This site has given me hope and insight. It has taught me more about PTSD and the claim process than any VRO could or would do. I had never met another woman with PTSD until I went into the VA hospital, then to Bay Pines. SGS told me about VETWOW and I am forever grateful. I learn so much about myself on this site than I ever knew for all these years, I learn from the posts of others that have the same feelings, problems and symptoms as I do.... I have learned that I am not a TOTAL basket case and that it is OK to have my bad days and my good days and I am not the only person to act and react the way I do. I have a place to vent when I need to vent, I do not have many friendships and the ones I do are out of town-so I appreciate all of my VETWOW friends. I think there are a lot of ideas, good information and feelings in here..... sometimes when I feel alone and vulnerable I will go thru old posts and realize I am not alone. I don't know of anything that should be taken out. MB, New Mexico

When I joined the group I felt alone. That no one understood my problems... outside of the therapist I am going to that is. On joining this group I found a whole bunch of sisters who not only understand but have lived through and with it. Some are further along in legal process and can help me who follows. Others are joining behind me and I can reach out my hand and be there for them.

WE ARE TRULY A FAMILY C, Seattle, WA

This group has supported me in ways that I have never known. I have gotten a Service Dog, money from other women veterans to help with bills, letters written for my VA claim, help with Social Security, as well as friends who understand what it is like to have PTSD and feel like you are falling apart. My life is not as scary as it was, and I feel the support and caring that I have been missing for years. I also feel that I can contribute, and be part of something greater, that hopefully, will change the way the Military and the Veterans Administration looks at rape.

SJ IA

I a resident in psychiatry, and I not part of the military. One of my previous residents, however, was, and she told me about being sexually assaulted while she was at West Point and how common it was. I think it is very sad that military is only just beginning to take the smallest of baby steps towards correcting this problem. In this issue, they seem to hold the same mentality as the extreme Islamists in placing blame on the side of the women for sexual crimes perpetrated by men. Thank so much for the work youe doing. Thank you for using your experience to help others. We need more women advocates in this world.

Thank you again,
JW

I am in the Army National Guard. I haven't been assaulted or raped, but I am a nurse practitioner and I have done exams on sexual assault victims. I received some information recently about sexual assault among the soldiers currently and recently deployed and was concerned by what I read. Since then I have been looking for a way to become involved and help in any way I can.

Sincerely
CPT T P

Just a quick message of support from another ex-servicewoman (from
Canada). I was never attacked in my time in the military; I hope and
believe that the Canadian Forces have fewer problems with rape and
sexual assault than you guys, but I can appreciate how devastating
and gutting it would be to have that happen. You give 'em hell!!!

NA, ret'd
Canada

After reading the article in the Seattle paper, I want to thank you for
your work. How can people like me support what you do? I'm pretty far
away (Ohio), but I can write. Or would a check made out to Women
Organizing Women be better? I am really glad there are people like you fighting this fight.
Best,
MM
Assistant Professor
Ohio Northern University

I have worked with Susan numerous times. Her dedication to our women
veterans is inspiring. She has filled a much needed service gap for our
women veterans.

The website looks great. The graphics and color are perfect.

Kari-Mae R. Hickman, MSW, LICSW
Women's Clinic Social Worker
Seattle VAMC
Puget Sound Health Care System

I have gotten help for myself and my family to understand WHY I am doing things I never used to do. The guidance that I get here has changed the direction of my life, and while I will still have to deal with my PTSD, I can begin to laugh and see that there is more than just my very small world.

CJ - CO

Susan,

I have been waiting to write something to you regarding your assistance and this is the opportunity to do that. It is only now that I can do this after all this time and I still get choked up.

Until a couple of years ago, I wasn't quite sure what was wrong with me. But, I knew something major was affecting my ability to function and live what I viewed as a "normal" life. The depression I had hidden from people for years by wearing the "good person mask" was now at an all-time low and my ability to function at work and in a personal life was down to "0".

After moving to Bellingham (one of my frequent moves caused by what was going on with me) I had a chance meeting with Susan at a Veterans Fair at the American Legion. I was at a volunteer table for the Red Cross. Susan told me who she was and I remember stating that "I have issues from the service that I have never dealt with." Susan told me I was eligible for counseling and after some very in-depth communication and help over the phone from Susan she referred me to a counselor who had just moved to this area. The first year was extremely painful and so many ups and downs.... but, then I agreed to try out medication to help my depression. I had been also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and had trouble with paranoia. I was also reclusive when it came to one on one personal relationships and yet was able to function in a safe work environment.

All this time Susan was by my side and answered every phone call and helped with my depression, fears and anxiety that had plagued me for years. My sleeplessness and dreams caused me to have a very distressed life since I was never really rested. The medication began to work and I also had been given something to help me sleep. I opened up about my "demons" but also my guilt and shame that I had carried with me for years. I also felt guilty when I saw a veteran at the hospital with a missing leg or arm and felt so undeserving. Then, recently I realized that I had lost something --- my life. I had been a walking dead person who was totally numb and didn't even know it. The life that could have been was taken away from me but I am now getting it back.

I owe so much to Susan and my Counselor Dr. Cantrell for I feel they have saved my life. I am now able to help others and will be returning to school this coming fall. I still have irritable bowel syndrome, get anxious and have sleepless nights ..... but I have learned how to cope in a positive way and know ways I can improve my quality of life. I still have trouble slowing down when it comes to work.... seem to need that adrenaline to help to keep going. But, taking steps to slow down and smell the roses.

I have gotten my life back and don't need much to make me appreciate what I have. I am now living in the present instead of being afraid of it. I appreciate the help I am getting from the VA for the things that happened to me when I was serving my country. I feel validated and know there are many others like me out there. I may never be able to repay my advocate Susan Avila-Smith or my counselor Dr. Cantrell, but I will be there for others and for ever be indebted to those that helped me have a life again.

Susan you and Bridget are my angels.

Thank you,
Cecilia Stevens

This website would be very beneficial. There is so much to learn in the process of getting the claim solved, and Susan Smith has indeed done all she could to help but not even she can keep up with the questions, so that female veterans can get there claim through as quick as possible. My claim has been a nightmare, its been sent to the archives 2 times, and I have had to relocate it to get it going. It would be nice to hear from other female vets so that we might all learn something and have the support we need to get through some rough roads.

Thank you,
Susan Hamilton, Oregon