State of Residence: I am a resident of the State of Wisconsin, entered the Service in Michigan and I'm from Florida.
In what branch of the military did you serve? US ARMY
Year Joined: 1977
Year Separated / Retired: 1980
The era of Service: The between era, after Vietnam, and was in service when Iran took the 53 US hostages. We stayed on high alert in Europe
In what unit did you serve? Served in Headquarters VII Corp, Stuttgart Germany, Kelly Barrack
Last Rank: HA, we didn't have titles. Specialist 4. That was it.
What was your job title? Offset Printer
Why did you join the military? So, I couldn't run. So that I would have to stay put and learn to cope with things and not run from life or from things that happen in a family.
What was your favorite assignment and why? Being asked by our Company Commander Walker to find knives for the cooks while out on Reforger in Germany. Evidently, they forgot to pack the knives. So Commander Walker came to me and asked, "Manutes, we need knives, can you find some?" and I said to him, "ok sir, but as long as you don't ask me where I found them." I came back with all sorts of knives, ALL KINDS. He looked at them and shook his head and just walked away saying. "Where did those come from, I did a health and safety check before we left?" But he kept his word and never asked and I kept mine to the GIs and never told.
What is your favorite memory while in the service? Company parties in the summer in Germany. The guys would bring out their stereo systems, the men grilled on these make-shift grills and the girls would make side dishes in the barracks. We were quite creative actually. If anyone wanted to dance, no one thought twice about just pulling up another GI and dancing. I was very happy and it was the safest day of my entire life, those outdoor summer parties between the barracks on the lawn.
Was it difficult for you to transition back to civilian life VERY DIFFICULT! First of all, landing in New York after the civilized way of living in Germany was a culture shock! So rude! Then, I came home and back to the Greek world I had come from. Only NO ONE could relate to me and I felt LESS than everyone in my world. I didn't belong. I didn't understand how to be an adult in the US as a Greek girl that had defied customs and gone into the Army. I hadn't been an adult before the Army. Also, I had been raped on base and already didn't trust too much, only to come home and not have anyone in my own world to trust again either.
Did the military influence your thinking and living after you were home? If so, how. . Absolutely. First, I watched and learned a LOT from being in the service. It first started in Basic, being in the 1st of a 3-part Army trial of women doing male Basic Training. I learned that I could do much more than I imagined. I LOVED the challenge! And that we needed to teach girls to do things like boys if we intend them to do them like boys when we join the service. You know, muscle training, endurance, etc. I did well because I had grown up working on Commercial fishing boats or on construction sites with my stepdad, so I was already fit. I never doubted my ability to do what I was determined to do again, even now. The other BIG thing I learned was that people will act the way you treat them. Culturally, we can be influenced to conduct ourselves and uplift ourselves when people show us respect and don't think of us otherwise. This came from how I saw Black men being treated off-base and on-base. In the US, before and then when I came home after. There, in Germany, because so many cultures and people from other countries were around, to a German girl, a black man was simply another "culture" but still a man. I watched transformations happen. How a man dressed, how their choice of language usage changed, and how they carried themselves or even treated others were altered. Many stayed in Germany and married. Some came home but how they conducted themselves on base was different. I couldn't imagine going from that to going back home and knowing that things would be so very different. And I wondered if we treated others that were different with the same respect for our cultures, would people be different at home? I learned that I changed too. I was bolder about life. I made a choice to be independent. LOL, NOT a good quality to have to be marriage material for a Greek man. Well, actually now at this age, I know it's not good for most men. But at the time, all I knew was about being Greek.
What was your biggest challenge in returning to civilian life? The change wasn't military to civilian that I had to adapt to. It was being a nonperson that I had to adapt to. Being ostracized. Criticized in my own family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, community. All thought, actually vocalized that I was a "bad" girl for going. Who did I think I was to trot off and do that? I'm telling you, they were actually still talking this sort of smack a decade later at my grandmother's funeral! Women thought I had no female in me, the men thought I was easy or abnormal. But for sure, they all made it difficult to live and work in a world where all I knew were Greeks. Only my Papou, my grandfather, said, " Don't look down. What is done is done. What you do from now on, that's what you must think about." It was difficult for decades afterward. Belonging nowhere and trusting no one. Very lonely.
