 | | When Jenny Comes Marching Home (Poem by Vicki Hudson) |
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 | | First Lady Michelle Obama Honors Women Veterans as Champions of Change |
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Honor a Hero Hire A Vet Resource and Job Fair
Date/Time: Nov.2nd/10AM
Location: Valley View Event Center 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego
Point of Contact: Joe Muniz 619-266-4283
Women Warrior Wellness Gathering
Eli Painted Crow-a powerful and spiritual Iraq war veteran, will lead the mediation to explore non-traditional stress relieving methods. Pizza and beverages provided
DateTime: Nov. 4th/12:30PM-1:30PM
Location: CSU Stanislaus MSR Building 130
Point of Contact: Jennifer Grigoriou, Psy.D. at (209) 205-0930
Veterans Helping Veterans
Free personalized counseling and panel discussions for acquiring employment
Date/Time: Nov. 7th/2:30PM-7:00PM
Location: SmartRecruiters 56 Tehama St., San Francisco 94105
Point of Contact: Click here
Wounded Warrior Project Music Festival
Date/Time: Nov.9th/11AM
Location: Treasure Island, 401 California Ave.
4th Annual Veterans Day Health Fair SCVA/ Kaiser Permanente
Date/Time: Nov.11/10AM-4PM
Location: UC Davis Willow Clinic VFW Post 67, 2784 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
YWCA Glendale's Inaugural "We Carry On" Runway Luncheon for Women Veterans
Date/Time: Nov.14th/ 11AM-2PM
Location: YWCA Glendale 735 E. Lexington Dr.Glendale, 91206
Minority Women Veterans Conference "Boots to High Heels 2013"
Date/Time: Nov.16th
Location: The Proud Bird Restaraunt, Los Angeles 90045
Point of Contact: Women Veterans Strategic Alliance,Inc. 323-977-WVET
Santa Rosa Retreat for Veterans, Servicemembers and Families 2013-Coming Home Project
Date/Time: Nov.21-24
Location:Camp Newman, Santa Rosa, CA
Point of Contact: Apply here
FREE Scuba Diving for Veterans
Date/Time: Nov. 23
Location: Sports Chalet 2401 Butano Dr. Sacramento, 95825
Point of Contact: discoverscubaveterans@outlook.
com
To see more Save the Dates, please click HERE to view CalVet's calendar of events.
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Submissions
Women veterans and advocates, this eNewsletter was created with YOU in mind. In an effort to reach the over 185,000 women veterans in this state, we need all the help we can get.
If you have suggestions for future article content, would like to post your veteran event here, or would like to submit an orginal article, art work, or photograph to future newsletters, please contact us at womenveterans@calvet.ca.gov or (916) 503-8334.
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American Women Veterans
If you have not already done so, PLEASE complete the roster now to stay connected to benefits, events, and services specific to women veterans!
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Mentorship
Joining Forces Mentoring PlusŪ offers unlimited free personal coaching and professional guidance-including working women mentors-for women veterans of all ranks and eras, military/veteran spouses, and caregivers of wounded warriors, to help them successfully identify, outline, and pursue civilian careers.
Their high tech-high touch framework meets women where they are to address the distinct challenges they face and provide exposure and access to education, credentialing, career development, and entry into the broadest spectrum of industry, services, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Take this opportunity to sign up as a mentee or mentor to begin the path you deserve to be on.
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State Capitol Tackles Sexual Assaults in the Military |
DISCLAIMER: Article is intended to inform readers of an event and may cause some undue anxiety and stress. If you feel overwhelmed, please click here at any time.
"Let's start with some blunt honesty. We need to call sexual assaults what they are: rape," said Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal as she opened the joint committee hearing with the caution to understand that the challenges of fighting against an issue first begins with proper identification.
In an historical joint effort to address the epidemic of sexual assaults in the military as a state, the California Legislative Women's Caucus and the California State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee initiated the first legislative oversight hearing at the Sacramento State Capitol on October 28, 2013.
The goal of conducting the hearing was to explore how military sexual trauma (MST) and rape impact California and what supportive programs are in place to help survivors. The state's subject matter experts provided testimony on defining the problem and highlighting possible solutions.
