Beyond The Uniform
byFrom combat zones to careers back home, these women have turned service into a lifelong lesson in strength, leadership and resilience.
LOCAL WOMEN
Lessons in Leadership
byAs the daughter of a U.S. Marine, Karen Soraya Burch’s childhood was shaped by her father’s service.
From the Navy to Advocacy
byJodi Barnett, a U.S. Navy veteran and women veterans coordinator at the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA), made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy out of a deep commitment to service and a desire to be a part of something greater than herself.
Connecting Culture and Service
byWhether someone needed a pen or supplies for a tank, it fell to Melissa Doud and her fellow U.S. Army supply sergeants to fill the request.
The Best-kept Secret in the Guard
byStaff Sergeant Jaclyn Sommers is incredibly proud to help lead the “best-kept secret” in the Wisconsin National Guard.
On the Frontlines of Care
byAs a U.S. Navy nurse, Lisa Kromanaker still remembers the frustration and anticipation of injured service members wanting to return to their units.
The Trailblazer
byMarcia Anderson calls her entry into the military accidental. In 1977, she was a student at Creighton University and needed a science credit when she came across the registration table for military science and the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Leading Through Service
byKerry McAllen learned the importance of being self-reliant and persistent during her time serving with the U.S. Army, the Wisconsin National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.
Creating Connection Amid Grief
byA community resource for death and grief care, Meghan Allynn Johnson formed the Madison Death Collective with artist and grief worker Taylor Franklin.
Beyond Goodbye
byGrief changes us — but it can also reveal new depths of connection, community, compassion and healing.