The Veterans ResourceA Division of Enrollment Management Center at the University of Tennessee Issue 4: March 2017

1The VRC Honors00 100 years of women in uniform The First “Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.” -James Baldwin

Deborah Sampson Opha Mae Johnson

Genevieve & Lucille Baker Ester Blake

The Sacred Twenty The Women’s Veterans Group At The University of Tennessee *Women’s Veteran Group founder Linda Hinkle explains the motivation that led her to found the Wom- en’s Veteran Group at the University of Tennessee.

The desire to start a women’s group came from two places. 1) Since I For me, personally, it was just tremendous to be in a room with other started school at Pellissippi, I wanted to be a part of a group that was women that had served. When you are female and in the military, you just for women veterans because women didn’t seem to attend the reg- tend to live inside a personal bubble...or at least I did. I had never talked ular veteran group meetings. So, when I got to UT, this seemed like the to another woman veteran about serving until this group. It really has perfect opportunity with the size of our veteran population. 2) Jayetta been awesome just getting to know the others and watching friendships Rogers and I were super curious how women veterans could hold the bloom from it. We really wanted women veterans to have a voice on GPA level they had at UT without seemingly spending anytime social- campus, especially with the new Veterans Resource Center going in so izing with other veterans. As you may well know, that veterans who are soon. able to socialize with other veterans are more successful academically on campus. We wondered how the women on campus managed to do Linda Hinkle what they did academically and, if we were able to get them into a suc- U.S. Army Veteran cessful group, if that improve things for the women on campus. Female Soldier’s Creed

I am a woman in the American Military Forces, I serve the people of the United States of America. I revere the long line of women service members, who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self, have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world. I am the master of my enemy. My strength and honor propel me, I will never leave a fallen comrade, I represent the fighting spirit of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I am a Warrior. I am a woman in the American Military Forces.

-Linda Hinkle U.S.Army Veteran

*Women veterans across the University of Tennessee community were asked to share their stories, experiences, and views of their time in service. While these stories vary, these women share a unique bond that has carried the female veteran community into 100 years of service and beyond. * Name: Alison Cowie Program: 2nd year DVM in the College of Veterinary Medicine and PhD candidate in Comparative & Experimental Medicine program

Entered active duty in the US Army as a 2nd LT in 2004. As an aviation officer, I flew CH-47D, OH58A/C, and TH-67 over the next 13 years. I’m also a military intelligence officer and plan on transferring to veterinary corps once I finish veterinary school. I transferred to the reserves in 2013 and deployed to Afghanistan twice, in 2006-2007, and 2008-2009.

I don’t think any one woman has influenced me overall, but rather it’s the full impact of women as a group that’s impacted me in a positive manner. My childhood home is down the street from Susan B. Anthony’s birthplace. I attended an all-girl’s school for high school. In a core college course, I was taught about female issues in Somalia and women’s rights (or the lack thereof) in countries other than my own. By the time I was an Officer in the Army, deployed to Afghanistan, sitting across the room from one of the first female provincial leaders, I fully understood the value of what I had been taught and the importance of taking action. For the past four years, I’ve been working diligently to get two young Afghan women out of their country. I’ve succeeded with one, her arrival having taken place this past October, and am continuing to fight for the other until we succeed. But this isn’t the only situation where I’ve seen women come together.