Where did you find resources? My two biggest resources were my faith and my child. I HAD to make it and I KNEW I could. And I believed it was a sin to stop trying, so I just did it. Like in Basic. Once, I had gone to the VA in St Pete about a female problem. Filed a claim even, but I didn't know how or why I was having "female problems." No one told me about where to go or whom to talk to. And I sure as hell wasn't discussing what had happened. In fact, I never connected the nightmares, spending decades on a couch, and inability to trust a man which cost me relationships. Not for 40 years! There were no resources back then. We were on our own.
How can communities support women veterans? They can support women veterans by treating girls in school better. Then getting those that are supposed to be helping women get better training on how to LISTEN when a woman asks for help. Or describes a condition. Even at the VA, they assume I'm the spouse of a veteran and it's 2022. Quit stereotyping women that do serve. If they really wish to support women veterans, support women period.
Are you the first woman in your family to serve? Yes. OMG. At the time, the only other woman I knew that had served was my uncle's wife, Lois. She had been a nurse in Korea and retired as head nurse at the VA. but that didn't count because she wasn't Greek.
What would you tell another woman about enlisting? Have more honor, and loyalty, work harder, and be bolder than any man around you. And trust your gut. Always. That's our advantage as women. Use it. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOU SERVED TOO!
Do you use your Veteran Benefits? 19. Yes, I am service-connected so I go to the VA. I bought a home twice through my VA benefits. I still get counseling through the VA and was able to have my house adapted for one of my disabilities through my VA benefits
Please share any service organizations, community events, community engagement projects, and or employment (companies) that you feel would be worthy of sharing with Wisconsin Women Veterans. Use this question to promote yourself/connect with other women veterans.
FIRST, remember that a woman is a VETERAN TOO! Far too many women I meet never think of themselves as veterans, especially from my generation. I highly recommend that they join one or more Veteran organizations, such as the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, the VFW, and others. Fellow veterans will tell them what no one else will and that will help them out a lot. These organizations train veterans to serve veterans and to help veterans become informed about any benefit or help they may be able to tap into. Be sure to check in with, and meet, the County Service Officer and the WDVA officer for their area. They are able to help with obtaining records and are often working with representatives from other veteran organizations so that a veteran gets the help they may need from whom they need it faster that way. Even if they don't believe they need to right now, because more and more veterans, men and women are having difficulty upon returning from service. It's important to be connected so that if help is needed, someone knows you to help you sort of thing. I see women veterans that aren't always supported, properly treated medically or psychologically, and just not being listened to which can create barriers to their living a full life after service. So, that's when women veterans can use the support of any of the people I mentioned. Often, most don't even know how to take advantage of different benefits that will set them on more solid ground so they can buy a home, get through school, or their spouse or children through college. Don't forget to go online and check out the employment advantages of being a veteran in local, state, or federal jobs, because they also exist. And consider working for organizations that help veterans.
Staff Sergeant Gina Paige, Veteran U.S. Air Force
State of Residence: Wisconsin
In what branch of the military did you serve: U.S. Air Force
Year Joined: 2005
Year Separated / Retired: 2013
The Era of Service: OEF/OIF
In what unit did you serve? 51st Fighter Wing, 23rd Fighter Wing, 366th Fighter Wing
Last Rank: Staff Sergeant (E-5)
What was your job title? Photojournalist
Why did you join the military? It ultimately came down to a bet. I had been interested in joining during high school; however, my parents really wanted me to at least give college a try. During my first semester, I made a bet with a friend over the 2004 presidential election – whoever lost would join their preferred branch of service. Needless to say, I lost and joined the Air Force!
What was your favorite assignment and why? It is a toss-up between Osan Air Base, South Korea, and the Joint Combat Camera Center at The Pentagon. With both assignments, I was able to see a completely different side of the military. In South Korea, I was able to experience the frontline side as we were constantly exercising and standing at the ready. On the other hand, The Pentagon was eye-opening. I was there early in my career – as an Airman First Class – and was one of the lowest-ranking individuals in the building. It was so exciting to walk the same halls as the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and learn about how decisions are made, and strategies are implemented across the branches.
What is your favorite memory while in the service? In May 2011, I had the opportunity to fly with retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gal Halvorsen, famously known as the Candy Bomber, as he dropped candy attached to parachutes over Hailey, Idaho. At the time, he was in his early 90s and still had his pilot's license. It was amazing to relive a piece of history and hear firsthand what is what like during the Berlin Airlift.
