Recently, WVA Chapter 48 had the honor ofestablishing a community partnership withGreen Extreme Homes (GEH), CDC.Through strategic partnerships, GEH isproviding a path to financial stability andgreen, energy efficient, affordable housingoptions. One of WVA Chapter 48's goals inour second year is to help endhomelessness among women veterans.These women tend to be invisible withinhomeless statistics--less likely to frequentshelters due to safety concerns. By choosingto “couch surf” with family and friends instead,they might not be identified through the usualoutreach to homeless veterans. They are herethough, and living in unstable environments.
In military and veteran communities, womenare the fastest-growing sub-population comprising 15 percent of active-duty and 10percent of veterans. Research shows women veterans have unique situational needscompared to their male counterparts. For example, women veterans tend to beyounger, more racially and ethnically diverse, and have a history of trauma or sexualabuse. They are more likely to be single or divorced with child care responsibilities.Less likely to have a family support system, they often shoulder greater economicstress than the men. These are only a few of the critical risk factors of homelessness.
The population of women veterans in our communities is growing faster than thesystems we have in place to support them. Women veterans in need often isolatethemselves decreasing their access to critical interventions that could prevent themfrom becoming homeless. It will remain a priority for our chapter to be there for thesewomen veterans at risk. As we continue to build our partnership with Green ExtremeHomes, joining them in their mission, together we will set-up a holistic program for theMullins Transitional Home. There is much to be done in the months to come. We willhold painting and decorating workdays to create a new home environment that is bothwarm and welcoming to our women and their children. There will be continued fundraising to help subsidize the veterans’ first months of placement as they establish andwork towards transition goals. And much more.
This is an extremely important, worthwhile project taking all of usworking together with our community to bring success insupportive housing and strong transitional programs for ourwomen veterans in need. Like all veterans, they want successfullives, relationships, and careers after service, a quality life withdignity and respect. We will continue to be there alongside.
7:00 p.m.(6:00 p.m.on special evenings)2nd Monday/month
14 January 201911 February 2019
11 March 20198 April 201913 May 20197 June 20198 July 2019
12 August 2019
SPECIAL in 2019
- opening -Green Extreme
Home in Lewisville(transition home forwomen veterans)
Check Social media forour fund raisers, charities,
outreach missions, andchanges - we are active!
Submissions:
- Soon after your event,send photos and narrative(a brief after-action report)
- Last submissionsreceived by the 15th of
December, March, June,September.
Your news will be editedto fit.
Call for guidelines.
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter – “Stand Up, Stand Out, Be There!” –
2019 Winter, Issue Number 4 Back issues online. Current issue at A Quarterly Publication
Chapter 48, Est. June 6, 2017 WVAchapter48.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/2019Q1.pdf – Special Message
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 1 of 8“WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
At our executive meeting planning session, December 29, 2018 at 36 degrees! C’mon! Snap that camera! (Big agenda for 2019, exciting momentum!)
Vice-commanderSuzie Drake reports:“87 members on theroster today, and newmembers thisquarter.”
Join us! We need morehands. We don’t justhave meetings, we are abusy group in thecommunity. (Committeeinfo page 7).
This edition features justsome of the many eventsmembers participated insince our October 2018general meeting (shownbelow).
Our main meeting room at theVeteran’s Center, 400 S. CarrollBlvd, Denton, TX 76201(right).Expansions in 2019 will offermore veteran spaces andservices daily.
Veteran’s Day (inside due to weather) at the Denton County Courthouse Museum-on-the-Square presided by Judge Horn. Observed November 12, 2018, 11:00A.M. Stirring patriotic songs by the Sam Houston Singers (elementary school), DentonFire Dept. Bag Pipes, TWU and UNT ROTC Flag Details, Speakers: US CongressmanBurgess, Maj. General (ret.) Mary Saunders, Patti McCoy. Outside: monument wreath,
rifle volley, and echo taps by Vietnam Veterans of America Post 920.
WVA Chapter 48 wasrecognized and askedto stand, the newestveteran organizationin Denton County,and only chapter ofWVA in the State ofTexas.
The patriotic pride onthis cold, rainy day forthe 100th anniversary ofWWI Armistice Daywas powerful and filledthe city square. Theinvocation wasdelivered by Virgil Alda,Purple Heart (VietnamWar).
SPECIAL THANKS:
Veterans Service OfficeU of North TexasDenton Fire Station #1TWU & UNT ROTCFrenchy’s Lawn & Tree ServiceAmerican Legion Post 71Texas Woman’s UniversitySam Houston ElementaryVFW Post 2205Vietnam Vets of America Post 920Denton Co. Veterans Coalition Denton Co. Facilities Dept.
