Hey Women Warriors, 
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November is Military Family Month, National Family Caregivers Month, and National Diabetes Month. And of course Veterans Day.
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Let's Go!

• - Native American Women In Service Trivia
• - The Stress of Being a Caregiver: Survival Tips for Women Veterans Juggling It All
• - Her Stories of Service
• - VSOs: What Are They, Why Might You Need One and Where Do You Find Them?
• - Mark Your Calendar: November's Special Observances 
• - Household Good - Declutter or Disaster: How 5 Minutes a Day Keeps the Chaos Away!
• - Mess Hall Masterpiece
• - Veteran Resource Spotlight: Free Resources
• - Diabetes in Veterans: What You Need to Know and How to Take Action
• - VA Claims Corner - Crush Your C&P Exam: Proven Strategies for Veteran Success

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Native American Women In Service Trivia

Who were the earliest documented Native American women to serve in the U.S. military, and in which conflict did they serve?
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A. Four Lakota nuns during the Spanish-American War
B. Five Cherokee women during World War I
C. Three Navajo women during the Civil War
D. Six Sioux women during the Korean War
​

Scroll to bottom for the answer

As women veterans, you’ve faced some of the toughest challenges, from grueling training to deployment. But stepping into the role of caregiver? That’s a whole new mission—one that often doesn’t come with a manual or a break. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, a spouse with health issues, or young children, the juggling act can feel overwhelming. The stress, the emotional toll, and the sheer exhaustion can pile up quickly, leaving you wondering how you’re going to keep it all together.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. And while the pressure is real, there are ways to manage it and even thrive in this role.

The Reality of Caregiver Stress

Being a caregiver can feel like running a marathon without knowing where the finish line is. For instance, caring for an elderly parent with Alzheimer's means navigating their unpredictable behaviors, emotional outbursts, and the heartbreak of watching them slowly slip away. Or maybe your spouse is recovering from a military-related injury, and between medical appointments, therapy sessions, and managing household duties, you feel like there’s never enough time in the day. Add young children to the mix, and suddenly, you’re the CEO of a non-stop operation.

It's common to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and even guilty for wanting some time for yourself. But burnout is real, and if you don’t take care of yourself, it’s hard to keep caring for everyone else.

Survival Tips to Manage the Chaos

Master the Art of Boundaries – As a veteran, you're used to structure, and now's the time to set it for yourself. Create boundaries with your time. It’s okay to say no to things that aren’t essential or to take a breather when you need one. You can't pour from an empty cup.

Find Your Tribe – No one should go through this alone. Tap into your veteran network, friends, or online groups of women veterans who understand your struggles. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. Whether it's a listening ear or someone to help with errands, let your tribe support you.

Leverage Resources – The VA offers programs for caregivers, including respite care and training. Research local community services or veteran-focused resources that can help lighten your load. If finances allow, hire help, even if it’s just for a few hours a week. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes.

Put Yourself First Sometimes – This isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Whether it’s going for a run, reading a book, or binge-watching your favorite show for an hour, give yourself permission to unplug. Self-care isn’t optional—it’s critical.

​Being a caregiver is no easy feat, but you've tackled hard things before. With the right strategies and support, you can manage the stress and continue being the hero your loved ones need—without losing yourself in the process. You’ve got this!

Have you ever wanted to write down your military stories but felt unsure where to start or never found the time? This keepsake journal is designed for women veterans like you—offering guided prompts and the perfect space to capture your experiences, so your legacy can finally be preserved. Who knows? It might be the beginning of a book you write one day.

