Women have served in the U.S. military for years, but this is the first month that combat roles will be opened to women across all branches of the Armed Forces. It’s an adventurous new chapter in American history. “Diversity is vital to maintaining our exceptional fighting force,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
With this in mind, Veteran Energy would like to introduce you to Grace After Fire. It’s a nonprofit based in Houston, Texas, that helps women veterans help themselves, and a cause we support strongly.
Of Veteran Energy, Grace After Fire CEO and U.S. Navy veteran Meg Williams wrote in a statement: “Priceless networking connections, virtual introductions and opening office space for our organization to host events and conduct meetings speaks volumes to their spirit of service and desire to give back.”
Grace After Fire encourages employing women veterans who have rejoined civilian life. “Hiring people with different backgrounds leads to an expanded customer base with different backgrounds,” said Tim Gould of Human Resource Morning. A Grace After Fire brochure says, “[W]e thank you in advance for helping these Veterans as they apply their military training and experience in building a stronger workforce. . . .Women Veterans have more diverse skill sets than any other workforce segment.”
Grace After Fire also assists women military veterans with their utility bills, rent, mortgage and childcare costs.
And the organization gives personal assistance. Table Talk™: Color Me Camo is a peer support group in which women veterans discuss gender issues and exchange ideas with other group members, under the guidance of trained supervisors.
The support extends to spouses and children of women veterans, too. Private retreats are scheduled to give these families a chance to relax, enjoy one another’s company and get a little fun and games into their lives. Everyone can participate in hay rides, fishing, hiking and other activities.
All the assistance from the nonprofit has been received enthusiastically. “Grace After Fire rocks. Looking forward to more meetings!” said one woman veteran. Veteran Energy thinks they rock, too.
