'We want to empower other women veterans': Group organizing photo shoot in Fayetteville
A Fayetteville organization that supports female veterans is gearing up for two events in June that recognize women who served in the military.
Women Veterans Interactive Fayetteville is hosting the upcoming 100 Women Veterans Photo Shoot in partnership with Off-Road Outreach, NC from 10 a.m. to noon June 8 at Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving, 143 Airport Drive, Raeford
What is the Women Veterans Interactive Foundation?
The Women Veterans Interactive Foundation is based out of Virginia and was founded by Navy veteran Ginger Miller, said Tamu Brown, president of the group's Fayetteville chapter.
The organization's other chapters are in Washington D.C., Richmond, Virginia, Atlanta, Georgia and Fayetteville.
“Our whole mantra is meeting women veterans and their point in need, whether it be home, food, financial assistance, employment, networking, medical, etc,” Brown said.
The Fayetteville chapter has more than 50 members and includes those who are immobile and home-bound or live in surrounding counties like Hoke, Harnett, Robeson, Bladen and Moore, said Latonia Parks, past president of Women Veterans Interactive Foundation in Fayetteville.
The group is open to female veterans who served in all armed forces branches regardless of time spent in service and discharge, Parks said.
Photo shoot
The group’s upcoming photo shoot is free and a way to say “thank you for your service and bravery,” to coincide with Women Veterans Recognition Day.
The day commemorates when President Harry S. Truman signed legislation that allowed women to serve permanently in the military.
Mission BBQ will provide lunch for the first 100 women who pre-register online.
The event is inspired by Tiffany Campbell, of Elite Steps in Fayetteville, who organized the 100 Professional Black Women photo shoot in January and 100 Professional Black Men photo shoot in February, Brown said.
Female veterans are encouraged to dress in camouflage and their favorite color. Rochelle J. Photography will take the photos.
The event’s guest speaker is Air Force Veteran and North Carolina state Sen. Val Applewhite, whose district includes Cumberland County.
“We wanting everybody to come out, because there’s camaraderie,” Brown said. “A lot of people don’t realize the connection you have. Less than 1% serve in the military and even fewer are women … We want to empower other women veterans.”
High noon tea
Brown said that in addition to the photo shoot, the Fayetteville chapter of Women Veterans Interactive Foundation will also host a high noon tea fundraiser in June.
The tea is from noon to 3 p.m. June 22 at New Life Family Center, 1420 Hoke Loop Road in Fayetteville.
The event is being organized by one of the local chapter’s members, Mary Jordan, a retired Army veteran who was not airborne but jumped out of a plane for her birthday last year, Brown said.
The event’s guest of honor is North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls, while Leigh Montague and the RadioBoXx band and saxophonist Nigel Graham will provide music.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their best dresses, gloves and hats. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.
Proceeds will benefit the group's mission to support female veterans, Brown said.
Parks said the group does not receive grants and is solely supported by local contributions, with money raised staying in the local area.
The organization has been able to help seven female veterans this year including helping pay for rent, hotels and a past due electric bill.
Brown said the organization has worked with the Fayetteville Department of Veterans Affairs to help female veterans awaiting housing vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Those needing assistance can message the group via its Facebook page, Women Veterans Interactive Fayetteville, NC.
Brown and Parks said the only thing needed to get help is a DD-214 form proving service.
The amount of time in service, discharge and finances are not factors, they said.
“It’s about a need,” Brown said. “We’re a judge-free zone. It’s not about financial, or whatever you can make or can’t make … Trauma and life don’t wait for the numbers … All we need to know is you’re a women vet and you served.”
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: What organization supports female veterans around Fayetteville?