Was it difficult for you to transition back to civilian life? The transition to civilian life was difficult. The military has become my family and my identity. I didn't feel like I could relate to anyone. It was also difficult as my husband also served and during our enlistments, we spent a lot of time apart. It almost felt like we were going through the reintegration period again and finding out how to incorporate each other back into our lives.
Did the military influence your thinking and living after you were home? If so, how. The military definitely influenced the way I think and live. On the positive side, it has provided me with structure, attention to detail, strategic decision-making skills, and resiliency. On the other side, it has left a mark on my physical and mental health, which lead me to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
What was your biggest challenge in returning to civilian life? For me, it was finding where I fit in. As a woman in the military, I found that I had to focus on masculinity to fit in. The civilian world is quite opposite, and we still see traditional gender roles in many places. When I entered the workforce, I really had to assess myself and how I interacted because, unfortunately, women who come into the workplace and have a little bit more of that masculinity and straightforward approach can still rub people the wrong way.
Where did you find resources? When I first moved back to Wisconsin, I connected with my county's Veterans Service Officer who helped me navigate employment and the larger resources, such as the VA Hospital. However, it wasn't until the IANI Exhibit Unveiling in 2019 that I learned about the wealth of resources available for women Veterans.
How can communities support women veterans? Communities can support women Veterans by not only recognizing our contributions but by also giving us a seat at the table. We bring a diverse perspective and unique skills that can benefit Wisconsin communities, organizations, and businesses.
Are you the first woman in your family to serve? Yes, and I hope that someday I will be joined by other women in my family!
What would you tell another woman about enlisting? The military is both challenging and rewarding in equal parts. There will be days that will be tough, but there will also be days that you will feel so much fulfillment you could explode. Take each day at a time and build a strong support system!
Do you use your Veteran Benefits? Yes. I have used the VA Home Loan multiple times (still have that move every couple of years but from the military), healthcare, Post 9/11 GI Bill, and disability compensation.
Please share any service organizations, community events, community engagement projects, and or employment (companies) that you feel would be worthy of sharing with Wisconsin Women Veterans. Use this question to promote yourself/connect with other women veterans. As a Veteran and lifelong Wisconsin resident, drinking culture has always been a big part of my life. After a lot of reflection, I realized that my relationship with alcohol wasn't serving me anymore. I made a commitment to myself in January 2022 to live a sober lifestyle. As part of that commitment, my goal is to help break down the stigma of being sober and help other individuals, especially Veterans, find healthier coping mechanisms and lifestyles. A big part of my success has been thanks to Athletic Brewing Company, a non-alcoholic beverage company, and I was excited when provided the opportunity to be one of their Ambassadors! I encourage anyone who is sober curious or looking to cut back to check them out – especially their Ready Front, which is a limited-edition beer brewed with and in support of Veterans.
Buck Sargent, Veteran Maria Amaro, U.S. Army
State of Residence: Wisconsin
In what branch of the military did you serve: 6 and half years Army Active, 13 years KYANG
Year Joined: 85 to 91 and from 2008 to 2020
Year Separated / Retired: 91 separated and retired 2020
The Era of Service: First half was the Big Red Threat and build-up to Desert Storm. Part of my service was in support of Soldiers going Operation Freedom
In what unit did you serve? Active …the 194 MT BT and in my Kentucky National Guard time, I served in a lot of units from Louisville to Lexington and Beyond, all under the same Battalion, just different units.
Last Rank: Buck Sargent (E5)
What was your job title? I was a CBRN specialist-my expertise was working at company level NBC room, basically in charge of making sure the unit NBC room was up to specs for a GI inspection. I did such a good job I was moved to various units to ensure the NBC rooms Passed GI inspection. After the inspection, I was moved to another unit and repeated the same process.
Why did you join the military? The Military SAVED my LIFE twice!
The first time I was economically drafted back in 1985, I had partied my way out of university; under or not employed back in 1985 was incredibly stressful. So, I joined. I stayed for two enlistments, yet I was mustered out after Desert Storm with a half million other soldiers. Back in 91, in Kentucky, the Good Old Boy was in effect. So, being a 'northern' Hispanic and a woman, there was no slot available to me. Yes, they were opening yet it was held for whom they liked and wanted. It was the same with the Reserve Units. So, I went to school and worked at really low-paying wage jobs in the south. Back in the day 50 cents over the minimum, one was making the money.
