There is still a strong stigma attached to mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to help shatter that perception and inspire those who need it to seek out help.

One group that experiences increased rates of psychiatric illness are first responders and armed forces servicemembers, especially those who were in combat. Too many suffer in silence, though they don’t have to, as there are many programs available specifically for veterans and first responders alike. Operation Resiliency is one such example that aims to help servicemembers deal with mental health issues by encouraging interaction between soldiers who share bonds forged through combat in the military.

Operation Resiliency

The underlying concept behind Operation Resiliency is that soldiers who form bonds in combat can help each other cope with trauma. Operation Resiliency hopes to assist both active duty and veteran service members better manage their mental health by bringing them together with no-cost retreats close to their homes. They also follow up with these individuals in an effort to keep connections strong among these soldiers.

Since the end of 2022, Operation Resiliency has served 468 service members. The project aims to hold six more retreats throughout 2023.

The origin of Operation Resiliency

The concept for Operation Resiliency came from Sarah Verardo, whose husband, Mike, was badly wounded in Afghanistan.

Verardo served in Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. This unit fought in the especially deadly Arghandab region in Afghanistan, where nearly half of the soldiers in the team were awarded Purple Hearts. When several of these infantrymen committed suicide, Sarah called retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Donald McAlister, first sergeant for Bravo Company in the Arghandab. They conceived of Operation Resiliency as part of their joint belief that they should do their part to prevent further tragedy.

McAlister led the first retreat for veterans in Bravo Company in North Carolina, where nearly 100 veterans of the company showed up. He believed he should lead them with full transparency of his own difficult reality to encourage others to do the same. “…Leading by example was being open and honest, and letting them know that mentally, physically, I’ll never be the man I was before…But at the end of the day, that’s OK…I told them, ‘You know, it’s OK for us all to not be OK, as long as we, as long as we acknowledge it. We can see the enemy, see what’s coming at us,” said McAllister, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Psychiatric illnesses are not a sign of weakness

One in five adults suffers from mental illness, as claimed by the National Institute of Mental Health. This statistic is the same for first responders and those who serve in the armed forces. No one — no matter how tough the person may be — is immune, and no one can “power through” psychiatric disorder through sheer force of will any more than they can a broken leg.

If you’re experiencing a crisis or if you feel you may hurt yourself or others, you can dial 988, which connects you to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Calling 911 is also an option.

Bravo Company is an example of the strongest among us recognizing their experiences and reaching out to their combat brothers for relief. Programs such as Operation Resiliency give these soldiers hope — which is what they require most in their time of need.

 

May is a special time to celebrate exceptional individuals of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. We’ll discuss three individuals who offer inspiring stories of their own.

Ellison Onizuka

Ellison Onizuka was the first Asian American to break through the atmosphere and fly into the great beyond of space on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985. He was also a distinguished servicemember of the U.S. Air Force.

While in the Air Force, Onizuka served as a test pilot and flight test engineer at the Sacramento Air Logistics Center, McClellan Air Force Base. At the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, he spent over 1,700 registered hours flying, ultimately earning the rank of Colonel.

As an astronaut, he was part of NASA’s historic Astronaut Class of 1978, also known as the “Thirty-Five New Guys.” This was the first new class of astronaut candidates since 1969.
Unfortunately Onizuka was one of the victims of the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. However, his memory is alive and well, and he’ll forever be an honored astronaut and Air Force veteran.

Norman Mineta

A member of the U.S. Army before becoming a politician, Norman Mineta would ultimately end up as the longest-serving member of the U.S. Department of Transportation and be in charge of reforming trust in flying after 9/11. He was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Transportation Security Administration.

Mineta started his life as the son of Japanese immigrant parents. He and his family were forced into internment camps during World War II. When he was released, he attended and graduated from the University of California of Berkeley. Upon joining the Army in 1953, he served as an intelligence officer in Korea and Japan.

