February 2012
2 posts
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Marching On...
Our wonderful friend and member of our Board of Advisors, Dr. Bridget Cantrell…here she is doing her wonderful work
http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/news/x950636716/PTSD-expert-works-with-military-families
And our face book groups, with the help of veteran advocate Kathleen Hoffman, have lifted two women out of despair and alienation and into the supportive embrace of women who have been...
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Moving Right Along
We are Marching
New York State has embraced us. Joanne Yepsen, from our board of advisors, is supporting us in a big way. She is hosting a screening/fundraiser in Albany and helping us find funding to have a state-wide tour. The Stratton Va, the Buffalo Va and others are using our film with female veterans, as well as showing it to celebrate the openings of their women’s clinics. Also in...
January 2012
1 post
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Momentum!
Yup!
It has been holidays, grant proposals and moving along…
latest update: Marcia and I are meeting with good friends of every part of this project…NY Staters who are unfolding great retreats for you…we will be a part of those retreats…we are beginning to grow this kind of non-commercial distribution nationally…it’s all about the healing…from all kinds...
November 2011
5 posts
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STOP Act: The Sexual Assault Training Oversight...
Rep. Jackie Speier, we salute you.
I was with Terri Odom to support her through this important event. It was an honor to meet so many of our face book friends face to face in real time…over dinner, at the news conference, and at lunch after.
Courageous survivors who speak out…you are the reason this issue has come, at long last, into the light.—brave men and women continue...
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Pretty Much as Good as it Gets
NYC private screening post parade…audience mostly civilian with a proud contingent of vets with service dogs…Mariette with us and Sue there via skype ..Holly Fancher in the audience radiating the same glow she does in the film…..cannot convey how deeply moved everyone was and how, without exception, they said they were were not just moved by the challenges female veterans face,...
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Veterans Day 11/11/11
I have been thinking about what to say to all of you on Veterans Day. I have nothing to say but that I admire you and I love you. You deserve more than a parade and a holiday, you deserve SERVICE…now that you have marched home, or been medivaced home, or been cruelly assaulted and then discharged home. We are having a private screening in NYC today. That is how we are observing this day in...
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Until the end of festival season and a secure television airdate, we are not having any public screenings, but we have had these private test screenings which went very well.
11/11/11
Private Screening after the Veterans Day Parade for friends of the project
11/8/11 Private Screening at Slippery Rock University Discussion after with Patricia Lee Stotter, Kim Specht with Toby, her service dog,...
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Phew! Updates on the non-commercial outreach
Just a quick note about our trip to DC. We were enthusiastically received by the advisory board of the Center for Women Veterans. It is an advocacy program run within the VA. The idea for the screening was initiated by Dr. Betty Moseley Brown and we received a warm welcome from the center director, IreneTrowell-Harris and the board members who are advocates for women vets from all over the...
October 2011
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A Male Survivor of MST Speaks Out
Hello friends.
This interview with a male MST survivor, is best introduced with these words from Lorrie Bunes, the wife of another man who survived MST:(and thank you for this Lorrie)
“When a person male or female is assaulted it changes their identity. The violation is part of them and they no longer trust their own instincts when judging a situation or the people around them. Its almost...
September 2011
1 post
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Support with outreach partners!
Victoria Wegwert and Cassaundra StJohn who created F7, http://www.F7GROUP.com/ F7 recognizes and believes in the courage, value and abilities of Female Veterans and Women In & Beside the Uniform. They are successful business women who collaborate and provide business services to empower the Female Veterans and Women who serve our country in many capacities to engage her entrepreneurial...
August 2011
2 posts
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On more time: The power of the sisternet
During the hurricane, a female veteran was traveling away from the coast with her young children. She stopped in a motel and the next morning at breakfast, because a child dropped a bit of food and spilled some maple syrup, she was screamed at, called “poor white trash” and told to leave. Her facebook friends were outraged and the incident went viral.
After several conversations I...
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Updated Website for Project and Film
If you are here and reading this, you are already a member of one of our open/closed FB groups, or one of the many wonderful people who have served and continue to serve, or one of the many folks we have interviewed, or a friend of the project. Marcia and I are still going 24/7 on all the final touches, but as it turns to Fall we will Spring forward…and a big thank you to Tamara Olson, the...
