October 2025 Newsletter - The Mask We Wear

Thursday, October 02, 2025

Women Warriors Connect Newsletter/Mental Health/October 2025 Newsletter - The Mask We Wear

Hey Women Warriors,

Welcome to October: Strength in Every Season—From Battle Scars to Breakthroughs

October carries a special weight for women warriors. It’s a month that blends fierce awareness campaigns with moments of levity (yes, we’re looking at you, Halloween candy stash). Across our community, it’s a season of survivorship—whether that means facing down breast cancer, stepping away from domestic violence, or unmasking the silent battles of mental health.

As service members and veterans, we know the meaning of scars—visible or invisible. They aren’t marks of defeat; they’re evidence of resilience. This month we’re lifting up warrior stories of survival, spotlighting resources that save lives, and reminding you that no one fights alone—not in combat, and not in recovery.

But October isn’t only about the heavy stuff. Warriors need laughter, too. That’s why we’ve slipped in some military Halloween humor and a few lighthearted breaks to balance the mission load.

So as the leaves change, let’s honor our strength in every season. Whether you’re marching into a mammogram appointment, checking in with a therapist, or passing out Skittles in your OCPs, October is a chance to own your story—and to carry another sister or brother with you along the way.

Let’s go! 
Carma

WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DISCOVER…

- Breast Cancer & the Barracks: Military Women’s Health Then & Now
- The Mask We Wear: Mental Health Awareness Meets Halloween
- Resilience Quotes to Carry You Through
- Trick-or-Treat Warrior Humor
- October Observances & Free Resources
- Women Warriors Connect (WWC) Book Debrief: The Body Keeps the Score
- VA Claims Corner: MST & Domestic Violence Claims Simplified

Trivia Time

Q: Which military branch was the first to officially recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in its fitness campaigns? 
(Hint: It wasn’t the branch most famous for pink uniforms…)

👉 Scroll to the end of this issue to find the answer.

Breast Cancer & The Barracks: Military Women’s Health Then & Now

When women first entered military service in large numbers, health care wasn’t designed with them in mind. Breast cancer was rarely discussed in the barracks, and awareness campaigns were considered “civilian issues.” Yet military women carried the same risks—and in some cases, even higher ones due to stress, environmental exposures, and delayed screenings while on duty.

It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that breast cancer awareness began finding a foothold in military spaces. Pink ribbons started showing up at base runs, commissaries began carrying awareness materials, and commands cautiously began encouraging mammogram screenings. In 2009, the U.S. Army became the first branch to officially tie Breast Cancer Awareness Month to fitness campaigns—turning ruck marches and PT sessions into opportunities to educate and empower.

Today, women warriors have stronger access to care through the VA Women’s Health Program, which provides comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screenings. VA facilities offer mammograms, follow-up care, and access to oncology specialists. Peer-led groups, like the Pink Berets and WoVeN, create sisterhood networks for those navigating diagnoses. These programs don’t just save lives—they also challenge the stigma of talking openly about women’s health in military circles.

But progress doesn’t erase the reality: breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women veterans. Early detection is critical. If you haven’t scheduled your annual screening—or if you’re unsure what coverage you qualify for—this is your sign. The VA covers mammograms for eligible veterans, and military treatment facilities provide them for active-duty members and dependents.

Survivorship is more than survival. It’s about reclaiming your body, your identity, and your future. Women warriors know what it means to fight battles no one else sees. This October, let’s carry that strength forward—not just for ourselves, but for every sister-in-arms who comes after us.

Would You Like To Have A Battle Buddy for October?

In October, Women Warriors Connect is re-starting the Battle Buddy Program. If you want to get matched with another woman veteran for the month, go to the Women Warriors Connect Facebook Group and look for the following post:

Get a Battle Buddy

The Mask We Wear: Mental Health Awareness Meets Halloween

Every October, stores fill with masks—witches, superheroes, skeletons, clowns. But long after the candy is gone, many women warriors keep wearing masks of a different kind. The “I’m fine” mask. The “I’ve got this” mask. The “don’t ask me how I’m really doing” mask.

Mental Health Awareness Week (October 6–12) reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the mask off. Military culture often rewards stoicism and silence, but healing begins with honesty. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and burnout are not weaknesses—they are natural responses to extraordinary stress.

So how do you start to unmask? A few strategies:
1. Find a safe space. Peer groups like WoVeN and Team Red, White & Blue create communities where honesty is honored.
2. Use confidential tools. The VA Crisis Line (988, press 1), the PTSD Coach app, or Military OneSource provide private ways to reach out without judgment.
3. Start small. You don’t have to share your whole story at once. Sometimes just saying, “Today is hard” is enough to crack the mask.

And here’s a truth: taking off your mask doesn’t make you vulnerable—it makes you human. And humanity, even in its rawest form, is the foundation of strength.

So this Halloween, while others are donning costumes, consider what it might mean to set yours down. The real you—battle scars and all—is already powerful enough.

The Veteran’s Guide to DIY Mental Health

In the last article, we talked about the masks we wear—the “I’m fine” mask, the “don’t ask me” mask, the “just push through it” mask. Taking them off can feel risky. That’s where tools like the Veteran’s Guide to DIY Mental Health come in.

One of the most powerful strategies in the book is the Night Vision Goggles technique. Just like NVGs reveal what’s hidden in the dark, this exercise helps you see the thoughts spinning around in your head with clarity.

