WINC - For All Women Veterans

Humble, dutiful and dedicated.  Those are the first three words that come to mind upon meeting Zaneta Adams a local attorney, mom and veteran of the US Army here in Muskegon.  But like most any veteran, within Zaneta still lies a warrior and with her service in the military complete, she's gone on to take the lead on a project that will move on to national levels and benefit many.




As Zaneta was preparing for a tour of duty in Iraq, she had an accident and fell off a truck leaving her with an injury that led to an honorable medical discharge.  Like so many other wounded veterans she was part of retreats and sporting events that were set to challenge her mentally and physically,  but with a ratio of 250 men to 1 woman in her military unit, she was having a hard time with finding some common ground on the healing process and wished that there were more for females who had also been injured in combat.  A resource that would allow women to discuss things that seemed of little significance to the men...but were important to her and as she found in short order, were important to other women who served too.

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A conversation turned into a 1st time retreat which in turn became more retreats, meet up's, discussion groups, support networks, scholarship programs, legal referral programs and more.  As group evolves, all from the starting point right here in Muskegon, the web of support and strength is growing and Zaneta continues to champion the cause.  There are over 2 million female veterans in the United States today.  There is a movement to have a day set aside for Women Veterans Day and there is also a push for more awareness of things like specialized treatment for military sexual trauma, proper health care and optimum treatment if being seen at a VA facility.

On November 9th, you'll have the opportunity to learn first hand what the WINC is doing.  They are having an open house at the Muskegon Veterans Center at 165 E Apple.  You can meet the group, learn a little more and if you are a woman vet, please...get involved!  I was able to catch up with Zaneta at her office for a couple minutes today to learn a little more.  Take a listen to this incredible leader and hear how her story got her here.

If you've been part of this blog long enough you know there is nothing that gives me a greater sense of pride than to meet someone who's taken what should have been a tragedy and turned it in to a monumental triumph.  What's begun here is nothing short of amazing and where some would have thrown in the towel in defeat, Zaneta took the time to look at everything from a different angle and find new purpose...and a higher purpose to continue serving those she swore to protect and defend.  I was blessed to meet a true champion today.

If you'd like to now more about WINC For All Women Veterans, please, click on the photo below to visit their website.