Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in the Military Community (Part Two)
March 8, 2022
March is Women’s History Month and this year we invited our female followers and supporters to share about their experience in the military-connected community.
Each week we will feature stories from women who have walked the talk as either military veterans, active duty service members, military spouses, or military supporters. They will share how their experiences in the military-connected community have helped to shape their lives, careers, and family. Many will also share how their experience with Soldiers’ Angels (on either the giving or receiving end) has impacted the people around them.
Be sure to check out the rest of the blogs in the series!
Amy Palmer
Veteran, Air Force
President/CEO, Soldiers’ Angels
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
My service in the military is what led me to the nonprofit world. While I was on active duty, and then civil service in the same role, I was always the person the unit First Sergeants went to when they needed resources to help service members. I was always the one soliciting donations for care package items for our deployed, trying to get money to pay for shipping the packages, planning holiday parties, etc. I enjoyed helping and providing resources. Because of that, while still in civil service I started a military nonprofit, Operation Homefront.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
I had a Captain I worked for at Osan AB in Korea that pulled me out of one role and moved me to an Officer spot. Apparently, they had an Officer who was not performing well and they wanted to prove that the job was not too much for a young officer to do. If a young enlisted person could do it, than anyone could do it type of thing. It was one of the best and most rewarding experiences I have ever had. To have someone have that much faith in me and for me to perform well under that kind of pressure was great. That Captain also ended up at my next assignment as well.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
I love the military community and I missed it after leaving civil service. I love working in this community because it keeps me connected to people who I understand and who I can talk to. Also, I know their struggles— at least in a small way. I served during the Gulf War but experienced nothing like those who have served more recently. I cannot imagine the hardships they have endured, but I’m honored to be serving them and remain connected to the community I love.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
We need them. Not just for our generation but for generations to come. After seeing what’s going on in Ukraine, I am so thankful every day for our freedom and for democracy in this country. I thank our service members and veterans every night before going to bed. They are a big part of what makes our country great.
Gail Anderson
Retired, Army
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
I enlisted in 1977 as a 91P, X-ray tech. While serving for 20 years I was able to become a licensed technologist not only in radiology but also as a Mammographer. Having the skills and experience from the Army has helped me to add more certifications. I am a registered Cat-Scan Technologist, and also an MRI technologist. I currently work at a trauma hospital in MRI. Having been stationed in Germany, Honduras, and Egypt has helped me understand different cultures and has made a better tech. network and filled my toolbox with skills and talents that have shaped to be better.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
One of my instructors at Fort Sam Houston. I also had the privilege to serve under her in Honduras. She was one of integrity, honesty, and hard working. She helped me to have the confidence in myself once I became a leader.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
Soldiers’ Angels is such a blessing. I have sent cards and written to many servicemen and women, and they have also written back. I help with the blanket drive, the sock drive, the girl scout cookies, and coffee. If I am able, I try to fill a need.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
Having been deployed with only snail mail I know how important those packages are. It is important to let our servicemen and women know that people do care about the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis.
Dakota Weston
Veteran, Air Force
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
I spent half my career overseas and, even though I loved being In Japan, I do wish I had my family there. But I received plenty of packages and cards from people I didn’t even know and that really did mean a lot coming from someone who didn’t even know me. Also receiving holiday goodies from the USO and even military spouses really lifted our spirits since Security Forces doesn’t get holidays off like the rest of the base does. The little things really did matter.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
There was a woman who retired from the military that saw me through my entire career beginning to end. It really helped not only in the sense that she could give me a lot of personal advice but especially helping my family since they didn’t know any dynamics of the military because they are impacted by it as well.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
I really love to write letters, a word of encouragement goes a long way for me and I want to pass that on. I loved receiving packages so I send those out as well I know it’s especially important around holidays and deployments.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
I had plenty of people who supported me through my career and even though some of them were people I never knew. Simply knowing that there were people out there that supported me was all I needed to get through some days. And I know there are plenty more people out there who just need some sort of support from a word of encouragement to holiday packages.
Anna Stiglbauer
Military Child
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
Witnessing my dad’s proud enthusiasm for serving his country impressed upon me how important it is to serve others. I earned an associate’s degree in public service, then a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and later two master’s degrees in counselor education. I worked in victim services and now handle emergencies for family court in my county. I have volunteered at rape crisis centers, a food pantry, and hospice care, and donate platelets every few weeks.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
Several family members have served our country, but it is my late father whose service profoundly imprinted itself on me and shaped the choices I make in life.
Dad served in the Air Force in the mid-1950’s as an MP on a peace-keeping mission. He returned to civilian life and later re-enlisted in the Army National Guard, which he retired from. He passed peacefully in his sleep just before Christmas 2017. He was 82.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
I am a new member of the Ladies of Liberty team. The packages I have sent so far have been to troops from my state and I really enjoy including local treats such as peanuts, beach shells, and sweet tea flavor packets to remind them of home!
I also am a new member of the Sewing and Crafting team. Recently I taught myself how to arm-knit and am over the moon to have found recipients I can make them for.
It thrills me to no end to think of bringing smiles to our troops’ faces!
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
Listening to the emotion in my dad’s voice as he described leaving his Mama and my aunts and uncles to serve in the Air Force in France (mid-1950s) is something I will always remember. His tour of duty had highlights but getting letters from home-touching paper that his family had touched-meant everything. Decades later he’d choke up recalling those times— and as I write this 4 years after his passing my feelings run high.
I honor his memory and experience by participating in Soldiers’ Angels.