If you’ve ever tried to navigate the maze of veteran benefits, you know it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. Enter the Veterans Service Organization, or VSO—a powerful ally you might not even realize you need. But what exactly is a VSO, and why should you consider reaching out?
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VSOs are non-profit organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families. Think of them as your go-to guide for everything related to veteran benefits. Whether you’re struggling to file a disability claim or you have no idea what benefits you’re entitled to, a VSO has your back. Some of the most well-known VSOs include the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). These groups offer expert assistance—completely free of charge.
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One of the biggest reasons you might need a VSO? Filing VA claims can feel like you’re drowning in paperwork. A VSO service officer helps you cut through the red tape and file claims with precision. They know the system inside and out, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. They also help with appeals if your claim is denied—something that can be incredibly frustrating without proper guidance.
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But VSOs aren’t just about paperwork. They’re advocates, fighting for veterans' rights at local and national levels. They work to ensure laws and policies are in place to protect and support veterans. On top of that, VSOs offer a sense of community. Through events, gatherings, and support groups, they provide a space where veterans can reconnect and find camaraderie.
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So, why should you reach out to a VSO? Because they make sure you get the benefits you’ve earned, while providing a community that understands your journey. It’s support, advocacy, and connection—all in one place.
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November is Military Family Month, American Diabetes Month, Native American Heritage Month, National Family Caregivers Month, and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

Nov 3- Daylight Savings Time Ends
Nov 9- Gold Star Father’s Day
Nov 10- U.S. Marine Corps’ Birthday
Nov 11- Veterans Day
Nov 13- World Kindness Day 
Nov 14- Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Nov 15- America Recycles Day
Nov 16- Great American Smokeout
Nov 19- International Survivors of Suicide Day
Nov 19- National Adoption Day
​Nov 28- Thanksgiving Day & National Family Health History Day: https://cbiit.github.io/FHH/html/index.html

A tidy and organized environment can contribute to a more focused and stress-free mindset.

Tips to Organize Your Space:

1. Tidy up daily for a clutter-free environment.
2. Dedicate a few minutes each day to organizing your workspace.
3. Keep essentials within reach for easy access.
4. Remove unnecessary items to reduce distractions.
5. Maintain a clean and stress-free area to boost focus.

​What will you organize today?

In the mess hall, the familiar smell of “something” greeted us as we shuffled through the line. Today’s entrée looked like it had survived basic training itself. “Is this chicken, or…?” I asked, poking at the mystery meat. The guy next to me shrugged, “Your guess is as good as mine.” We sat down, and as usual, the critiques began.

But I had a secret weapon: Tabasco sauce. “Watch and learn,” I said, pulling out the bottle from my pocket like it was pure gold. With a few shakes, I transformed my meal from bland to fiery. “Tabasco fixes everything,” I grinned.

One of the guys raised an eyebrow. “Even this?” he asked, holding up what was supposed to be mashed potatoes.

​“Even that,” I said confidently. Soon, everyone was passing the bottle around like we were at a gourmet tasting. We may not have had much, but we had Tabasco—and that was enough to survive another mess hall masterpiece.

VETERANS DAY RESOURCES
- Veterans Day Events- https://www.military.com/veterans-day/events.html
- Veterans Day Discounts- https://www.military.com/veterans-day/restaurants-veterans-day-military-discounts.html

AWARENESS MONTH RESOURCES
- Military Family Month- https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month
- American Diabetes Month: https://www.diabetes.org
- Native American Heritage Month: nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov
- National Family Caregivers Month: nfcacares.org
- National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month:  alz.org
- World Kindness Day: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/world-kindness-day
- America Recycles Day: americarecyclesday.org
- International Survivors of Suicide Day: afsp.org
- National Adoption Day: https://www.nationaladoptionday.org/
- Thanksgiving Coloring Page: https://www.operationwearehere.com/Thanksgiving_Day.pdf