Despite a zero tolerance policy against sexual assaults in the Department of Defense, they continue to rise, victims remain reluctant to report and often do not receive services they need or are entitled to. The recent release of the 2012 Department of Defense (DoD) Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military indicated a 34% increase in assaults and a reporting rate that remains dismally low, dropping by 9.8% from the previous fiscal year. The 2012 DoD Workplace and Gender Relations Survey also found that 67% of women did not report their sexual assault.
"It's critical to understand that these statistics do not encompass sexual harassment, rather, it is of egregious and violent sexual crimes," said Deputy Secretary Lindsey Sin of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) Women's Division in her testimony before the State Assembly, "These are real statistics that are not in any way inflated."
The DoD also found that in reported and documented sexual assaults alone, which encompasses rape, forcible penetration via threats of death or grievous harm, wrongful sexual contact through clothing or otherwise without consent, 27% were rape, 28% aggravated sexual assault/sexual assault, and 35% abusive and wrongful sexual contact.
Although sexual assaults are not new, the effects are becoming undeniable. Citing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Deputy Secretary Sin stated, "MST is more likely to lead to PTSD [Post traumatic stress disorder] than any other military or civilian traumatic event, including combat exposure." This may be because victims feel a sense of betrayal by their unit and their chain of command in addition to the trauma.From the Office of Inspector General in the VA, a report found that more than 39% of homeless women veterans screened positive for MST.
Victoria Sanders, US Army Veteran and MST survivor, stated in her testimony that local communities are impacted by the effects of veteran specific challenges, and thus, should be responsible for their care. She further stated that this care should come with oversight from a state government agency.
Also testifying at the hearing were members of the California National Guard. They recognized the need to create stronger relationships with community organizations in order to support survivors even after they have separated from the service. Jennifer Lucero, California National Guard Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said, "We have created partnerships with local rape crisis centers, we have over 100 credentialed victim advocates throughout the state, and we do as much training as we can on this topic. We will continue to move forward until this problem is solved."
Brigadier General Sylvia Crockett, Director of Strategic Communications of the California National Guard, said they prefer to "refer cases to the civilian law enforcement because the penalties for sexual assault in civilian courts are much more stringent than the ones in the military."
According to General Crockett, if a National Guardsman or woman is charged with sexual assault through the military judicial process, the maximum penalty is confinement up to one year, unlike active duty servicemen/women or civilian law enforcement where the penalty is more harsh.
CalVet provides some funding, auditing, and oversight of county veteran offices, who are typically the first point of contact for veterans. Representing the 185,000 California women veterans of the state, the CalVet Women's Division is an active part of educating communities, legislators, and non-profit organizations and creating partnerships that provide women veteran specific services.
In its continued search for providing more effective changes in addressing military rape and sexual assaults, Deputy Secretary Sin expressed that CalVet is looking at ways to assist the VA with increasing disability claim approvals for MST by possibly redirecting resources; providing cultural competency training to County Veteran Service Officers to not just understand the victim but to also address the complicated process of creating a solid MST claim, and working more expressly with rape crisis centers and county agencies which are "key resources for active duty, National Guard and Reserve and [who]are inundated."
California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) is a non-profit organization that works with rape crisis centers in each county throughout the state and serves all sexual assault victims and their families, including military members. However, they operate on a small budget, which amounts to $1.42/victim, and are tyically overwhelmed with victims.
Verna Griffin-Tabor's organization, Community Solutions, is the only rape crisis center for San Diego, which has the highest veteran population in California and serves approximately 10-15% of the military community. Ms.Griffin-Tabor stated that military members often don't report because they are "afraid they will not be believed or it will negatively impact their career" and that the "military justice system is daunting and overwhelming to navigate."
Throughout the hearing, experts from varying organizations testified about the work they diligently pursue in order to assist survivors and their families after they've experienced the trauma of sexual assaults. Each agency works tirelessly, but mostly independently against an issue that requires all hands on deck.
"Agencies, non-profits, state and federal, are not communicating on this issue. We have a lot of work together," said Deputy Secretary Sin, "CalVet is looking at improving that communivation level, if that means we need to create a task force or working group, we're exploring how that would be done."
With so many dedicated agencies throughout California, a national solution is hidden somewhere. The call for more support, education, and prevention were the highlighting points in the joint legislative hearing. There was candid recognition of the downfalls and gaps in finding ways to prevent sexual assaults in the military and the challenges are considerable.
