CORNER
Maximizing Your PTSD VA Claim: Essential Tips for Veterans
Navigating the process of filing a VA claim for PTSD can be complex and challenging. Understanding the key aspects of the application, from evidentiary requirements to rating criteria, is crucial for veterans seeking rightful compensation and recognition. This article breaks down the essentials for successfully filing and appealing a PTSD VA claim.
Eligibility and Evidence Requirements:
To be eligible for a PTSD claim, veterans must meet three primary criteria:
1. A medical diagnosis of PTSD or another mental health condition.
2. The condition must be linked to active duty service (Nexus).
3. Evidence of persistent and reoccurring symptoms.
For your PTSD claim, accurately identifying and documenting in-service stressors is vital. Examples of stressors include exposure to death, serious injury, sexual violence, or traumatic events in combat or non-combat scenarios. Supporting evidence can include statements in support of the claim, buddy letters, and details of the stressor event (dates, locations, unit assignments).
Filing for PTSD:
When filing a PTSD claim, especially for the first time, you should:
- Provide a detailed description of in-service stressors.
- Include relevant dates, geographic locations, and unit assignments.
- Submit a Statement in Support of Claim for PTSD (VA Form 21-4138).
- Consider adding buddy letters for stronger evidence.
- Expect a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) for the initial PTSD assessment.
Appealing and Increasing PTSD Ratings:
For an increase in PTSD ratings, it is important to demonstrate worsening symptoms. This includes:
- Obtaining an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) from a board-certified psychologist.
- Submitting updated statements and evidence (VA Form 21-4138 and buddy letters).
Rating Criteria:
PTSD claims are assessed on a scale from 0% to 100%, based on the level of occupational and social impairment. The ratings reflect varying degrees of impairment in work efficiency, social interactions, and self-care, with higher percentages indicating more severe disability.
Tips for a Successful PTSD VA Claim:
Ensure the service connection (Nexus) is clear and well-documented.
Maintain accurate medical records and understand your Disability Benefit Questionnaire.
Be open and honest about your symptoms and their impact on your life.
Consider the broader spectrum of mental health, as additional diagnoses can be relevant.
Be prepared for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, and represent your true condition.
Conclusion:
Successfully navigating a PTSD VA claim requires careful documentation, a clear understanding of the evidence required, and a thorough representation of your condition. Remember, your claim is not just about the past but also about how PTSD affects your current life and functioning. Seeking appropriate medical evaluations and support can significantly strengthen your claim. For veterans, obtaining the right compensation is a crucial step in acknowledging their service and its impacts, leading towards a path of recovery and support.
* Content adapted from VA Claims Insider Blog
25 UNEXPECTED WAYS THAT PTSD SHOWS UP
1. Difficulty Making Decisions: Struggling to make even simple decisions due to heightened anxiety and fear of making the wrong choice.
2. Avoiding Certain Activities or Places: Avoiding specific places, situations, or activities that trigger memories or emotions associated with the traumatic event.
3. Chronic Pain or Physical Symptoms: Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension, which can be linked to stress and hypervigilance.
4. Procrastination: Putting off tasks or responsibilities as a way to avoid potential triggers or overwhelming feelings associated with them.
5. Self-Blame or Guilt: Constantly feeling responsible for what happened, even if it was beyond one's control, leading to low self-esteem and self-blame.
6. Hyperactivity or Restlessness: Difficulty sitting still or relaxing due to hypervigilance and heightened arousal levels.
7. Impulsive Behavior: Engaging in risky or impulsive behavior as a way to distract from intrusive thoughts or numb emotional pain.
8. Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors: Developing rituals or repetitive behaviors as a way to regain a sense of control or alleviate anxiety.
9. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus or concentrate on tasks due to intrusive thoughts or flashbacks interrupting cognitive processes.
10. Social Withdrawal: Withdrawing from social interactions or relationships as a way to avoid triggers or because of difficulties in relating to others.
11. Sleep Disturbances: Experiencing nightmares, insomnia, or night terrors that disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to overall fatigue and irritability.
12. Heightened Startle Response: Reacting strongly to sudden noises or movements, often with a sense of panic or hyper-vigilance.
13. Changes in Eating Habits: Overeating or undereating as a way to cope with emotional distress or as a result of appetite changes linked to stress.
14. Difficulty Trusting Others: Struggling to trust others or form close relationships due to fear of betrayal or abandonment.
15. Perfectionism: Setting excessively high standards for oneself as a way to regain a sense of control or to compensate for feelings of inadequacy.
16. Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities: Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable due to emotional numbness or avoidance behavior.
17. Irritability or Anger Outbursts: Experiencing intense mood swings, irritability, or anger outbursts that may seem disproportionate to the situation.
18. Memory Problems: Having difficulty remembering specific details about the traumatic event or experiencing gaps in memory due to dissociation.
19. Hyper-vigilance: Being constantly on guard or scanning the environment for potential threats, even in situations where there is no apparent danger.
20. Feeling Detached or Emotionally Numb: Feeling emotionally disconnected from oneself or others as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings of fear or shame.
21. Depersonalization or Derealization: Experiencing feelings of detachment from oneself or the world around them, often described as feeling like an observer rather than an active participant in life.
22. Physical Aggression: Acting out physically in response to triggers or as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, especially if other coping mechanisms are not available or effective.
23. Difficulty Expressing Emotions: Struggling to express emotions or communicate feelings verbally, leading to a sense of emotional numbness or isolation.
24. Compulsive Overworking: Overcommitting to work or other activities as a way to avoid facing traumatic memories or emotions.
25. Heightened Sensory Sensitivity: Being easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces, which can trigger anxiety or panic attacks.
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