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 2 of 8“WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
SERVICEAll of our members are involved in the primary mission of Social Services – being there – by fighting women Veteran homelessness in ourcommunity. Our Sergeant at Arms, Gina M. Smith, led our WVA 48 Color Guard to open the 4th Annual Stand Down and Resource Fairveteran charity aid event at the Denton Civic Center, October 25, 2018, and assisted the chapter tables with many other WVA members there.(Read more about our WVA Chapter 48 Color Guard events on page 6.) Color guard members at the event (center) pose with Mayor Watts:(L-R) Gina Smith, Charity Wright, Denton Mayor Chris Watts, Cristie Campo, Maribel Ostergaard.
Mayor Watts spoke on the current mission of helping homeless veterans and future mission of ending homelessness among veterans inDenton by 2021! An outstanding goal! We handed out hygiene bags assembled and donated by members of ALTRUSA International NorthDallas. We were proud to present these thoughtful items which they purchased to help women veterans in hard times. Thank you, ALTRUSA,for being there and giving from the heart.
HOLIDAY COMFORT and CHEEROur Chaplain, Eva Fulton, (center left, holding basket with Olga Wurtz on right) and with our Executive Team and many chapter volunteerscoordinated over 75 full-dinner Thanksgiving Day baskets, free to veterans, donated by Jujitsu of Flower Mound. (We were there Sunday,November 18, 2018 in front of our Veteran’s Center in Denton and also delivered to the Dallas VA.) Olga Wurtz (bottom) coordinated WVA 48gift bags for the Dallas VA Hospital women veterans on Christmas Day, donated by Cindy Williams of Cindy’s Clutter Keepers.
Cdr Zimbal (right)coordinating deliveriesand volunteers for 3hours in the cold wind.
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 3 of 8“WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
A personal note from our WVA Chapter 48 Transition Support Program Committee Chair Diane Fraser:
“As one of the members of our WVA Chapter 48 Color Guard, I had the opportunity to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Field of Honor in Georgetown,Texas. What an honor it was to march with our new chapter flag on Sunday and to post the colors on Monday.”
“I purchased three flags in memory of my father, mother, and father-in-law. While I was anxious to see those flags, I was nearly overwhelmed at the sight ofapproximately 2,000 American flags placed in neat rows on that field. I felt each of those flags represented the presence of patriots who made the decision to “bethere” for our country. It was a physical reminder of the thousands of servicemen and women who had gone before me and in whose heritage I shared. As I stoodbeside each of my relatives’ flags, I was thankful for them, and, for the future generations of men and women who choose to “be there” for our country’s sake.”
FIELD OF HONOR November 3-12, 2018 San Gabriel Park, Georgetown, TexasTxFieldOfHonor.org 10 days honoring our U.S. military andfirst responders.2,000 3x5-ft U.S. flagsPurchased for charity.WVA Chapter 48 received some distributionand several members participated in purchasing flags, includingCdr Camilla Zimbal (left bottom photo, right).
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 4 of 8“WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
Unstoppable Now: (below) Veteran Deanna Wheeler in benefit concert,Frisco, TX October 30, 2018–WVA Color Guard opening the event. WVA48 Adjutant Joyce Anderson: “I had to be there, moving heart and handsto support women supporting women.”
~ HONOR FLIGHT Austin (#54) – Congratulations! ~Congratulations to 3 WVA Chapter 48 members of the 42 women veterans (WWII, Korea and Vietnam) invited on the October 19-20, 2018 all-women veteran Honor Flight from Austin, Texas to Washington, D.C. to visit war memorials – honored guests
assisted by the Texas Veterans Commission (Anna Baker): our Judy Ford, Diane Schuth, and Laura Newman. They couldn’t wait to “be there!” It was a trip of a lifetime. Here are a few photos (credits by Baker, Ford, et al).
Our WVA Chapter 48Vietnam-era veterans atthe Vietnam Women’sMemorial in Washington,D.C. (L-R):Diane SchuthLaura NewmanJudy Ford
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 5 of 8“WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
From our Community Events/Honor Guard Committee Chair, Gina M. Smith, Sergeant At Arms –~ WVA 48 Color Guard – News ~
“We have several new chapter members that recently joined the WVA 48 Color Guard! Please welcome:Maribel Ostergaard (see p. 3), Mary Garcia (left, L), Pat Zuczek (left, R), and Suzy Puente! We quickly got themtrained and are ready to deploy them at upcoming Color Guard call-to-duty events. Mary and Pat alreadyrepresented us at the “NPower Graduation” on December 13, 2018, standing with Russ Medina (left,center).”
