Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in the Military Community (Part Three)
March 15, 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!
Vicki Sarracino
Military Spouse
Sr. Director of Field Operations, Soldiers’ Angels
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
My husband retired after 25 years of service with 13 combat deployments, each lasting between 4 – 15 months. During that time, I was a single mom. I was also very involved in the Family Readiness Group (FRG) and worked with a lot of enlisted wives to help them through the deployments. Due to this, I found my true passion for working with the military community as well as veterans.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
I did. Living on Ft. Campbell during my husband’s 15-month deployment, I spent a lot of time with the commanding general’s wife as well as many of my friends who helped me become more engrained in the community assisting the spouses most in need of help. I was also working at a military non-profit working with active duty. The two really worked hand in hand as due to my experience in my job, I was able to help those in my community.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
My job with Soldiers’ Angels is to oversee our Veteran Support Programs. In that role, I oversee 6 veteran food distributions where we serve up to 210 veteran families monthly with, on average, 75 lbs. of food. In addition to that, I oversee the teams that work within the VAs to provide meals to inpatients, patient visits, and other assistance to veterans through our VA hospitals.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
I have a passion for the military community as my father, grandfather, husband, and many other family members have served. We do not have a draft. Our military is an all-volunteer force and they need to have the support of those they protect.
Susan Bokor
Military Spouse
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
As a military spouse, I moved with my husband from post to post. My employment career is primarily DOD Special Forces support and DHS. He was a company commander during Desert Shield/Desert Storm so it was early on with the volunteering and giving to troops. Our daughter is currently serving and I helped with morale for her troops baking and sending care packages and baby bibs. With her relinquishing command soon I wanted to continue volunteering. I also crochet lap blankets for hospice vets.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
Not really. I saw some dysfunction and wanted to improve communication within my husband’s company.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
I crochet lap blankets for hospice veterans. I support our daughter’s troops through care packages etc. Within Soldiers’ Angels, I am on the baking team, card team and adopt a deployed soldier.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
For all they do for our freedom, this is a small token from me to let them know they are not forgotten while deployed. For some, they have no family or means to receive care packages
Terry Chase
Retired, Air Force
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
I never thought of myself as a female. I was proud to serve my country and ensure others that were proven performers were advanced.
As a weapons controller in the 70’s, I and other women pushed hard to be the best. I have always used that drive to succeed.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
Yes. Many male officers recognized my talent and propelled me into the forefront.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
Supporting charities for female veterans helping them to deal with PTSD and getting them back into society.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
Men always get attention as veterans. Most people see my “honorable discharged veteran” tags and say “I see your husband served”. My reply is “yes he did 5 years, I did 28 years”. It surprises people.
