Make a difference for women Veterans!
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Melissa McKennon (210) 887-8608
Roberta Castaneda (210) 744-0642
San Antonio Table Talk-Color Me Camo Flyer
Houston Table Talk-Color Me Camo Flyer
For More information about Color Me Camo Table Talk email: tabletalk@graceafterfire.org
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National Women's History Month 2016
"Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government"
The National Women's History Month theme for 2016 honors women who have shaped America's history and its future through their public service and government leadership. Although often overlooked and undervalued, collectively they have dramatically influenced our public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. From championing basic human rights to ensuring access and equal opportunity for all Americans, they have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic country.
Each of these public leaders succeeded against great odds. The diversity of their experiences demonstrates both the challenges and the opportunities women in public service have faced. Their ability to use the art of collaboration to create inclusive solutions and non-partisan policies, as well as their skill and determination, serve to inspire future generations. The tenacity of each Honoree underlines the fact that women from all cultural backgrounds in all levels of public service and government are essential in the continuing work of forming a more perfect union.
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One of the most celebrated heroines in American history, Harriet Tubman is best known for ushering slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad in the 1850s. But not everyone knows that Tubman, who escaped slavery in 1849, set up a vast espionage ring for the Union during the Civil War. She served as a cook, a nurse, and even a spy for the Union during the Civil War, and also was the first woman in American history to lead a military expedition.
In one of her most dramatic and dangerous roles, Tubman helped Colonel James Montgomery plan a raid to free slaves from plantations along the Combahee River in South Carolina. Early on the morning of June 1, 1863, three gunboats carrying several hundred male soldiers along with Harriet Tubman set out on their mission. Tubman had gathered key information from her scouts about the Confederates' positions, and knew where they were hiding along the shore. She also found out they had placed torpedoes -- barrels filled with gunpowder -- in the water. Ultimately, her group freed about 750 slaves -- men, women, children, and babies -- and did not lose one soldier in the attack. Reporting on the raid to Secretary of War Stanton, Brigadier General Rufus Saxton said, "This is the
only military command in American history wherein a woman, black or white, led the raid, and under whose inspiration. it was originated and conducted." Sadly, Tubman was paid only $200 during her three years of service and was denied a pension for her spy work.
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Upcoming Training
Facilitator Training will be conducted in Tarrant County, March 24, 2016
9am-4pm by RSVP or referral only. Please contact Melissa McKennon at 210-887-8608 or
to reserve your spot.
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These Resources May Interest You!
If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis or in need of immediate assistance please contact the Veteran Crisis Line at
800-273-8255 and Press 1
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Welcome to the March edition of Grace After Fire's newsletter. As an organization we are committed to keeping you up-to-date and informed about what we are planning for the future. Our mission of Grace After Fire is to provide the means for women Veterans to gain knowledge, insight and self-renewal. We are dedicated to helping women Veterans help themselves.
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A WORD FROM THE CEO:
You have heard the saying before "out of the mouth of babes the truth is." I must be bold and admit there are lots of lessons to be learned from those who are nearly 3 feet tall and not old enough to have a driver license. As spring approaches; I am reminded of a few words of wisdom that my wise children have taught me throughout the years.
Stop and smell the roses every now and again; your mind can use a little slowing down from time to time.
Sing out loud until your throat hurts and dance until you sweat your hair out as if no one in the world is watching.
Take your shoes off where ever your feet lead and embrace the beauty of the now.
Eat a good dinner and indulge in dessert every single day.
Play freely....work hard....play freely again.
Whether you're preparing baskets for Easter, planting flowers in your front yard or pruning your garden, allow these thoughts to swim around in your mind as we enter into this season of new birth, change and transformation.
As new birds take their first breath and seeds begin to bud; may you be refreshed and renewed in this coming season and remember- life is a gift unwrap it one layer at a time.
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WELCOME OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER:
Tana Plescher
Tana Plescher was born and raised in Dallas TX. Following in her father's footstep, she enlisted into the US Navy in 1997. Where she had two beautiful children. Tana served both on 9/11 in Washington DC as well as deployed aboard the USNS Comfort TAH-20 in 2003 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After 8 years of serving as a Hospital Corpsman, she continued serving her community in the medical field. She attended the University of North Texas pursuing her degree in emergency management and planning. After moving to Houston, she accepted a fellowship with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security as an Emergency Manager. After realizing her need to continue to serve the veteran community, she joined the AmeriCorps. As a volunteer with Catholic Charities the Lotus Project, she was a Peer Navigator and Case Manager. She then moved on to become a Color me Camo Peer Group facilitator.
As the newest member of The Grace After Fire Team, she is excited to meet and share resources, opportunities, and empowerment to her fellow sisters in arms.
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GAF Happenings: Why NOT Join Us?
Metroplex:
Facilitator Training
March 24, 2016 9am-4pm
8737 King George Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75235
San Antonio:
3rd Annual Military Hiring Fair & Veterans Information Village
March 16 2016 10am-2pm
Freeman Expo
3201 E. Houston
San Antonio, Texas 78219
The Mission Continues
Buddy Check 22
March 22, 2016
Contact: George & Eva Davila
210-473-3349/210-473-6106
Bexar County Women's History Month Celebration
March 8, 2016 10am
Bexar County Commissioners Court Courthouse
100 Dolorasa
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Houston:
Telling Project
Alley Theatre
615 Texas Ave
Houston, Texas 77002
HerStory: Life After Combat
March 11, 2016 10-11am
University of Houston - Student Center South Space City Room 214
4455 University Dr.
Houston, TX 77204
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Contact our Grace After Fire Team
Monique Rodriquez-Harris County Outreach Coordinator
Tana Plescher-Harris County Outreach Coordinator
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