This Memorial Day female veterans who have served our country are getting some recognition. A group dedicated to helping them transition to the civil world sponsored a special retreat.
"It's really about focusing and serving them for once, as they transition from military life to civilian life," said Aly Calvo with F7 Group, the group sponsoring the retreat.
A ropes course is just one activity, meant to instill confidence and trust. The Austin-based F7 Group helps female veterans find jobs after they leave the military and provides mentoring.
"It's really easy to feel isolated, and when they get out of military, the lose their peer group," said Victoria Wegwert with F7 Group. "They get together here and find out there is a community that speaks their language and supports them."
Marcy Larson served in the Army for more than 25 years. After she left, it look nearly a year to find another job.
"I felt like a newly hatched chicken all over again," Larson said. "Depleted my entire retirement account. I'm thankful to God and everyone I have a job. There are many out there like me who have no job."
Larson said she's grateful for this retreat, and a chance to creatively connect with other women dealing with the same struggles.
"As women in the military, we feel we have something to prove," veteran Adria Garcia said. "We have to keep up with everybody -- especially the men."
Garcia received a Purple Heart after she was injured in Iraq in 2004. Now out of the service, she is starting her own technology business.
"I hope I can employ others and give them that opportunity -- especially folks that have left the military," Garcia said.
Women and heroes used their past service to work toward a new future.