Finding an agreeable balance of a solution among the military, federal, state, and local governments is a task that this California legislative hearing began. With Congress at a division, survivors pleading for recognition and support, and communities picking up the pieces of lives destroyed while waiting for a decision, California has the potential to lead the way.
As Victoria Sanders said in her testimony, "We don't have to wait for Washington D.C. to act in order to fix this problem." |
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"Women Veterans Lead the Way"
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Clockwise: Fresno All-Women Color Guard, Keynote Lea Sutton, Reception, Lea Sutton with attendees, and Yvonne Donald and Fatima Peyton |
The power of women to continue to carve out a niche in a male dominated world never fails to inspire the communities and people around them and this year was no different as women veterans and advocates throughout California converged on San Diego. This conference exemplified a movement of women veterans gathering and uniting to make more dynamic and significant changes within their lives and their communities,.
With about 350 total attendees, a 47.6% raise over last year, and a 97% overall satisfaction rating, women veterans and advocates had the chance to spend two and half days networking and learning from one another. As one attendee stated, "I loved seeing so many of my sisters in arms share and bond over the same problems unique to our gender. I don't feel so alone". For two and half days, September 25-27, women veterans and advocates learned how to better market themselves in the civilian job sector, become empowered to take control of their present and their futures, and to connect with appropriate services and benefits.
The 2013 Conference theme was "Women Veterans Lead the Way", highlighting ordinary women forging extraordinary paths. The Conference kicked off with an acapella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung by Yvonne Donald and veteran Fatima Peyton, followed by a posting of the colors by the Fresno all-women's color guard. After opening ceremonies, Deputy Secretary Lindsey Sin moderated and introduced Secretary Peter Gravett, Assemblymembers Toni Atkins and Rocky Chavez who gave brief overviews of what they're doing for veterans now in the state and in the Califorrnia Legislature.
Keynote speaker, Lea Sutton, former F/A 18 Navy fighter pilot and current NBC military reporter, inspired attendees with her fervor for perseverance in fighting and achieving your dreams. To motivate her listeners, Ms. Sutton even admitted she took a job that paid less than minimum wage in order to gain the opportunities she knew were just over the horizon for her dream career. Despite people who told her she would never make it as a television journalist in the timeframe she wanted, Ms. Sutton eventually became the reporter for military affairs at NBC San Diego. She attributed her success to not just her patience and determination, but to the support and confidence of the few that believed in and encouraged her. Ms. Sutton stated, "Ignore all the naysayers in your life and focus on that one, you only need one person that believes you can do it, and your dream will become a reality."
Keeping the momentum moving after the keynote speaker, a Dynamic Women of Service panel was introduced in which women representing all services spoke about their transitions, hardships, and current successes. Noticing that a Marine representative could not make it last minute, Marianne Welcher immediately volunteered to participate. "That's just what Marines--no, what women do: we see a need and we're the first to fix the gap," said Ms.Welcher.
The panel addressed a variety of topics concerning homelessness, childcare, employment, and the phenomenon of women veterans not understanding their status as "veterans". In response to a common question of how to bring women veterans together and maintain their participation in the community, Brigette McCoy, former U.S. Army soldier, said, "You have to create a home environment. We women love to talk, we like to ask about each other's families. We ARE the community. Reach out to each other. That's all. Just reach out, have tea! Do pedicures together. This conference today is that opportunity. Ask after each other. Stay on each other."
In an effort to explore different leadership styles that come more naturally to women, the conference offered alternatives to mainstream leadership styles. "Women have this unique instinct to compassionately include others. It doesn't make us weak, but stronger," said Kari Granger, senior consultant and leadership expert of the Sunergos Institute, " We should celebrate our differences from men, not fight against it. Acceptance of differences leads to accountability of ourselves and makes for better leaders."
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Kari Granger, Maurice Wilson, and Dr.Paula Caplan takes questions from the audience about how to address transition challenges from the military. |
Seymour Koblin demonstrates simple ways to manage stress quickly and effectively. | |
The Employment workshop featured several representatives that spoke about how to acquire jobs with their companies and gave practical advice to become more competitive. This was the most popular workshop with a satisfaction rating of 94%. |
Amanda Lettman and Cassaundra St. John offered practical and valuable expert advice and tips on how to make networking a more powerful tool for individual and commercial use.