He soon decided to enter the political sphere in his hometown of San Jose, California. Mineta served on the City Council from 1967 to 1971 before becoming mayor in 1971 until 1974. This made him the first Asian American mayor of a major U.S. city. He would go on to eventually become a Congressman, overseeing the Department of Transportation during the 9/11 attacks.

Mineta was deeply affected by his experiences during World War II and became a prominent advocate for Asian American civil rights. One of his most notable accomplishments was his successful effort to pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This act represented an official apology and offered reparations to Asian Americans who were victims of Japanese internment camps.

Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth is currently a U.S. Senator from Illinois, though she’s also well known as the former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Before that, Duckworth was an Iraq War veteran who flew combat missions in a Blackhawk helicopter. While flying in combat in 2004, her aircraft was struck by an RPG. She lost both her legs and some function of her right arm. However, she went on to hold a successful career in politics where she focused on veterans’ rights.

As Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Duckworth succeeded in establishing programs for veterans, including:

• Advancing availability of housing and health care.
• Instituted a crisis hotline.
• Developing a tax credit incentive for employers to hire former servicemembers.

Duckworth continued to help veterans in exemplary ways, going on to serve under President Obama, where she made a great many advancements aimed at easing the challenges this vulnerable population commonly faces.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage this May

This May, you can use these stories as inspiration to excel in your own life. All three of these individuals have inspiring stories noteworthy for their instances of bravery and exceptional accomplishments.

 

April is Military Child Month, and during this period there’s a particularly special day for children of military families. Military Brats Day, held on April 30th every year, offers a unique opportunity to recognize these “military brats” and bring attention to their uncommon experiences and challenges.

What is Military Brats Day, and where did it come from? Let’s dive in to explore this holiday.

The history of Military Brats Day

Military Brats Day has its origins in 2016 when the nonprofit organization Military Brats, Inc. made April 30 an unofficial holiday to celebrate kids from families in the armed forces. These “military brats” help support their parental servicemembers as proud sons and daughters — so in a very real way, they indirectly serve.

To some, the term “brat” might sound negative, but there’s a good reason why “military brats” are referred to that way. “BRAT” is an acronym originally coined in 1921 that stands for British Regiment Attached Traveler — family members who travel with service personnel. This became a popular way to refer to the kids of military families.

Military Brats, Inc. is currently lobbying Congress in an effort to make Military Brats Day an officially-recognized national holiday.

Military Brats, Inc.

Military Brats, Inc. has an explicit mission “to preserve the culture and heritage of those who grew up military.” Their goal is to bring assistance to military families through donation-led programs, wherever they may be needed.

Operation Footlocker is a program the organization is closely involved in along with the Museum of the American Military Family. Not to be confused with the educational program of the same name at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA, this project aims to bring together military brats across the country at special events. The official Operation Footlocker home page defines it as “an occasion for brats to come together and swap stories, celebrate, and in various ways pay tribute to our roots.”

What makes military brats unique?

Military brats typically share certain characteristics that make them (and their upbringing) unique. Families in the armed forces often need to relocate frequently, and this includes the children of the parental servicemember(s). These young people follow their parents wherever they go, and this presents them with some uncommon challenges that shape their character for life. A military brat changes schools an average of six times in life, according to National Today.

This means military brats often have innate difficulties making lasting friendships with peers and don’t always have a place to call their hometown — but it also makes them closer to their families. These children have strong ties to the constants in their lives, not the least of which are their parents and siblings.

Parents who serve in the armed forces often have special qualities that they either inherently possess or learn in the military, such as discipline, honor and responsibility. These values are commonly taught to their offspring, giving another special value to military brats.

It’s not uncommon for these children to live at military bases with their parental servicemember, and this means they have access to the same perks. For example, they can spend time in the libraries at these locations or other shared recreational facilities. They can participate in any morale, welfare and recreational (MWR) activities as well.