July 2011
2 posts
1 tag
moving on...passages...
Marcia and I have been putting the final touches on the film. We have screened for other film makers we respect, outstanding journalists, some of whom were Marcia’s students long ago, and our brilliant lawyer who has been checking films and novels with a legal eye for years. Without exception, at every screening of our non-final non-locked versions of the film…even when they had...
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The strength of our sisternet: our group on FB II
Yesterday we heard that one of the women in our film and in our FB group, who had been admitted to a hospital for suicidal ideation , was being transferred back to her base where her rapist is also stationed. The hospital had told her she would be transferred to a special facility with a program for women who had suffered MST. They abruptly informed her yesterday that they had determined that the...
June 2011
2 posts
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(re)New(ed) Facebook Group Page
Be kind, no drama, have respect and join in!
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_123939704357860&ap=1
This Facebook group page is designed to share information,support and connect veterans with disabilities, as well as promote the documentary project SERVICE. By participating in this forum, I acknowledge the risk, harm or injury that may occur on the SERVICE: For Disabled Female...
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SERVICE FB Page Update
Because of some inflammatory language on our page, one of the participants in that discussion was threatened and asked that our page be shut down. We have decided to take a break and freeze the group temporarily ourselves. We feel that, even in jest, you can’t make threats. We also understand that the discussion triggered many of you.
We will be back soon with the documentary and a renewed...
May 2011
2 posts
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the strength of our sisternet: our group on FB
Yesterday, one of our sisters posted a desperate plea for help. Within 24 hours , with the help and support of our group of very abled women veterans, the experience of exponential healing through a network of love and generosity was dramatically revealed…you all just amaze me…what an honor it is to know you…go to our FB group and check it out…from homeless, alienated and...
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Mother's Day
ok…it’s the day before mother’s day and I want to tell all of you…my sisters, my daughters….the fact that so many of you have served so courageously, suffered such profound injury, and you still have to fight to get the service you deserve infuriates me, and I cannot tell you how much pleasure it gives me to check our facebook group and see how you have each...
April 2011
1 post
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Our Trip to the Hill: DC
The trip was amazing. BriGette began by arranging a meeting with a FB friend, Layla Mansberger, who shared her story with us. Capturing the moment when Layla changed from a virtual FB friend of the project into a real time get together was fantastic. Layla also spoke to us about upcoming activities of Fatigues Clothesline, a tremendous support group for those veterans who have suffered MST....
March 2011
1 post
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A visit with BriGette Ilene McCoy & off to DC
We have been busy. Many of you already know BriGette, having met her through VETWOW, Susan Avila Smith and many other social networking sites. After Spending time with BriGette, meeting her kids, her dog and sharing in her life for a bit, we are heading for DC. BriGette will have an opportunity to address her concerns to some of the people who make and shape the policies that affect YOU.
Patty
February 2011
1 post
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Seattle Women's Clinic: a good news exception to...
These photos are from our shoot at the Washington State VA. Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, the Deputy Director, is doing great work for women vets. So glad we can include her work and that of therapist Bridget Cantrell in the documentary.
Moira Morel was our great cinematographer .
We also spent a day at the Seattle Women’s Clinic where Jan Buchannan and her team are a model for women vet...
January 2011
2 posts
1 tag
Podcasts of late....
I interviewed Christina Roof of AMVETS about the Amvets legislative agenda for 2011. We spoke of many things…with lots of specific instructions to help you get the services you need. We approached the issue of homelessness, who can help( with an eye to wonderful organizations like Jericho Project and the Errera Center) and what you can do if you don’t know of organizations to help you...
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PTSD What it Feels Like and How to Deal with It
We interviewed Sue Downes, Alicia Thompson and Bridget Cantrell, Ph.D. Subject Matter Expert PTSD. We’ve organized it by topic. You can hear the complete interviews if you scroll down.
Alicia Thompson and Sue Downes served in Afghanistan together. Sue’s humvee was blown up by an IED. She was the only one to survive the incident and lost both her legs. Sue and Alicia both...