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As part of the Holistic and Complementary Healthcare Treatments panel, impromptu self-healing tools were taught to the audience in order to manage stress quickly and effectively. The School of Healing Arts and several independent practitioners offered complimentary massage and yoga throughout the conference to women veterans and advocates. Speaker Michele Spencer emphasized the importance of taking a break while working on career, family, and other battlegrounds, "Holistic mind-body practices guided me through the combat stressors of war and [gave] me the courage to show up, [to] lead a life of service."
  The Windows Between Worlds Art organization displayed art created by women veterans healing from various traumas utilizing the medium of art. One attendee said, "The art display was powerful and spoke to me in a way that made me feel less alone."
The Conference enwrapped up with a raffle that gave out more than 50 prizes. Gifts ranged from wine baskets to gift cards to cabin stays. A special thanks to David Sweet, The Zirbes Family Foundation, and the Veterans Alliance of Southern California, Inc. for the two grand prizes: all expenses paid vacations to resorts in Northern and Southern California.
Many of the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and presenters at the Conference were women veterans, characterizing the very leadership traits and savvy the Conference hoped to inspire and instill in attendees. As the Conference grows larger and more focused on outreaching to a demographic often left out, it is imperative that women veterans continue to lead the way in business, their communities, and the government through continued shared experiences. One attendee stated, "This was my first W.V. Conference. I feel refreshed, energized, and motivated. I am excited to have met so many women who have the same goals and experiences."
A special thank you to the volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the Conference as seamless, informative, and effective as possible.
Please keep an eye out through our Facebook, website, or the Women Veterans Roster listserv for details of the 2014 California Women Veterans Leadership Conference!
Our Sponsors: Walmart, CalVet Home Loans, CA Lottery, The California State University, Wells Fargo, VetFund Foundation, PG&E, Ashford University, Team AMVETS, Kaiser Permanente, Covered California, Peterson & Partners, and Bud Simmons. |
2013 Women Veteran Survey |
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Take the Survey!
The California Women Veterans survey is the single most comprehensive survey nationwide that caters exclusively to women veterans, asking them about their experiences and thoughts of their military career, transition to civilian life, and current issues that may effect them.
Take the time to complete the survey and encourage others as well. You can take it online here through survey monkey, the button to the left, or request a paper copy with return postage stamp by contacting info@women.ca.gov or (916) 651-5405 with your name and address. |
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Awardees of the Year |
 | | L to R: Kate Weber, Mary Ellen Salzano, and Victoria Hudson |
Every year, three women are recognized at the California Women Veterans Leadership Conference at a special reception dedicated to honoring their lives in which they've spent countless hours in service and support of women veterans. Each category is competitive and describes women who led extradorinary endeavors to make the community around them stronger, better, and more educated. These women are heroes because they speak and act for those who cannot do it for themselves. This year's 2013 awardees were:
Victoria Hudson: Woman Veteran Lifetime Acheivement Award
This category is awarded to a woman veteran who demonstrates a consistently extradordinary life of service to her community. Ms.Hudson exemplifies this criteria in her 30+ years of active duty military service and her off-duty advocacy to bring the LGBT community basic rights in the military. In her military career, Ms. Hudson steadily climbed the officer ranks and was responsible for taking charge of brigades, commands, and training schools throughout the world in various operations that required her specific leadership skills.
For the opening of the reception, Ms.Hudson read her poem entitled, "When Jenny Comes Marching Home".
| | | When Jenny Comes Marching Home (Poem by Vicki Hudson) |
Kate Weber: Woman Veteran of the Year
The criteria for this award is competitive and requires that a female veteran demonstrate outstanding leadership in the military or community, making a significant contribution in supporting, advocating, or outreaching to the military or veterans. Ms. Weber was a U.S. Army veteran and currently a powerful activist for military rape survivors and an inspiration for those seeking to find their voice after enduring significant trauma.
Mary Ellen Salzano: Volunteer of the Year
The criteria for this award is competitive and focuses on a non-veteran who displays a strong commitment to women veterans and great influence on the community. Her efforts created the California Statewide Collaborative for our Military and Families, the facilitation of many veteran events and summits, and dedication to women veterans through monthly teleconferences with the CalVet Women's Division. |
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