Find a way to celebrate and honor military brats on this Military Brats Day

There’s no better time to honor the children of military families than Military Brats Day. Whether you’re a parental servicemember or a military brat yourself — or simply want to demonstrate your appreciation for military brats — use this April 30th to show it.

 

This April is the perfect time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans, who bring a fascinating and diverse culture to American life. It’s also an excellent time to celebrate Arab Americans who have put their lives on the line in the U.S. armed forces to protect their fellow Americans.

The history of National Arab American Heritage Month

The first National Arab American Heritage Month took place in April 2017 as part of an initiative by the Arab American Foundation and Arab America. It initially received some support by a few states, but in 2022 the Biden administration formally recognized the month.

Virginia, Oregon and Illinois were the first states to pass legislation designating April as National Arab American Heritage Month. There is similar pending legislation in Rhode Island, Ohio, New York, Michigan, Maryland and Indiana.

The three surges of Arab immigration

The first known Arab Americans were Estebanico Azemmouri and Antonio Bishallany, who came to America in 1527. Azemmouri was from Morocco and Bishallany from Lebanon. However, the first boom of Arab immigration occurred in the late 1800s when Arab Christians sought refuge from persecution and violence in the former Ottoman Empire.

The second included Middle Eastern immigrants fleeing the Arab-Israeli War. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 ended the systematic process of favoring northern and western European immigrants, a third surge occurred.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor is the first Arab American to earn the Medal of Honor

The U.S. armed forces have a history of notable Arab Americans serving their country, but the first to obtain a Medal of Honor was U.S. Navy Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, who chose to give his life so his allies could be saved.

Monsoor earned this honor during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. During a sub operation designated Kentucky Jumper, Monsoor served as an automatic weapons gunner as part of a sniper overwatch element atop a building in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Their mission was to protect the western flank of the main force.

Monsoor and his team spotted four enemy scouts and engaged them. One of the enemy fighters was killed and another wounded. A separate SEAL and Iraqi Army team took down one more enemy combatant. However, this alerted the local populace to their location.

Monsoor’s position was attacked in the early afternoon the next day. Automatic fire from enemy vehicles and a rocket-propelled grenade sieged them, but they remained in the area to protect the flank, knowing fully well that the attacks would not stop. Monsoor, with an automatic heavy machine gun, was repositioned to a sniper hide-sight between two SEAL snipers. While watching for enemy activity, he felt something bounce off his chest and land on the deck nearby. Knowing it was a grenade, he shot to his feet, warned the two snipers next to him of the threat, and then threw himself onto the explosive to protect his teammates from harm.

Monsoor was killed in action, but he succeeded in saving his allies. He was positioned in such a way that he could have escaped the blast and saved himself if he chose to. Instead, he leapt on the grenade without hesitation. This action earned him the Medal of Honor.

This April, take part in National Arab American Heritage Month

National Arab American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Arab culture and honor Arab American soldiers like Monsoor. The Arab culture is diverse and valuable to the U.S., and many Arab Americans serve in the U.S. armed forces. Take this opportunity to recognize what Arab culture brings to America and the sacrifices heroes like Monsoor have made to protect the American way of life.

 

There are few greater demonstrations of altruism than volunteering for a good cause. Whether it’s for firefighting teams, first responders or something else, volunteers give their time and energy to promote a cause they believe in, without expecting monetary compensation.

National Volunteer Month, which takes place every April worldwide, is a time to not only demonstrate your appreciation for those who selflessly serve but also to volunteer for a just cause.

Here, we’ll talk about the history of National Volunteer Month and explain how you can volunteer some of your own time as a firefighter.

The history of National Volunteer Month

The origins of National Volunteer Month harken back to 1943 when Canada held its first National Volunteer Week. The event intended to bring attention to and honor women who volunteered during World War II. These individuals would tend to the wounded soldiers and help collect supplies for the war effort.

The week didn’t garner much attention until the United States tried to revive the holiday in 1974. This period was soon expanded into National Volunteer Month. By 1990, the month was recognized across the world.

