While the gender gap in the military is slowly closing, there’s a lot of progress that needs to be made. And yet, women in the military community continue to make deep contributions in every field they have had to fight to get into. We asked our community to nominate some women who are making impacts in the military community today. Check back each week to hear from a different woman who shares her story, her inspiration, and her why.

Kelly Mathis, Army Chaplain

Meet Kelly Mathis, an Army Chaplain who we support through our Chaplain Support Team. Chaplains have a very special role in the military as mentors, counselors, and morale lifters. Read more about the role of the Army Chaplain and how we support them at Soldiers’ Angels here.

How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?

“As an Army Chaplain, I’m in a male dominated field within a male dominated field. There are always those who don’t believe I should be there, but also always those who have my back. The latter encouraged me to trust God with my calling and my career and gave me the right opportunities to learn and grow.”

Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?

“Chaplain (COL?) Karen Diefendorf taught our class on the first amendment in Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course. In addition to deepening my understanding of the rights of the free exercise of religion in the Army, I clearly remember this piece of advice to us women. There were six of us in the class of 40 Chaplains, and she charged us to embrace our femininity in whatever way we could. She smiled and said that she paints her toenails whatever color she wants. No one can tell inside her boots.”

How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?

“I’m currently deployed with the National Guard, and Soldiers’ Angels have been a true blessing to us. Items that are easy to get back home – grape juice for communion, applesauce for Soldiers with food issues – are impossible to get here. I’ve deeply appreciated being able to send an email and receive these needed supplies within a week or two. When every day is groundhog day far away from home, these packages lift spirits tremendously.”

Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?

“On this deployment, I’m witnessing first hand how hard our Soldiers work to support each other and have each others’ backs. But as a Chaplain, I’m also the one that hears about when those efforts aren’t enough. Expanding our circle of support is critical to helping these Service Members, either with day-to-day needs or the tougher emotional battles.”

Chelsea L., Military Police Officer

Chelsea is an active duty service member and Military Police Officer in the Army. Military police officers work to safeguard military and adjacent facilities by monitoring and securing the areas under their protection, and by arresting individuals found to be in breach of pertinent legislation. They also oversee the safe transport of government agents and prisoners and conduct investigations.

How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?

“I just discovered Soldiers’ Angels a few months ago so the only thing I can share is the great appreciation I have for all those behind the stage. All the volunteers and Angels taking time out of their day to care for us strangers wherever we may be on these deployments. I love reading all the personalized cards and sending a little something back when I can. I have passed along the existence of Soldiers’ Angels to as many as I can because I believe it to be an amazing service.”

Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?

“My Angel, Mrs. Nina was amazing! She went beyond what I expected my sponsor to do for me and care for me. She always asked what I like and what I don’t like. She’s funny and I greatly appreciate her taking so much time to send me such hefty care packages lol. I know it was a lot on her.”

How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?

“I hope to become a volunteer with Soldiers’ Angels in the future. I think it’s a great program and I love writing letters. Maybe I can make someone’s day out in the field on deployment just a bit better. I know mine did.”

Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?

“It makes the time away from family and the U.S. way better. Depression is a real thing out here. Not much to do, and can hardly talk to family sometimes. The adjustment takes time. A little bit of home is always good to brighten my day or someone else’s.”

Charyvette-ly Hasbun, Retired Marine

Charyvette is a military spouse and seamstress who dedicated her time to volunteering during her husband’s service.

How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?

“My husband was in the military for 23 years. I’ve volunteered in every duty station spouse club (Army Community Service, United Service Organization, Morale, and Welfare and Recreation) overseas. I love Family Readiness Group. I had great friends around the world. Wish I could do more volunteer work now as a veteran spouse.” 

Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?

“I’ve met many great military spouses during my husband’s career.”

Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?

“The military is my family and always will be. A lot of spouses are alone when their spouse travels.”

Keshaw James, Veteran Intern

Keshaw is a Veteran Intern who works as a Site Coordinator for our Atlanta Veteran Food Distribution.

How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?

“I have always had a passion for giving back and taking care of others, the military not only refined that, but it allowed me to hone in on a specific area of need, by allowing me to tap into my strengths and see my deficiencies in a positive light and not shy away from something because I wasn’t familiar with it. The military encouraged me to face my fears and understand that to learn is to always be evolving and growing.”

Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?

“SSG Willie Potter is still a very influential person in my life. He exemplified taking care of Soldiers by his daily actions. SSG Potter was a Guard Soldier, who not only mentored Soldiers on drill weekends, but also during the week on his personal time. Mr. Potter has also become a volunteer with Soldiers’ Angels.”

How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?

“I have been volunteering with Soldiers Angels at the VFD for the last three years as a way to give back to the military-connected community. I have also partnered with a local organization in Atlanta whose focus is to ensure every veteran has some form of food and housing.”

Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?

“It is extremely important to me to continue to support the military-connected community because, as cliche as this may sound, I believe we owe our service members a debt of gratitude. Many Soldiers who have given their all and are no longer here to offer our thanks. For every Veteran and active-duty Soldier we can thank, we are honoring the ones we lost.”

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