December 2010
10 posts
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Is PTSD Different for Women
7. Does PTSD affect women differently?
Sue and Alicia think women are stronger because they can ask for help
Dr. Cantrell believes women are more vulnerable if they feel male soldiers don’t “have their back.”
8. The importance of women vets bonding and the internet
How Sue and Alicia’s friendship helps each of them
9. The ideal return
Dr. Cantrell’s ideal...
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PTSD What it Feels Like and How to Deal with It,...
Sue Downes and Alicia Thompson served together in Afghanistan. They shared their thoughts and feelings with us on PTSD so others might recognize the symptoms and get help.
Interview with Sue and Alicia
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Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D. Subject Matter Expert...
Dr. Bridget Cantrell is a leading therapist dealing with veterans and PTSD. In this interview, she discusses what PTSD is, how it manifests in women in particular, how it effects relationships, and how to heal from it.
Interview with Dr. Cantrell
We recommend the following books for veterans and the families of veterans. They will speak right...
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PTSD from two Points of view: soldier&therapist
I had two long conversations about PTSD , first with Sue Downes and Alicia Thompson, and then another with Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D. Subject Matter Expert PTSD. Marcia has been editing them so that you can either listen to each of the conversations whole, or if you are curious to listen to a shorter bit about a specific topic, she has organized them into shorter segments that are issue focused....
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AMVETS
Lashonna Perry and Christina Roof at 2010 AMVETS Symposium
Christina Roof talks with Patricia Lee Stotter
Christina M. Roof is the National Acting Legislative Director for AMVETS . In other words, she has your back in DC. Whether presenting testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives or...
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PTSD:Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D. Subject Matter...
As I sit here listening to the conversation I had with Dr. Cantrell, getting the podcasts about PTSD ready to post, I am deeply touched by her sensitivity, her passion and her insight. As the holidays approach, I want to suggest to all of you that you look at the books written by Dr. Cantrell. You will be giving yourselves and your family a great gift: Down Range, Once a Warrior:Wired for Life,...
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Thank You Christina Roof and AMVETS
Look what Christina said about us/you:
“The needs of our female service members and veterans have been a top legislative priority for AMVETS for the last few years and will continue to be a major focus as women continue to return from combat. Female veterans are the largest growing demographic group in a diverse veterans population and one to which VA has not traditionally catered. It is...
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Links
Links: News
http://www.f7group.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_TyI9yn8zQ
http://www.stopmilitaryrape.org/
http://servicewomen.org/
SWAN supports, defends, and empowers today’s servicewomen and women veterans of all eras, through groundbreaking advocacy initiatives and innovative, healing community programs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkwHL4sTKCI&feature=share
Rep Siere speaks...
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PTSD Podcast: Two Women, One Day
Yesterday, our podcast had an unusual spin. We spoke with Sue Downes and Alicia Thompson, friends, who were together the day that Sue was injured and other soldiers died.
As I listen to the interview/conversation over and over, as I make notes for Marcia to edit the podcast , I am just amazed by the strength and courage that got these women through active duty, and note that these same traits...
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SuperAdvocate:Susan Avila Smith
An Interview with Susan Avila Smith on MST and getting your VA benefits
with an introduction, read by actresses, of comments by women veterans on the VA from our Facebook group page, Service:Disabled Women Veterans in Transition.
November 2010
7 posts
1 tag
Paws for Thought
If you check out our FB page, and the stories section of this website, you can hear our interviews about how service dogs are trained at ECAD, East Coast Assistance Dogs. There is also a wonderful video on the FB page about NEADS, another wonderful organization that trained Sue’s dog , Lila, and Alexis’s dog, Sooner. You have seen many posts on our FB page about Paws with a Cause, who...
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Interview about ECAD training of service dogs
CHAPTER ONE: THE ECAD STORY
Patty interviews Dale Picard on working with the puppies and young children.
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The Training Continues with Older Children and...
CHAPTER TWO: THE ECAD STORY
Patty interviews Barbara Jenkel on working with middle school and high school students at Green Chimneys
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A Veteran Receives a Service Dog
CHAPTER THREE: THE ECAD STORY
Patty talks with Kim about her relationship with her service dog Toby.
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Disability Rights for People with Service Dogs
CHAPTER FOUR: THE ECAD STORY
Patty discusses the problems of going into public with service dogs.