What volunteer firefighters do

If you volunteer as a firefighter, you may find yourself doing a wide range of activities to help out. Many volunteer firefighters, in addition to helping put out fires, might:

• Check on those who may need help at their homes.
• Deal with hazardous materials.
• Provide medical assistance to the injured.
• Help with search and rescue missions.
• Educate others on fire safety.
• Maintain firefighting equipment.

How you can become a volunteer firefighter

The process for volunteering is relatively straightforward, so make sure you follow these steps.

Ensure you’re prepared

Being a volunteer firefighter takes more than just will — these individuals must be physically fit enough to carry heavy objects and/or people, able to respond to emergency calls at any hour of the day or night and stay calm in intense situations.

Volunteer firefighters often undergo training before they’re allowed to serve. Make sure you’re prepared for rigorous physical and mental instruction.

At the very least, you need to:

• Be over 18 years of age.
• Pass a background check.
• Have a high school education or equivalent.
• Own a driver’s license.

Contact your local fire department

Call your local fire department (using the non-emergency number) and be prepared to ask questions. For example, ask if there are any openings for volunteers, what the requirements are and how many hours you’re expected to put in. It would be wise to inquire about any residency restrictions and what the screening process entails.

Go through the application process

This one’s simple: Fill out and submit an application. You can ask the fire department’s volunteer coordinator or visit their website for information.

Pass a screening

This typically includes a background check, drug test, fitness exam and answering questions like you would in a job interview.

Undergo training

You’ll need to learn the necessary skills before you can begin. This commonly includes coursework. You can also attend conferences and educate yourself with reading materials.

If you manage to pass all these steps, congratulations! You’re now prepared to volunteer for a community-oriented cause you can be proud of.

This National Volunteer Month, offer your skills to a fire department or cause of your choice

Naturally, you don’t have to wait until National Volunteer Month to offer your time and energy to a good cause, but there’s no better time than April. You may find giving back to your community to be a wonderfully rewarding experience.

 

Military spouse unemployment remains high because of frequent relocation. This places undue financial hardship on military families who rely on dual incomes. Thankfully, the issue has been steadily getting better, in no small part, because of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program.

An introduction to the MSEP

The MSEP was founded in 2011 and has helped over 250,000 military spouses find employment in a wide range of industries. From October 2021 to October 2022, MSEP partners added an additional 40,000 spouses to that list, which is a record number for the program.

In late 2022, the Defense Department expanded its MSEP program to include an additional 70 government organizations, private sector companies and nonprofits. With the new additions, the total number of organizations participating in ensuring military spouse employment has reached over 600.

MSEP Engage 2022

Virginia hosted the three-day MSEP Engage 2022 event in late October 2022. Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, inducted the 70 new government organizations at the ceremony. He also spoke of the advances of the MSEP program. The third day of the event was notable for being the first time MSEP partners directly met with military spouses who were seeking employment.

Why military spouse employment is vital

Like many civilian families, military families often require incomes from both spouses to make ends meet. Unemployment in the general population has been getting far better in the past few years, with the current rate from April to July 2022 at 3.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

However, the rate of unemployment for military spouses is sitting at roughly 21%, making it a worse problem for military families. This is partially because military families tend to move often, which hinders their ability to keep a job for long periods. Military spouses are often educated, career-oriented individuals. Constant relocation brings with it a host of problems, not just in their financial lives, but also in their careers.

Military spouse unemployment is a known issue among many families in the armed forces, and it’s hurting the number of new enrollments in the military. Because of this and the associated financial burdens, these families have become less likely to recommend military service to their children, according to Mike Haynie, the executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

Hope for military spouse employment

Military spouse unemployment remains a serious issue for both the families themselves and the health of the armed forces as a whole. Satisfaction with the military is vital if service members are to stay on and encourage others, including their children, to join.

A sign of hope for this ongoing issue is in historical statistics: military spouse unemployment was at 30% in 1985 and has dropped considerably with the introduction of new programs and partnerships among the armed forces and private companies. The trend is slowly but surely moving toward more steady employment opportunities for military spouses.