You must understand, I wanted to be a teacher and I went to a regional university. At WKU, there was no such thing as night school or e-school for departmental studies. So, getting a 'real job" was out of the question. I finally graduated, Class of 98 yeah Me! I tried to get BA, an extension of my BA degree in teaching, and well I failed miserably due to the sheer fact that I was not prepared to play politics. And I could not handle working 2/3 times and taking a full load of educational classes and attempting Student Teaching. {You got to have a support system because learning to be a teacher is a FULL-time Job!) For the first time in my life, I really really failed at my endeavor. I moved to Louisville because well it was a bigger city and closer to the north. {Till this day, I still do not know why I didn't move up north, any northern city?! I believe I was scared and not desperate enough.}
I moved to Louisville in the fall of 2001 right after 911. I got a job with JCPS, Jefferson County Public Schools has a teacher instructor III, for the county working with low-scoring reading students. I had all the responsibilities of a teacher and was in the Teacher Retirement Fund, yet I was not Certified. I was successful and, on my way, to getting an emergency certification to teach Special Needs Students, and then NCLB was passed and my certification was rescinded, and I was out of a job! I scrambled and got a job as an aide in a middle school. I can say this, it takes a special person to teach Middle School, I was not one of them! I bounced around and finally landed at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, as the Time Out Teacher…it was an instructor's job…yet they called us 'teachers.'
During my bouncing around, I always worked two jobs, one in school and one in the economy. The pay as an aid worked out to roughly 9$ an hour when I first started. I was barely, barely staying afloat. I gained close to 200 pounds, my max weight at this time was 302 lbs, and going north. I was stressed eating horrid food and working two low-paying jobs. Something snapped and I realized I needed to take control of my life, I joined Curves which had at the time a novel attendance policy, it was open 24 hours a day. In Louisville, at the time most gyms, major and boutique ones closed at 9 or 10 PM and were opened around 6 am. Working two jobs, I never had time to even consider joining one, add to this, the prices were really prohibitive on my budget. Enter PRP, I clicked and found my school. The majority of the A-team and staff actually liked me, and they took care of me. The various coaches, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer wanted me to work the gate. I collected the money and according to the principal at the time, people were calling up and complaining that I was making everyone pay, and how dare I ?! The A-team would tell them they would 'talk to me,' and then tell me to keep it up. I slowly became financially fluid enough to quit my cashier job and 'work full time for the school!'
I slowly was dropping the weight and life was okay. In fact, I had to go to Jefferson Town Mall and buy Smaller Clothes because I had dropped to 276ish
I started walking in the mall, and I saw the Honor Board of new inductees of KYNG. I stopped and looked at the pictures and I saw a lot of individuals I had help has a reading instructor. Sgt Miller at the time came out and we talked, he then asked if I wanted to join, and I stated, “Do I look Combat Ready? Sgt Miller stated I can get you in for a maximin of 6 years, you lose the weight you can extend till retirement, if you make the weight, if not it's out the door, you want in?"
I had nothing to lose, I lost weight. It took me a little over five years to lose the excess weight, in the process I became the only Female in my unit to, (outside of the initial PFT), passed all PFT, and failed the tape; until six months before I was supposed to ETS the Guard!
Within five months of passing my tape, I re-up for my final enlistment, became a Buck Sergeant, (E5), finished my master's degree in Special Education, and took my first real Teaching Job! An aside here, my final PFT, I was the ONLY female 59 years old in my unit to Pass the PFT, my Tape and fit into my Dress Blues, My CO as he gave me an achievement coin, in front of the unit before I moved up here, stated to the unit, the whole company had been in formation, “I wish I had a unit of with your attitude."
So, yes, The Military Save my life again, my external stress was mitigated, and I was motivated to get in shape, in turn, I believe I averted serious medical problems that come with being morbidly obese. I believe I was blessed with joining the VA because of my active national guard status which in turned lead to me meeting new and interesting individuals that have become my friends.
What was your favorite assignment and why?
Well, I can say being up here for my final assignment. I traveled almost all of Wisconsin to the respective Armories and assisted in setting up the new pro mask that was replacing the M92 mask. I saw a lot of Wisconsin it was a wonderful assignment!
What is your favorite memory while in the service? –Taking my last oath for my final enlistment, I got chills down my spine as I realized that it was the last time, I would take the oath!
Was it difficult for you to transition back to civilian life?
Yeah, it was difficult because my identity of being in the military was so much a part of me as an educator, and to add it, I like being in the military I felt I was defending our way of life.