As a future physician and current scientist attending UT College of Veterinary Medicine and completing a PhD, I’m privileged to be surrounded by extraordinarily intelligent women in medical, PhD, and master’s programs. These women support one another with a vigor I haven’t seen since being in Afghanistan on an operating base with 10 other women and over 3000 men. When you’re outnumbered on such a colossal scale, you learn how to support one another no matter what the situation. You also gain an appreciation for being a woman and an unshakable confidence bolstered by those around you. Many similarities may be drawn between the service and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), so I look forward to tak- ing on new challenges in the coming years...with my fellow ladies by my side. Name: Christy Cruz-Peeler Program: Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Maj. Christy Cruz-Peeler is a Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker and leads a multidisciplinary team that func- tions much like a university counseling center with respect to unique military training experiences and standards regarding personal and social conduct, academics, and athletic performance. She provides a full range of tailored services to meet the developmental, emotional, psychological, and leadership needs of the talented young men and women attending the US Air Force’s only military academy. As key consultant of psychological issues to the university leadership, she provides guidance on preventative behavioral health services, transitional stress, mood disorders, developmental challenges, and management of high-risk situations among the cadet population. Maj. Cruz-Peeler earned her commission through the ROTC program, Detachment 905, at Washington State University, Pullman in December 2003. She has held positions to include: C-17 Human Factors Engineer/Behavioral Scientist, Family Advocacy Officer, Community Action and Information Board Executive Direc- tor, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program Manager, Resiliency Element Chief, Fighter Wing Senior Ex- ecutive Officer, and Mental Health Flight Commander. Her deployment experience includes providing psychological services for detainee operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Maj. Cruz-Peeler would like to honor her mother, Kyong Baird, and her military mentors, Brigadier General Jeannie Leavitt and Marie Colasanti, for the time, interest, support, and wingmanship they have provided in her throughout her life and career. Name: Emily Arnold Name: Erika Poulter Program: Currently a junior in the Forestry program with a Program: Pre-law focus in Wild Land Recreation I grew up in California, enlisted in the Air Force and was While in the Navy, I was trained in combat medicine, triage, stationed at Travis AFB, CA. as a hydraulic jet maintainer. I and life-saving techniques at Fort Sam Houston in San then transitioned to the reserves and am currently stationed at Antonio, TX. I also trained as an anesthesia technician and Dobbins AFB, in Marietta, GA. worked in the surgical unit while stationed at Naval Hospital Jacksonville in FL. Being an active duty member was not I am studying to be a lawyer in civilian life, but commissioning only physically and mentally challenging, but emotionally next summer to further my military career. The biggest influ- challenging. I missed many holidays, birthdays, and wed- ence in my life is, of course, my mother, who has supported dings but it was all worth it to gain the confidence and inde- every step of my life. Without her, I’d be lost. She’s in California pendence I have today. I’m proud to be a student veteran at with the rest of my family, but she is the most amazing, power- UT because I earned my opportunity to be here by serving ful woman who encourages me every day. my country and taking care of fellow service members. I will be graduating in Spring 2018. I love the outdoors and I hope to become a park ranger. Name: Ingrid Ruffin Name: Jennifer Johnson Program: Student Success Librarian Program: Masters of Social Work I just wanted to thank all the women I know personally who have overcome I was previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom obstacles while serving: and Operation Noble Eagle. To the Religious Program Specialist whose male Chaplain didn’t think she was “able” to deploy and protect him, after she had already been on While it was an honor to serve my nation, my time in service a combat deployment. Thank you. also helped me to grow and mature. I learned a lot about the U.S. To the Master at Arms who as a single mother took five back-to- back assignments that kept her at sea, to keep her children in the same school and the world. This allowed me to become a more global citizen. district until they graduated and moved her mother in to be their care taker I still cherish the friendships with the women and men that I while she deployed. Thank you. served alongside. Much of my military experience has guided my To the Emergency Room Doctor who is facing another deployment subsequent life as a civilian. I am so glad I had the opportunity. because her community doesn’t think the three she did in Iraq and Afghani- Go Blue! After an honorable discharge, I finished my undergrad- stan with the US Navy SEALS were “true” deployments. Thank you. To the female Weapons Warrant Officer who elected to volunteer to uate and graduate degrees at the University of go to Iraq instead of having to prove she could drive an aircraft carrier again at Greensboro. I am currently the Student Success Librarian for to pilots, who didn’t know how to drive an aircraft carrier. Thank you. First Year Programs here at UT. To the single female Chaplain who had to explain to her superior officers that her religious affiliation allowed her to date, and even marry, although they preferred she didn’t until her next assignment. Thank you.

And to every other female enlisted and officer that I have ever had the plea- sure to serve with, I thank you for all that you did, and will continue to do, to serve, and lead by example. Name: JoAnn Walker Program: ProMBA

I enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1984 with a guaranteed ‘A’ School as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Upon com- pletion of ‘A’ School, I was selected as an Aviation Aircrewman. After several intermediate training commands, I reported to VQ-3 at NAS Barbers Point Hawaii as a C-130 Aviation Flight Technician. Three years later and after logging more than 1,000 flight hours, I attended an additional advance technical training school and reported to AIMD, NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. It was during this tour that I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautical Maintenance and Management and applied and was accepted to AOCS (Aviation Officer Candidate School) in Pensacola Florida. I graduated AOCS in October 1992 as an Avia- tion Maintenance Officer. I spent my next 12 years, advancing through the Officer ranks while enjoying numerous duty stations that included NATTC Millington in TN; NAS Agana, Guam (where I completed my first Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management); VAQ-129 Whidbey Island, WA; HS-3 NAS Jacksonville, FL and NAVAIR Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, also located at NAS Jacksonville, FL. I retired as a Lieutenant Commander (O-4) in October 2004, after 20 years of honorable service. During this 20-year time span, I traveled the world, married my best friend in 1988 and raised 4 amazing children. Upon retire- ment, I started my own company (Lean Six Sigma Consulting -LSSC) and worked government and civilian contracts until 2016. I am truly blessed beyond measure as life continues to afford me many awesome opportunities and exciting challenges. I am now in my second semester at UT in the ProMBA Program. LaShel Brown, Sgt. USMC 1985-1994 I was very blessed and proud to have served in our military and to call myself Marine. If you run into a Marine and you say to them you are an ex-Marine, you probably received the evil eye and was corrected to former Marine. Our motto is “Once a Marine, always a Marine” is in our “genes.” We are a band of brothers and sisters. I knew in early high school that I would join the military; I had no desire to go to college and wanted to get out of Bismarck, ND. My intent was to join the Army; and even though I hung out a lot with the Marine recruiter, we never discussed me joining any branch of the service. I took the ASVAB through the Army. On my next visit, my Marine friend, now my Marine recruiter said, “What the heck are you doing taking the ASVAB for the Army? Your scores are amazing and you are joining the Corps.” – and I did. My first position was as a communications center operator. We received messages classified (up to Top Secret) and unclassified, we routed the message to the appropriate unit, etc. My schooling for this was in Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. In 1986, I deployed to my first duty sta- tion for 2 ½ years in Okinawa, Japan where I worked in the communications center and eventually became the commanding officer’s driver and maintained all the classified material for the base. From there I was stationed at 4th Marine Air Wing, a reserve unit in New Orleans, LA. I was once again selected to drive for the commanding general, had more of an administrative roll at this duty station, and was blessed. I did many color guard ceremonies and was very fortunate to be in the color guard for the Indy 500 after Dessert Storm/Shield Campaign. In 1992, I went for the second time to Twenty-Nine Palms, CA for my communication center supervisor training. I was then stationed in Beaufort, SC and stayed until I got out in 1994. I have been with the university going on 23 years and am proud to be a Volunteer. I have been with the Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular (BCMB) Dept. for over seven years. I love my department and my faculty, staff, and students. I am so thankful. I have a beautiful 17-year-old daughter, who is a junior at South Doyle High School. She is very active in the choral department and is part of the SD Singers. I have two amazing older children from my previous marriage, a daughter and son who live in KY with my three grand-daughters. Some of my awards are, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), Semper Fidelis, Marine Corps Over- seas Service Ribbon, multiple Meritorious Masts, and multiple Certificates of Commendation. Semper Fidelis “Always Faithful”. Latoya Ewert Bio Program: Masters of Social Work

I was in high school considering what to do with my life. Initially, I wanted to go on to West Point or the Air Force Academy. My plans changed and I found my way in a Recruiters Office with my mother at 17. The Army for me was a tradition of sorts, because my father was in the Army and my Grandfather and my mother were police officers. I had a chance to serve like they did and I was seeking adventure and a change of pace. I can remember sitting in MEPS, heart beating and hands sweating. Next, I was sitting and picking out my job and of course I knew that Army College was a must. I promised my mother I would finish College and I did. I was the First Female Mechanic, 63B, of my family. I picked it because ultimately it would give me the College Fund and I could use my tinkering skills. I learned so much from my military experience that I carry on still today. First, I can do anything anyone else can because it comes down to work ethic and not gender. I learned I could also fill up sandbags quicker than anyone else. I prided myself on that mostly because everything was a con- test for me. The military taught me how to be strong even when it was hard to be strong. How to think on my feet and ultimately how to be a true leader, how to lead from the front and not the rear, and really ho to move and motivate my peers. I met so many amazing women along the way, but ultimately the woman that really impacted that decision was my mother. She always believed that I could do anything if I truly put my mind and heart into it. The military is where I ultimately found myself, and I am so happy for the experience and the sisterhood gained from it. Name: Linda Hinkle Name: Michelle A. Gramling Program: Graduate Student/MSSW Program Program: DSW Program

