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?Women Veterans Unite' event set

The Hibbing Daily Tribune - 4/16/2017

HIBBING - The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is offering a new event for women veterans.

The retreat, called "Women Veterans Unite," will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.April 22, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hibbing. It is open to all Minnesota female veterans.

UWNEMN started its veterans initiative in 2014 based on the survey showing the need for increased services for local servicemen and women. Proceeds from the annual Rampage at the Ridge event held each August helps fund this initiative.

This women veterans retreat is designed to recognize female veterans for their service by bringing female veterans together and sharing information and resources.

Guest speaker/facilitator will be Dr. Laurie Terhune, a licensed psychologist with competencies in critical incident stress management, military family life, pain management, marital issues, grief and loss, and conflict resolution.

Terhune, a former Naval Air Reservist, has been a contractor providing solution-focused counseling and consulting services to the Department of Defense, Navy, Army, Air Force and Army duty stations throughout Minnesota, the United States and overseas. She will lead a discussion on issues pertaining to women veterans.

The retreat will also include breakfast and lunch, "Yoga for Warriors," chair and hand massages, foot soaks, health and wellness information, veterans' resource information and networking opportunities.

Chris Magnusson, a Marine Corps veteran who resides in Hibbing, suggested the retreat.

A 1984 Chisholm graduate, she was a sergeant in the Marine Corps., having served as a special intelligence communications center operator from September 1984 through May 1991.

While she typically doesn't like to be treated differently than male veterans, Magnusson said she realized there was a need to address concerns of women veterans while attending a veterans event last fall.

"One of the women veterans there asked a question and the male veteran councilor quickly changed the subject," she recalled. "He just did not have any understanding of her experience, but I knew exactly what she was talking about and could relate to how she felt."

UWNEMN Executive Director Shelley Valentini said she was immediately receptive to Magnusson's suggestion.

"I thought it was such a great idea because there's definitely a different experience for women in the military," she said. "We want to provide resources for them to share experiences and come up with a common thread."

The goal of the committee planning the United For Veterans for this retreat is two-fold.

"One is to recognize and thank women in our community that are veterans," said Magnusson. "The second is to provide an opportunity to network and share those common problems and solutions we have each faced as we move from military back to civilian life."

Organizers are hoping attendees enjoy a day of stories, laughter and shared experiences, and leave with a renewed sense of community.

Even if it's been several years since their service, veterans may have habits they aren't aware they are doing, Magnusson said. This can involve simple things like not carrying items in their right hand so they are able to salute, to more serious habits that those who have served in combat situations developed to keep themselves and other service members safe, she explained.

"And (we hope) that women create a new pride in themselves as they remember all of the things they accomplished when they served," she added. "Women tend to downplay the fact that they served in the military and it is something they should be proud of and seek out benefits that they earned."

Magnusson said she's very appreciative to UWNEMN for making this event possible.

Valentini said they are considering making the retreat an annual event.

Open to all Minnesota female veterans, there is no fee for those living within UWNEMN's service area. For those residing outside of the service territory, there is a $50 fee. DD214 proof is required. Deadline for registration is April 19.

For more information and to register, visit www.unitedwaynemn.org or call 218-254-3329.