Here’s how to use it:
1. Write down every thought bouncing around in your mind—unfiltered.
2. Step back and scan the page, like you would a night patrol.
3. Identify the real “target”: what’s truly at the core of your stress right now.

Getting clear vision on your current problem is the first step in the 7-step process from the guide. It’s a mission-ready way to get your own “check-up from the neck up.”

Take off the mask. Put on the NVGs. 👉 Get your copy here to see your thoughts in a new light.

Yes! I Want The Book(Save 33% off of Amazon price)

Resilience Quotes to Carry You Through

“Scars are not reminders of what you lost. They’re proof of what you endured.”
“You can’t wear armor every day. Some days, strength means taking it off.”
“Resilience is not bouncing back—it’s moving forward with a new kind of power.”
“Your story didn’t end with the wound. It began with the healing.”

Trick-or-Treat Warrior Humor 🎃

Because even warriors deserve a laugh with their candy stash:

Q: Why don’t skeletons ever reenlist? A: They don’t have the guts.
Q: Why did the mummy get promoted? A: Because he was great at keeping things under wraps.
Q: Why was the drill sergeant so good at carving pumpkins? A: Years of knife-hand training.
Q: What do you call a vampire in uniform? A: A blood donor with benefits.

So whether you’re passing out candy, suiting up for a costume run, or just raiding the PX for discount Reese’s on November 1st—we hope these bring a smile.

October is:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Oct 6–12: Mental Health Awareness Week

Oct 10: World Mental Health Day
Oct 13: U.S. Navy Birthday
Oct 20: National Day on Writing (because journaling = therapy!)
Oct 26: National Day of the Deployed
Oct 31: Halloween 🎃

OCTOBER RESOURCES:
This month’s mission-ready resources focus on survivorship, safety, and emotional wellness:

Breast Cancer Support
- VA Women’s Health Program – Comprehensive screenings, mammograms, and oncology care.
- Bright Pink – Education and support for women under 40 at risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
- The Pink Berets – Veteran-run nonprofit offering peer support for women warriors facing cancer and trauma.

Domestic Violence Awareness & Support
- VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program – Confidential support, safety planning, and counseling.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) – 24/7 support and live chat.
- StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) – Culturally-appropriate support for Native veterans and families.

Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
- VA Crisis Line (988, press 1) – 24/7 crisis support.
- PTSD Coach App – Free, confidential app for tracking symptoms and grounding exercises.
- Military OneSource – Free confidential counseling, family support, and financial coaching.
- Headstrong Project – Trauma-focused therapy for veterans, no cost.
- Give an Hour – Nationwide network of volunteer mental health professionals providing free, confidential counseling to veterans and families.

Women Warriors Connect Book Debrief: The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

This groundbreaking book explores how trauma doesn’t just affect the mind—it imprints itself on the body. Dr. van der Kolk, a leading trauma researcher, explains how survivors carry stress in their nervous systems, muscles, and even their immune responses. He also shows that healing requires more than talk therapy: movement, mindfulness, and body-based practices can help veterans reclaim their lives.

Key insights include:
- Trauma rewires the brain’s alarm system, making us feel stuck in survival mode.
- Healing is possible when we combine therapy with practices like yoga, breathwork, and EMDR.
- Community and safe connection are as vital to recovery as individual treatment.

💡 Veteran Takeaway: If your body is keeping score, give it a new game plan. Pairing VA care with tools like journaling, yoga, or peer support can help you shift from surviving to thriving.

VA Claims Corner: MST & Domestic Violence Claims Simplified

For many women warriors, the hardest battles weren’t fought overseas—they happened in barracks, homes, or relationships. The VA recognizes Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the effects of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as valid grounds for benefits.

Here’s what you need to know:
1. What counts as MST? MST refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service. You do not need to have reported it at the time for it to be considered.
2. What counts as IPV/Domestic Violence? IPV includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a partner. The VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program provides confidential help, and IPV can connect to claims for PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
3. What evidence is needed?
- Service records may help, but they aren’t required.
- “Markers” like sudden requests for transfer, changes in duty performance, or statements from friends/battle buddies can support your claim.
- For IPV, medical records, police reports, or personal statements can all count.
4. Filing the Claim
- Submit VA Form 21-0781a (for PTSD due to MST or IPV).
- Work with a VSO (Veteran Service Officer) for free claim support.
- If denied, appeal—many MST/IPV claims are approved on review when more context is added.
5. Why this matters 
Acknowledging MST and IPV is not just about paperwork—it’s about validating your story, accessing treatment, and opening the door to financial stability and healing.

Bottom Line: Your trauma is real, your claim is valid, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. The VA has specific staff trained in MST/IPV claims. Reach out, document what you can, and lean on a VSO or peer for backup.

Trivia Answer: 

Trivia Answer: The U.S. Army was the first branch to officially recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in its fitness campaigns, beginning in 2009. Soldiers turned PT runs into “Pink PT” events—showing that warrior culture and women’s health could (and should) go hand-in-hand.

This October, we honored survivorship in all its forms—breast cancer, domestic violence, and the hidden battles of mental health. We laughed at Halloween humor, reflected on resilience, and shared resources that can save lives.

Your story, scars, and strength matter. Whether you’re scheduling a mammogram, filing a claim, or simply reaching out to a battle buddy, remember: you don’t fight alone.

So as you head into the rest of fall, take off the mask, put on your Night Vision Goggles, and see yourself clearly—because the warrior you are is more than enough.