Military spouses should know that they can be as eligible for unemployment benefits as anyone else. While not a complete or permanent solution, this can be a viable option to lessen any financial hardship a military family may be experiencing.

Unemployment is dropping among military spouses due to the MSEP program

New focus on the MSEP and other programs designed to encourage military spouse employment should offer new opportunities for military families so they can feel satisfied with steady employment and the easing of financial hardship.

 

Tales of great soldiers, secret intelligence groups and the dramatic beginnings of the Cold War can inspire, rivet and thrill almost anyone. A litany of exciting war-themed books have been recently released, and if you have the chance, these are sure to make a wonderful read.

The York Patrol

This historical account by James Carl Nelson focuses on the exceptional military accomplishments of Alvin Cullum York, who fought in World War I with the American Expeditionary Force. York was one of 13 soldiers in the force who each won a Medal of Honor after the events in the Argonne Forest in northeastern France. The day this transpired would be known throughout history as the Day of Valor.

York came from humble beginnings as an impoverished farmer in Tennessee but would later become one of the most celebrated fighters in the war, with several books retelling his deeds. He was even portrayed in a film, Sergeant York, as played by Gary Cooper.

Nelson gives special attention to the sixteen others who fought with York. These soldiers came from a range of backgrounds: Some were from big cities, others from small towns and some from foreign countries. Of particular note were a runaway who joined using a false name; a farmer like York who had a lineage tracing as far back as the American Revolution; and a Polish immigrant who enlisted to become an American citizen. These individuals would all become heroes on the Day of Valor, whose names would be written in history books to inspire others with their extraordinary valor and bravery.

Bletchley Park and D-Day

David Kenyon tells of the secret of Bletchley Park, the hub for Allied codebreakers during World War II. It was at this English mansion where the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), consisting of thousands of intelligence workers, would intercept and crack the covert communications between the Axis Powers. The activities at Bletchley Park would be concealed until decades later in the 1970s.

The GC&CS was paramount to the success of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. Kenyon uses the once-classified documents and collected enemy information to tell the story of how Bletchley Park made this battle’s victory possible — and, ultimately, the Allied triumph in the war.

Checkmate in Berlin

Giles Milton wrote this tale of the beginning of the Cold War, taking place almost immediately after the end of World War II. Describing the intense mistrust among the Allied powers that took over Berlin after the Yalta Conference in 1945, this thrilling tale of rampant suspicion among these flawed leaders vying for power speaks of the breakdown between the Western powers and the Soviet Union.

The book features an account of historical figure Frank “Howlin’ Mad” Howley, who was appointed commandant of Berlin’s American sector. Deeply distrustful of the Russians, Howley considered General Alexander Kotikov, the commandant of the Soviet sector, to be an object of intense suspicion. Howley correctly believed the Soviet leader was an agent of Stalin whose mission was to rid Berlin (and ultimately, Germany) of the Western allies.

Milton covers the bases of all the major players to form a breathtaking human drama — one that would help shape the world we know today.

Choose one or all of these acclaimed books for your next reading binge
Whether you fancy an account of exceptional men, a secret intelligence agency or a story detailing the beginnings of the Cold War, you’ll undoubtedly find something in one or all of these new offerings. The many tales of military history and the range of individuals who populate these stories are sure to keep you turning the page well into the evening hours.

 

Dogs may be amazing creatures, but K9s are capable of truly impressive feats. Commonly employed across the U.S. to serve distinct functions like finding survivors under rubble or detecting distant threats such as snipers, these service dogs are invaluable to the day-to-day operations of the armed forces, law enforcement and first responder teams.

Every year on March 13th is K9 Veterans Day. This is a time to honor and appreciate K9 veterans. Here, we’ll briefly talk about the history of K9 Veterans Day, explain what K9s are capable of doing, and offer ways to participate in this national holiday.

