Women Serve Too

VA Resources, Storytelling & Support for Women Veterans

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Ashley Sard leverages her military background and nonprofit experience to support women veterans through innovative outreach, education, and storytelling initiatives. Learn about VA resources, community programs, and ways to honor veterans' legacies.  In this episode:  * Ashley shares her inspiring story of service in the Air Force and her transition into civilian advocacy  * The Veteran History Project's role in preserving firsthand stories of veterans since 2000  * How to participate and submit stories to the Library of Congress and Women Veterans Memorial  * Resources available at VA for women veterans, including maternity care, postpartum support, and grief services  * The impact of community events, coffee socials, and networking on veteran support Innovative outreach ideas like virtual calendars, social media, and local resource fairs  * The Blue Butterfly program for children experiencing trauma and the importance of mental health support   * The benefits of partnership and information sharing among veteran organizations and nonprofits  * Practical tips for advanced care planning and having conversations about end-of-life wishes  Resources * Library of Congress Veteran History Project [https://www.loc.gov/vets/] * Empath Health [https://empathhealth.org/] * Hope Florida [https://hopeflorida.org/] * CareerSource Tampa Bay [https://careersourcetampabay.com/] About Ashley: Ashley Sard is a proud Air Force Veteran with 15 years of service as a medic; however, her dedication to the military began long before she ever put on the uniform. Growing up in a military family, her father served in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and her younger brother followed in his footsteps—service was a part of her identity from an early age.  During her time in the Air Force, she was privileged to care for service members and their families, an experience that deepened her commitment to the well-being of those who serve. Today, that mission continues in a new form. As a Community Partnership Specialist with Empath Health, she has the honor of supporting Veterans through outreach, education, and advocacy. It’s her passion to bridge the gap between our communities and the needs of those who served, ensuring that no Veteran is forgotten or underserved. Connect with Ashley: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleysard/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

From Orders to Intuition: How Military Discipline Can Build (or Break) Your Civilian Life

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Hadon McKinley shares her inspiring journey from a C-130 navigator in the U.S. Air Force to a coach empowering women to regulate their nervous systems, banish burnout, and find calm amidst chaos. Her story highlights the importance of unlearning military hustle culture and embracing self-awareness for a more fulfilled life. Key Topics * Hadon’s military career and lessons learned in leadership and resilience * The transition from military to civilian life and the challenge of unlearning "go, go, go" mentalities * Recognizing and overcoming burnout cycles rooted in overachievement and high standards * How nervous system regulation and self-awareness transform inner calm and confidence * The role of self-reflection in healing, boundary-setting, and personal growth * Practical tools Hadon provides: online courses, burnout archetype quiz, group programs, and personalized coaching * The significance of community support, especially from family, in emotional transformation * The importance of patience—how different people need different times to realize they need help * How military leadership lessons like compartmentalization influence civilian wellbeing and how to unlearn them * Tips on managing overthinking and emotional clouds to live more peacefully About Hadon:  Hadon McKinley is a certified coach, former Air Force C-130 Navigator, and corporate overachiever turned burnout disruptor. She teaches ambitious women how to stop living in chaos and start leading with calm confidence. Connect: www.confidencecollectivecoaching.com  www.linkedin.com/in/hadon-mckinley-pmp-certified-coach-a77a4178 https://www.youtube.com/@HadonMcKinley FREE Stress Archetype Quiz: This quiz will allow you to see where you are in the burnout cycle and you'll receive free resources. https://link.confidencecollectivecoaching.com/widget/quiz/YyLyqfGAAZzsz722J6j8 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

Women Supporting Women: Mentorship, Leadership, and Transition

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Brittinie Wick hosts a dynamic discussion with Tina Street and Alycia Pouch, two women whose military backgrounds have shaped their journeys into entrepreneurship, law, and community service. They share candid insights on transitioning from military to civilian life, mentorship, overcoming challenges, and giving back to their communities. Key Topics Covered: * How military service instills discipline and leadership that translate into civilian success * The importance of mentorship and the impact of peer-to-peer support * Navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of transitioning out of the military * Building affordable housing and community-centered entrepreneurship * Strategies for leveraging military benefits like the GI Bill and VA benefits effectively * The significance of mentorship in breaking barriers for women, especially women of color * Personal stories around managing mental health and overcoming toxic leadership * Practical advice for those uncertain about their next steps after service About: Tina Street is a proud Navy veteran, Construction Project Manager, and real-estate investor dedicated to building both homes and generational wealth. After 9 years of service, she now leads residential construction projects while growing a portfolio of rental properties. Her story highlights the power of discipline, ownership, and community in a veteran’s journey to entrepreneurship. Alycia Pouch served nine years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, leading within the aviation community before transitioning to the Navy Reserves as a Legalman to continue her commitment to service. She now works as a paralegal in medical malpractice and personal injury, advocating for clients with dedication and compassion. As she applies to law school, Alycia aims to pursue a career in public service and support pro bono work with organizations such as the Innocence Project and the ACLU. SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

Women Veterans of San Antonio

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Brittinie Wick interviews Deb Parsons, a 25-year veteran of the Air Force, who shares her journey into military service, the challenges she faced as a woman in leadership roles, and the importance of camaraderie among veterans. They discuss the significance of support groups for women veterans, the alarming rates of homelessness and suicide among female veterans, and the need for community involvement and volunteering. Deb emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's contributions to the military and the ongoing efforts to rebrand veteran organizations to appeal to younger generations. About Women Veterans of San Antonio: Women Veterans of San Antonio is a community-focused organization dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering women who have served in the military. Through outreach, peer support, and local events, the group fosters camaraderie, promotes mental wellness, and ensures women veterans in the San Antonio area have access to meaningful resources and a strong support network. Connect: https://www.womenveteransofsanantonio.org/ https://www.facebook.com/WomenVeteransOfSanAntonio/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Eating Disorders in the Military

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Leah Stiles shares her inspiring journey from military service to advocacy, shedding light on the often overlooked issue of eating disorders within the armed forces. Discover how her personal struggles fuel her mission to create a supportive community and drive change. Key Topics: * Leah’s military background as a Navy senior chief and photographer * How 9/11 impacted military training and mental health awareness * The prevalence and misperceptions of eating disorders in the military * Why eating disorders are a mental health crisis with a high mortality rate * The importance of recognizing symptoms across all body types and backgrounds * How military culture and fitness standards can unintentionally feed disordered eating * The risks of low energy availability and its effects on service members’ health * Leah’s personal story of recovery and how she used social media to break the silence * The role of stigma and how to have supportive conversations about mental health * Resources: Crisis Text Line, SeaWaves nonprofit, military eating disorder literacy programs * Advocacy efforts to improve treatment access and policy changes Resources & Links: * SeaWaves, Inc. [https://sea-waves.org/] * Crisis Text Line (Text WAVES to 741-741) [https://www.crisistextline.org/] About Leah: Leah Stiles is a retired Navy Senior Chief, author,  keynote speaker, and founder of SEA WAVES, the nation's first and only nonprofit dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, and families affected by eating disorders. After more than 20 years in uniform and a 30-year personal battle with an eating disorder, Leah now shines a light on the silent struggles within military life, turning her story into advocacy, education, and hope for others Connect with Leah: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-stiles/] If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: Your story can continue—seek support, break the silence, and become a beacon for others in need. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302785/support] SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! Women Serve Too Merch (10% of Profits Benefits Female Veterans): https://www.etsy.com/shop/WomenServeToo