Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in the Military Community (Part Four)
March 22, 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!
Tania Galardy
Veteran, Air Force
Soldiers’ Angels Volunteer Services Intern
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
I am still finding out where I fit into the professional career world in a post-Active Duty capacity. However, I have known for a long time that my passion lies in helping people, specifically members of the military community. Veteran Support is a cause that will always be important to me, and as such, it is a goal of mine to one day work in some capacity for a local Veterans Health Administration.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
My Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC) shaped who I was as a young Airman. He was quick to include me in training opportunities, sent me on temporary duty trips, and signed me up for courses that would further my career. He had high standards and the Airmen under him were expected to meet them, and he led by example. Our open line of communication and mentoring sessions left me with the desire to better myself and be a high achiever in all that I attempted to do in life.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
One of the tenets of becoming a well-rounded Airman was the idea of “Service Before Self”. So in the Air Force, I began volunteering with different organizations. That principle stuck with me, and I found my way when the COVID-19 pandemic began to look for ways to help Veterans. I found a mobile food distribution event, signed up, and had a blast. Now, as a former Volunteer, I work as an intern with Soldiers’ Angels Volunteer Services, and I get to participate in these events and much more.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
My time in the military shaped who I am as a person in ways that will last for the duration of my life, I am sure. My experiences afforded me many opportunities that I will always be grateful for. However, as members of the military community, there is no question that we experience a set of hardships that perhaps civilian personnel may not fully understand. I want to always support my fellow Veterans, servicemembers, and the family members of these groups in any way possible, because of that.
Candace Acabbo
Military Child Soldiers’ Angels Volunteer Angel Baker/Baby Brigade/Orlando MFD
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
Growing up I always knew my father was in the Vietnam War but this was something that was never discussed. Even though he struggled with talking about the experience, he raised his children to be supportive of the military, those serving, and above all love your country. I have taken his military lessons of loyalty, respect, hard work and teamwork into my personal and professional life. I have been an RN and worked my way through leadership roles in hospitals and now in medical device sales.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
My father enlisted at 20 and left his one red light, small town to head to boot camp then off to Vietnam. It took him years and years to talk about his experience and did not happen until he reconnected with his former service members in the early 2000’s.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
I am currently active with multiple groups within Soldiers’ Angels. I am an Angel Baker, on the Baby Brigade Team, and the mobile food distributions in Orlando. I am so proud to say that I was able to take the corporation sponsorship opportunity for the Orlando MFD to my company. On 3/18/22 my company will be sponsoring the Orlando MFD with sponsorship and volunteers.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
We have freedom, rights, and liberty because of their sacrifice. As a daughter of a veteran I have seen first hand the struggles vet’s faced for the rest of their life and the truth is that all veterans pay with their lives, some pay all at once while others pay over a lifetime.
Angela Johnson
Veteran, Army Soldiers’ Angels In-Kind Intern
How did your experience in the military-connected community shape your career?
I joined the military at the age of 24 and as a single mother amidst a divorce from an abusive marriage. I wanted to have a better life for my then 4-year-old child and myself. My self-esteem was so low that I couldn’t even look in the mirror. When I joined the military, I strived for success and was committed to helping others, especially women, know that they can achieve their goals. After 26 years of service, I was an essential member as a paralegal because of my confidence and knowledge.
Did you have a mentor in the military-connected community that left an impact on you?
I have had several mentors that have all left positive impacts on my life, and I am thankful that I can still reach out today. One mentor taught me that I am stronger than I think I am. She would run with me on my APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) and as annoying as she was, I always passed my test with flying colors. I also had a husband-and-wife mentor (each was my supervisor at different times) that taught me compassion and how to care for others during difficult times.
How do you give back to the military-connected community and/or how do you specifically provide support through Soldiers’ Angels?
I have always volunteered for community service events, and always had an interest in helping veterans that fall on hard times after separating from the military. I have witnessed many times where soldiers just couldn’t get assistance and would get the run-around. I promised myself that if ever put in a situation to help others, I will make every effort to do so. I worked with the Soldiers’ Angels Adopt-A-Family program and there were families that didn’t qualify, but I made sure to offer alternative programs.
Why is it important to you to continue supporting the military-connected community?
I knew that there were homeless veterans and veterans in need of assistance, but I did not know the magnitude until I began my internship with Soldiers’ Angels. Working here has been the most satisfying employment since I retired from the military. I believe you will always leave an impression of yourself with people, make sure it is a positive and loving one.