“How about you? If you would like to be a part of the WVA Chapter 48 Color Guard or Honor Guard[the only all-woman Color Guard / Honor Guard in Texas], please contact me, Gina Smith, Sergeant at Arms, at 940-600-7133. We have many opportunities already scheduled for 2019, be there! with us.”
See more pictures of our Fall 2018 Color Guard events on pages 3, 4, and 5.
October 11, 2018, 87th Texas Garden Clubs Fall Convocation, opened by Cdr Camilla Zimbal and the WVA 48Color Guard by special invitation. (below, top left)
All chapter members joined us in attending, working, and donating to the Pinewood Hills WVA-48 FundraiserNovember 8, 2018 (photo grouping below). This large event brought in money for our WVA 48 active charityprograms, including our work against homelessness among women veterans of Denton County. Our Pinewood
Hills color guard detail was: Gina Smith, Charity Wright, Cristie Campo, Larci Robertson; with our other guard membersattending in uniform alongside the general membership and officers. (Gina Smith and Diane Fraser, bottom left)
See our website for the many upcoming2019 appearances, including in Grapevine,Lewisville, Denton, Plano, Austin,Gainesville and more. All these mean to
raise awareness and donations for our charity work, so that we can “bethere” for women veterans. Contribute anytime by using the “donate”portal on our WVAchapter48.com website listed in the footer below.
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 6 of 8“WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
Editor’s Note: Your feedback is valued, and member submissions (to ourCorrespondent) are vital. Please let our newsletter committee (p.1) know how we can better serve you.
Lynn Job, Editor, WVA Chapter 48 Newsletter
Printing our digital PDF 4-page (8.5x11) Newsletter? Best outcome = 11x17 paper, booklet, color, foldin half, vertical edge. Mailing it? Fold over again as marked on back page, then tack the 3 sides,address, affix one first class stamp, and mail. Thank you for sharing, we have no mass mailing account.
Associate Memberships available for non-veteran supporters. Inquire.
How can YOU become a full member?
(1) - Female US Armed Forces Veteran (orcurrently serving)
(2) - Documentary proof of current service,or, honorable discharge: activeor reserve status, US FederalArmed Forces
(3) - $20 annual dues (fee waivers availableperiodically)
(4) - Complete and file our simple WVAChapter 48 Form with ourrecruitment officer
(5) - Provide the Proof, Fee, and Form(items 2-4 above) in person, or,send in by mail. Must becomplete.
Mail Address: Women Veterans of America- Denton, 111 E. University Drive, Suite 105PMB 192, Denton, Texas 76209
Inquiries = Camilla Zimbal, Cdr See more on the website
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
Our WVA Chapter 48 Commander is a fount of energy,“being there!” on task in our mission every day. Behindthe scenes or in front, near or far, she represents us all.Just a sample of her extra appearances this quarter,Camilla Zimbal: was inducted into the CrossTimberDAR chapter (with WVA 48 color guard) 20 OCT 2018;was keynote speaker at FEMA Region 6, Denton, 8NOV 2018; and represented us at Salute Our VeteransLuncheon and Award Ceremony.
- We have a busy Spring coming up: community service,public celebrations and memorials, training, socials, andsupporting health and wellness for our women veterans.We are fishing for some more fine recruits, how aboutyou? Join us!
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NEW ! Pay dues online at: www.WVAchapter48.com
Women Veterans of America is a non-profit veterans service organization 501(c)19 open to women who havehonorably served in any branch during any era. The WVA National Headquarters is located in Nashville,Tennessee.
Meetings at - Veteran’s Center, 400 S. Carroll Blvd, Denton Texas 76201 | Page 7 of 8 “WVA Chapter 48" on YouTube.com | www.Facebook.com/dentonwva | www.TexVet.org | www.wvachapter48.com
WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICAChapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA
Newsletter 2019 Winter, Issue Number 4
Did you know? . . .• (You may request more instructions) Live feed video/audio conferencing during chapter
• Monthly meetings are family friendly and a back-of-room kid’s table/corner is available.• WVA Chapter 48 is the first and only chapter in Texas. Help us expand into other Texas
counties. We have veteran members from every branch of service! Join us.• Several members work with other government and veteran’s groups, even full time. Our
veteran expertise is rich and deep. Our heart is philanthropic and targeted to meet the specialneeds of the female veterans. –> WEBSITE = www.wvachapter48.com – NEW!
• The State of Texas offers free specialty car and truck tags for women veterans – contact theDMV in your county, and drive with distinction!
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WOMEN VETERANS of AMERICA Chapter 48 - Denton, Texas 76201 USA “Stand Up, Stand Out, Be There!” Est. June 6, 2017
Help our USA Armed Forces Women Veterans connect with us today.