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Your Stories on Pain Management and the VA
These stories were collected from the SERVICE Facebook Group Discussion page. The FB conversation was brought to life by three brilliant actors: Ilene Kristin, Carol Jacobanis and Anne O’Sullivan. Thank You.
Pain
Women Vets Experiences with the VA
PTSD
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Mariette's Short Story
One of our vets, Mariette Kalinowski, wrote this short story about PTSD and transitioning back from Iraq to New York City where she is a student at Hunter College.
Listen to Mariette’s story
October 2010
1 post
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Readings and interviews
In the last three weeks I have been busy talking to the veterans whose words will be read by a talented group of actors: Dion Graham, Carol Jacobanis, Ilene Kristen, Annie O’Sullivan and Karen Young. The reason I have chosen these particular actors is that my relationship with each of them began when we were all working on a project about military suicides, first produced in 2005. Most...
September 2010
1 post
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2010 DEFENSE FORUM WASHINGTON ON VETERANS...
Sue, Gabe and Mariette were panelists at this important meeting. Kudos and thanks!!
Check it out:
http://cspan.org/Watch/Media/2010/09/10/HP/A/37963/2010+Defense+Forum+Washington+on+Veterans+Adjusting+to+Life+after+War.aspx
August 2010
3 posts
1 tag
Patty Interviews Velma Hart
http://www.servicethefilm.com/VelmaHartInterview072910.mp3
Patty speaks with Velma Hart before she left AMVETS, before she became a celebrity for asking President Obama a pointed question during a press conference and before The Daily Show and The Colbert Report made her flavor of the week. Ms. Hart addresses the issues female veterans face with heart and expertise.
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Transformations
Monday was the best…the best!!!
It started with picking up a brilliant woman veteran from a homeless shelter, packing up some boxes and then bouncing across Queens in Marcia’s green pick-up truck to an apartment complex on the beach…
1. Wonderful woman veteran picks up the keys to her apartment
2. Apartment opens and we all walk towards a wall of windows revealing a gorgeous view of the...
Velma Hart and Christina Roof of AMVETS Materials
We have been sent many useful documents that will support/help you from AMVETS. They were written by Velma Hart and Christina Roof. I don’t know how they manage to organize so much wonderful material so quickly…but they have. All this came out of the Symposium
last week. Bravo and thank you!!
July 2010
4 posts
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Exclusive interview about VA Forum on Women Vets
Hi Everybody,
What a treat. I got to interview Velma Hart from AMVETS who attended the FORUM yesterday. It was booked out within 20 minutes after being posted online. Looks like issues facing female veterans are HOT! I just have one problem with the interview, I can’t decide which is bigger, Velma’s brain or Velma’s heart. Give a listen.
PLEASE, as always, we want...
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interview about Service/research
I am not used to being on the other side of the microphone, but listen to this INTERVIEW:
The show is produced and hosted by registered nurses Diana Mason and Barbara Glickstein, who interviewed me, with Hunter College’s Center for Health, Media and Policy, the program focuses on personal health, health policy, and health issues locally, nationally and internationally. It frequently...
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AMVETS
We’ve been working/learning about AMVETS from Christina Roof over the past few months. As AMVETS Communications Director, she fights for your rights on Capitol Hill. We’ve learned that AMVETS serves YOU, now that you have served us. This army of dedicated individuals navigates the complicated territory where all the organizations designed to help you meet. Everyone means well in ...
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Vet Center in New Haven
Today was remarkable. Marcia and I went to the Paul Errara VA Center in New Haven, Ct. I knew nothing about the founder of the organization or the organization. I was introduced to the most nearly perfect integrated set of services for Veterans that I have ever encountered, heard about or read about. Laurie Harkness, a psychoanalyst, is the visionary.
We went because we wanted to explore the...
June 2010
3 posts
1 tag
Power of your voice
A lot has gone on since our last entry. We posted the phone number of the mayor’s office (Bridgeport) where people can express their feelings about the “historical district’s” refusal to provide zoning for a home for homeless female vets with young children be established. They got tons of calls and I think it is having a big impact. That decision is being re-thought!! ...