The history of K9 Veterans Day

K9 dogs have been used throughout much of military history across the world, from the Greeks and Romans breeding Cane Corsos as guard dogs to the Persians, who used the Saluki for hunting game. In the U.S., the use of dogs in the military goes back to 1942 with the Dogs for Defense organization and its War Dog Program, also called the K9 Corps. These dogs were trained to be sentries to guard supply depots. Training began on March 13th of that year, which is where the special date originated.

Joe White, a Vietnam War veteran and dog handler from Jacksonville, Florida, first petitioned the idea of a national holiday for K9 veterans in 2009. White was especially close to K9 dogs during the war. The day became an official holiday in 2013. The concept behind the day was to bring awareness to K9s and offer them a special day of honor.

What do K9s do?

Dogs can be trained to do pretty much anything, to begin with, but K9s are special. Some of the tasks a K9 might learn to do are:

• Patrolling and scouting. These dogs are capable of alerting their owners to the presence of enemies. Often sent away from their handlers to detect threats, this type of K9 will be especially quiet and provide subtle signals if they detect something — for example, they may stiffen their stance or twitch their ears.
• Explosive device detection. Commonly stationed at traffic stops and checkpoints, these dogs can sniff out the ingredients of explosive devices.
• Special Forces work. These multi-purpose dogs serve with units such as the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. They are extremely capable K9s with a variety of skills, from jumping out of aircraft to assisting with amphibious operations.
• Sentry duty. This type of military dog can detect threats. Often stationed at supply posts, airports and important storage facilities, they are highly useful when visibility is limited, such as during nighttime.
• Locate the injured. Search and rescue dogs, also known as casualty dogs, can locate survivors in places they may be hidden, such as under rubble after a natural disaster.

 How can you honor K9 veterans

There are many ways you can show your support for K9 veterans, such as:

• Make donations to K9 organizations.
• Host or join events honoring K9 veterans.
• Bring awareness to the day on social media.

Also, if you have any personal stories you’d like to share, tell them! Virtually everyone loves to hear tales of exceptional dogs, especially heroic K9 veterans.

K9s enhance the capabilities of the U.S. armed forces and other teams

Whatever you do to celebrate this K9 Veterans Day, try to bring attention to the practically limitless capabilities of these canines. Dogs have consistently had a place alongside people doing incredible things, and it’s worth taking the time to appreciate the jobs K9s can do across the world.

 

The accomplishments of veterans deserve recognition and appreciation year-round. Some national holidays, such as Veterans Day, are well-known times to demonstrate such feelings. But there are many other holidays that serve special purposes.

For example, National Invest in Veterans Week takes place every year in the first week of March. This period is a time to bring interest to businesses owned by veterans and the contributions they make to their communities.

The history of National Invest in Veterans Week

Drayton Florence, a former National Football League cornerback and veteran, and Jeff Shuford, an Iraq war veteran, founded National Invest in Veterans Week in 2019. The week was meant to bring special attention to veteran-owned businesses by buying from them, calling them out on social media, nurturing startups and supporting them in a range of other ways.

There are 2.4 million firms owned by veterans in America, and these businesses employ 5.8 million individuals, according to the official website for National Invest in Veterans Week. Military experience is strongly correlated with entrepreneurship, likely because the armed forces teach values such as responsibility and self-discipline.

The importance of small businesses in America

Small businesses are broadly defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as being independently owned and with 500 or fewer employees. Because they make up a large portion of new jobs, provide opportunities for success and spark innovation, this type of business is vital to the overall health of the American economy.

There are 61.7 million employees working for small businesses, making up 46.4% of the workforce, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Many small businesses are locally owned, so they’re often highly beneficial for smaller communities. They’re also frequently involved in improving their communities as part of their business model, helping local causes.