Did the military influence your thinking and living after you were home? If so, how. Being in education, as a teacher one must have empathy. This aspect of my profession was difficult because well, I couldn't take the whining of my students it took a lot of conscious awareness to slow my role and be empathic.
What was your biggest challenge in returning to civilian life? Learning how to ask and not tell people what to do when I was a teacher and in leadership positions in my economy jobs.
Where did you find resources? Down South, I barely knew of the resources outside of the college fund program until I came to Wisconsin, it was the VA who helped out when I initially came here, two jobs, Guard and working at the VA. I was a half-step from being homeless, I was sleeping in my car and showering at Plant Fitness. It was a Female here in the VA that directed me to Social Services and the Grant money to help me find affordable housing, yes I had to drive 17 miles a day, yet I had a HOME to go to!
How can communities support women veterans?
Are you the first woman in your family to serve? As far as I know, I am the first woman to Graduate from University and join and retire from the Military.
What would you tell another woman about enlisting?
You have to be willing to stand up for yourself, KNOW YOUR WORTH and take NO for an answer. Yet, most of all you to know that you must be twice as competent as a man to be considered “okay" by male standards. And if you're a minority a woman of color this is how the culture works, IMHO
Do you use your Veteran Benefits? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please share any service organizations, community events, community engagement projects, and or employment (companies) that you feel would be worthy of sharing with Wisconsin Women Veterans. Use this question to promote yourself/connect with other women veterans.
At this time, I cannot answer this…. maybe in a year or two?
Lance Corporal Rachel Goldmann, Veteran U.S. Marine Corps
State of Residence: WisconsinIn what branch of the military did you serve: United States Marine Corps
Year Joined: 2006
Year Separated / Retired: 2007
The Era of Service: 2006
In what unit did you serve? 2nd Marine Division
Last Rank: Lance Corporal
What was your job title? Combat Photographer
Why did you join the military?
What was your favorite assignment and why? I loved any chance I got to support whatever unit wanted it. I knew I was helping morale and that was very important to me.
What is your favorite memory while in the service? Hmmmm…. I have many fuzzy ones, but I think my favorite would be a night hanging out with my roommates at DINFOS and just talking, eating junk food, and watching movies. That was 2006 and one of those roommates came to visit me this January – 16 years later.
Was it difficult for you to transition back to civilian life? Exceedingly. I was med-boarded out in 6 weeks. It was abrupt, jarring, and still evokes a lot of shame in me even though I'm physically permanently “broken." I found out recently the Marine Corps stopped doing the training exercise that caused my injuries because too many Marines were having the same type of injury I had.
Did the military influence your thinking and living after you were home? If so, how. My mother would tell you the “f-word" became a permanent part of my language and communication, but she would tell you that as a negative consequence – I think it's a versatile word and I enjoy using it to illustrate my points. In terms of greater, more existential thinking, yes, it absolutely changed me and subsequently, changed my social circles and how I interacted with the world then and still to this day. I am always more comfortable in situations and with people who are veterans or reflect military comradery. No one blinks twice when I speak in those situations. In a purely civilian setting, people look at me a little differently.
What was your biggest challenge in returning to civilian life? Trying to make myself “fit in" to the civilian world again when I had completely changed. Also, the VBA denied my disability claim twice and then once again when I returned for something else. It was really defeating.
Where did you find resources? I think back then, there weren't many resources for non-combat veterans, so until my benefits came through, my Mom put me back on her insurance to seek out mental health support.
How can communities support women veterans? I think companies/organizations/teams/whomever who advertise that they're “veteran-friendly" or “support veterans" then DON'T have materials (pamphlets, website, advertising materials) that are representative of all who have served – women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, it makes me think that entity isn't prepared to support those groups.
Are you the first woman in your family to serve? Not only am I the first woman, but I'm also the first person in my family to ever have served in the US Armed Forces.
What would you tell another woman about enlisting? As much as the military culture has shifted more towards welcoming women and other diverse populations, women will always be a minority in any branch of service. In general, when that dynamic exists, as a woman, you will always work harder to prove your worth. It's an unconscious drive to be validated and accepted. And it will make you a badass.
Do you use your Veteran Benefits? Regularly. J
Please share any service organizations, community events, community engagement projects, and or employment (companies) that you feel would be worthy of sharing with Wisconsin Women Veterans. Use this question to promote yourself/connect with other women veterans.