My name is Linda Hinkle and I had the honor to serve as a My name is Michelle A. Gramling and I am in the combat medic from 1993-1997 with the United States Army. . I am currently stationed at Royal Air My duty stations included Germany, , and Boston Force Croughton, United Kingdom, where I am the Medical where I worked as a medic in the field, on hard sites, and in Operations Flight Commander. I have been in the Air Force hospitals. I met and married my wonderful husband Shayne for 10 years. Not only am I able to serve my country as an Air while we were both active duty. He was a combat medic also. Force officer, but also as a clinical social worker. I am able to Working with my fellow service members motivated me to provide services to our active duty members and their fam- go to college and work towards my LCSW degree, so I could ilies. I am a second-year student in the DSW Program. The eventually work with VA as a mental health counselor. My two most influential women in my life are my mother and husband and I have two beautiful sons, Chris (18) and James aunt. (16). I am currently a graduate student at the School of Social Work and the graduate assistant student in the Veteran’s Re- source Center. I am honored every day to work with and for our veteran students. Name: Taylor K. Opel Program: Master’s in Public Health

Major Taylor Opel was born on December 11, 1979, in Los Angeles, California. In 2003, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of California, specializing in equine management. In 2008, she graduated from Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine, obtaining a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Major Opel served in her first assignment from June 2008 to June 2010 at the Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. Major Opel was the Lemoore Branch Officer in Charge, supervising twelve Soldiers and four civilian personnel, managing two Veterinary Treatment Facilities, overseeing the Installation Support Plans for eight installations, and providing the medical care for five Military Working Dogs. Her next assignment was the Fort Buchanan Section Veterinary Treatment Facility where she supervised three Soldiers and three civilian personnel, cared for one Military Working Dog and three Federal Bureau of Investigation dogs, and oversaw the military food mission for the island of Puerto Rico. She was then assigned as the Fort Leavenworth Branch Officer in Charge, where she oversaw the $5 million renovation of the Veterinary Treatment Facility, including over $300,000 in new equipment purchases. In 2015, Major Opel was accepted into the Army’s Long Term Health Education Training program, and is now completing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Her awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Silver German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. Ma- jor Opel earned her Army Achievement Medal for serving during the 2009 Arctic Care Mission in Bethel, Alaska, where she served as the team leader overseeing the vaccination, deworming, and spay/neutering of Native Alaskan pet dogs and cats. Major Opel is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association, and the American As- sociation of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians. She volunteers as a Boy Scout Merit Badge counselor, is a member of the Human Animal Bond in Tennessee program, and served as a research coordinator for a HABIT study being conducted at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. In 2007, she married Jeremiah Blakely, who restores classic cars and vintage radios. They have four fur-kids: a schnauzer mix named Kody, an orange tabby named Cheez-it, a “Sato Gato” stray kitten from Puerto Rico named Volao, and a three-year-old giant schnoodle named Raven. Name: Shana Oltmann Program: Neuroscience

I served six years in the U.S. Navy and was a FC2 and a surface rescue swimmer. I was a petty officer 2nd class in the Navy I worked on and operated missals. In 2010 I finished surface rescue swimming school and became the first female rescue swimmer stationed on board my ship the USS Essex LHD2 (in Sasebo Japan). I am currently majoring in neuroscience and am an assistant researcher in Dr. Schulz’s lab for neuro- biology of mental illness. The most important female in my life right now is my 19-month-old daughter. I want to be a good role model for her. March 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 Fall Priority Registra- tion Begins

26 27 28 29 30 31 VOLF Study VSO Outreach Hours: Located in VA Outpatient Clinic Rm. 235J 3-9pm 8:30-9:30 April 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Last Day to drop VOLF Painting with with a W a TWIST @8pm RSVP [email protected]

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Women’s Vet Group Women’s Vet Group Spring Recess: No Meeting (Food!) Meeting (Food!) Classes

NOW is the time to TURN IN your ENROLLMENT FORM for the Fall Semester!!!

Please be sure to take advantage of PRIORI- TY RESGISTRATION!!! Design & Edit: Thomas Cruise, Senior - Journalism & Elec. Media USAF Veteran