How entrepreneurship helps veterans transition to civilian life

Veterans often struggle to find employment after leaving the armed forces. However, these individuals make excellent entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship can be perfect for some veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

Consider the skills learned in the military — problem-solving, leadership and teamwork come to mind. These are the key qualities of any successful entrepreneur. When you’re running a business, you need to be able to adapt to constantly-shifting market conditions and quickly think of answers to problems. This makes problem-solving skills vital. A healthy company environment is just as important, with employees feeling they can trust and rely on you to have their best interests in mind. A business leader already experienced in leading and effectively managing a team for a common goal is almost invariably going to be more successful than one without these aptitudes.

Any veteran-owned company is going to be highly respected by its community. This means the entrepreneur may find fulfilling involvement when giving back to the locals. The locals, in response, then help out the business. It’s a perfect recipe for a successful return back to civilian life.

Celebrate National Invest in Veterans Week by showing your support for veteran-owned businesses

Small businesses are crucial in the U.S. economy, and small businesses owned by veterans are even more important because they offer veterans a way to make a living and become deeply involved in their communities.

National Invest in Veterans Week is a perfect time to demonstrate your appreciation for your local veteran-owned businesses. The easiest way to show your support is to buy from them, but that’s not all you can do. They’ll appreciate any help you can offer, even if it’s just to advertise by word of mouth. Simply ask how you can volunteer to help out, and they’ll likely be happy to have you.

 

Throughout the history of civilization, there have been countless women who have helped shift the world. Women’s History Month is to be celebrated once again this March, and this year we focus on this accomplished woman who changed the U.S. Air Force forever.

The History of Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month has taken place each March since 1987. Originally conceived as National Women’s History Week, it was celebrated on the week of March 8, 1980, and recognized by President Jimmy Carter. The following year, it became a national occasion; six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand it to the entire month of March.

International Women’s Day preceded Women’s History Month, which began as an international celebration on March 8, 1911. The United Nations started sponsoring it in 1975 and continues to this day.

Educational initiatives, demonstrations and presenting gifts and flowers to women are common occurrences during these times.

Kathy La Sauce, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel

Among many other accomplished women, Kathy La Sauce stands out for her groundbreaking military service.

“Don’t ever accept a barrier…talent can be both male and female.” This quote from La Sauce, the first woman to become an aircraft commander at Norton Air Force Base and pilot a C-141 Starlifter, encompasses the dedication many extraordinary women have shown in overcoming exceptional hurdles.

When La Sauce first joined the military in 1972 during the Vietnam War, she joined out of unreserved patriotism. Women weren’t allowed to fly then, and La Sauce knew this but wanted to do her part. She began in maintenance, as she was skilled in mechanical work. When the academies opened up to women in 1976, La Sauce was one of the first to enroll.

La Sauce graduated from Williams Air Force Base with one of the first classes of women graduates for the academy on Sept. 2, 1977. She was assigned to the 14th Military Airlift Squadron at Norton when she piloted the C-141 Starlifter, a massive cargo jet. She would end up logging over 3,000 hours in the plane.

She would later become the first woman to fly presidential support missions for the 89th Airlift Wing while piloting the VC-135 aircraft. She escorted the late first lady Barbara Bush off the flight line and met Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev. She also has the distinction of escorting British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

La Sauce held the position of commander of the current-day 89th Aerial Port Squadron from 1988 to 1992. In total, she served 20 years in the Air Force before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Her class, designated 77-08, was noteworthy in itself for producing many women who would later earn notable military accomplishments alongside La Sauce. Some of them would go on to be inducted into the Women in Aviation, International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2016.

You can find Lt. Col. La Sauce’s flight suit proudly exhibited at Norton Air Force Base Museum.

La Sauce was part of a greater movement to introduce women into the military, which had been a long time coming. The Women in the Air Force program began back in 1948, and after La Sauce retired, women started being seen as equals in the field.

Celebrate the accomplishments of women, both in and outside the military

Kathy La Sauce is just one of many women who helped shape the world as it is today. There are still many barriers to break through, but women have shown they will always step up to the challenge and fight to be second to none.