FAMILY AND CAREGIVER RESOURCES
- Blue Star Families Caregivers Program- https://bluestarfam.org/caregivers/
- Camp Bliss Caregivers Retreat- https://campbliss.org/
- Caregiver Action Network- http://caregiveraction.org/
- Veteran Caregiver Alliance- https://saluteheroes.org/get-help/other-programs/
- Grow Thrive Parenting Program- https://thrive.psu.edu/universal-parenting-programs/grow/
- Hidden Heroes- https://hiddenheroes.org/
- Sesame Street for Military Families- https://www.sesameworkshop.org/
- Babies on the Homefront- https://babiesonthehomefront.org/ https://www.zerotothree.org/our-work/military-family-projects
​- Parent to Parent Workshops- https://www.militarychild.org/audience/parents

Did you know that diabetes is more common among veterans than you might think? In fact, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, one in four veterans has diabetes, and many don’t even know it. Diabetes can be a silent condition, creeping up on you without obvious signs until it’s already wreaking havoc on your body. Understanding the symptoms, types, and how to prevent or manage diabetes is critical for staying healthy.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body produces or responds to insulin, making it difficult to process glucose (sugar) effectively. Over time, this can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels, affecting everything from energy levels to your eyesight. Veterans are at a higher risk of diabetes due to factors like age, weight, and even exposure to substances like Agent Orange.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: In this form, your body doesn’t make enough insulin. Without insulin, glucose stays in your bloodstream, unable to fuel your body’s cells. This form usually shows up early in life but can affect anyone.

Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type, where your body doesn’t use insulin effectively. It often develops over time and is linked to obesity, age, and even Agent Orange exposure for veterans. If you served in areas with herbicide exposure, you might be at an increased risk.

Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and can be managed with the help of a healthcare provider. Although it usually resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Many veterans may have diabetes without even realizing it. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:  frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, blurry vision, fatigue, cuts or bruises that take a long time to heal, or tingling or numbness in hands and feet

If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to get tested. Early detection can make all the difference in managing or even reversing some of the effects of diabetes.

How to Get Diagnosed

Diabetes is diagnosed by testing blood sugar levels and that can be done by fasting glucose or an A1C test that measures your blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.

Filing a VA Claim

If you have Type 2 diabetes and were exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange, you may be eligible for VA benefits. To file a claim, make sure you have:

- A confirmed diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
- Participation in an Agent Orange Exam
- Service records linking you to herbicide exposure

How to Prevent Diabetes

The good news? There are ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and making smart food choices—like cutting down on carbs and processed foods—can go a long way in preventing this condition.

​Diabetes might be common, but you don’t have to face it alone. Take action now to get tested, seek support, and make lifestyle changes that will improve your health and well-being for the long run.

The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is vital to your VA disability claim. Here are five essential tips to help you succeed:

1. Prepare:
- Track Symptoms: Record your symptoms and frequency in a notebook or app.
- Gather Insights: Ask others affected by your symptoms to note their observations.
- Review Records: Familiarize yourself with your medical history.

2. Plan:
- Route & Timing: Use maps to plan your trip, accounting for traffic and parking.
- Dress Practically: Wear comfortable attire and bring assistive devices if needed.
- Organize Documents: Have your Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) and relevant documents ready.

3. Arrive on Time:
- Double-Check Your Route: On exam day, confirm your route to avoid delays.
- Manage Arrival Time: Arrive early enough to settle in without adding stress.

4. Stay Polite:
- Be Respectful: Treat the examiner with courtesy to foster empathy.
- Stay Calm: Answer honestly, avoiding exaggeration or unrelated details.

5. Be Precise:
- Focus on Disabilities: Refer to your IMO and documents without over-explaining.
- Note Concerns: Track any discrepancies during the exam.

Approach the C&P exam with preparation, respect, and clarity for the best chance of a favorable result. This step is critical in presenting your condition accurately to the VA.

​* Content adapted from VA Claims Insider Blog

Who were the earliest documented Native American women to serve in the U.S. military, and in which conflict did they serve?

A. Four Lakota nuns during the Spanish-American War
B. Five Cherokee women during World War I
C. Three Navajo women during the Civil War
D. Six Sioux women during the Korean War

​Answer: A. Four Lakota nuns during the Spanish-American War