Tri-State Women Warriors First Annual Fundraiser in Dubuque- Empowering Female Veterans

For women veterans, finding a support system that truly understands their experiences can be challenging. Enter the Tri-State Women Warriors (TSWW), a dynamic organization making a profound impact on the lives of women veterans and service members in the Tri-State area. As they prepare for their First Annual Fundraising Event on November 16th in Dubuque, the organization is inviting the community to join them in supporting a powerful mission that fosters connection, advocacy, and empowerment for women who have served in the military.

Founded in 2022 by a group of women veterans who recognized the unique struggles faced by women in the military, the Tri-State Women Warriors aim to bridge the gap in veteran support services by focusing on the unique needs of women veterans. Their mission? To provide connection and advocacy that ensures women veterans feel supported throughout their military career, during their transition, and beyond.

Christina Schauer, the Vice President and Treasurer of TSWW, emphasized this vision during a recent interview. "The mission of our organization is to improve connection and advocacy for the unique needs of women veterans and service members," she explains. “Research shows that women veterans often fare better when they have a support network of other women who understand their experiences. We’re here to create that bridge so women can easily access existing veteran services and resources."

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One of TSWW’s key goals is fostering camaraderie among women veterans, a feeling that’s often missing after military service ends. The organization now hosts monthly meetups on the first Saturday of each month, exclusively for women veterans. These gatherings allow members to share experiences, talk about available resources, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Karen “Bama” Ohnesorge, who coordinates the group’s upcoming first annual benefit, shared her personal experience. “I moved to Dubuque almost 20 years ago and knew only one other female veteran,” she says. “Since joining Tri-State Women Warriors, I’ve gained an incredible support system. Having this group is like having a sisterhood again—a connection that many of us lose when we leave the military.”

These monthly meetings have blossomed into social events and opportunities for members to stay active, such as group visits to the Veterans Freedom Center to take part in activities or a day at the gym working out together. The power of this community is seen in how it provides emotional and social support that is critical, and often missing, when it comes to navigating the challenges female veterans face.

Check out the full interview with Christina Schauer & Karen “Bama” Ohnesorge:

The First Annual Fundraising Event: Coming Together to Make a Difference

As TSWW has grown, so has their vision for the future. With plans to continue expanding their reach, the organization is hosting its First Annual Fundraising Event on November 16th, 2024, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at Hammerheads on Kerper Blvd in Dubuque. This event promises a day filled with fun, community connection, and a variety of ways to support a fantastic cause. Attendees can look forward to:

• 50/50 Raffles and Item Raffles held throughout the day
• A Silent Auction with a variety of unique items
• Food, music, and karaoke to keep everyone entertained

For those interested in supporting the event, there are still opportunities to get involved by donating raffle items, contributing to the silent auction, or volunteering to help with the event.

Contact Information for Donations or Volunteer Inquiries:

• Bama Ohnesorge: 563-495-0037 (email: ohnesorgek@yahoo.com)
• Debbie Bisping: 563-581-7442

Addressing Critical Issues: The Reality for Women Veterans

The challenges faced by women veterans are unique, and TSWW actively addresses these issues through education and advocacy. Statistics show that women veterans are twice as likely to experience suicidal ideation as their male counterparts and are two times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-veteran women. Christina Schauer explains that Tri-State Women Warriors aims to provide protective factors against these risks by offering a safe space for veterans to find support and resources.

“We know that women veterans are more likely to learn about available services through other women veterans,” she says. “Having this group helps provide that critical social support, a sense of identity, and emotional support.”

TSWW also works closely with local organizations, including the Dubuque VA clinic, which ranks among the highest in trust scores for female veterans in the area. “Our relationship with the VA clinic is so important,” Schauer says. “Their openness to hearing our experiences and working to improve services has built an incredible level of trust.”

While TSWW’s primary focus is on building a local community, the organization is already making an impact on a larger scale. TSWW members have attended over 10 advocacy and educational events at the local, state, and national level, where they discuss the unique needs of women veterans. Schauer herself has advocated on behalf of women veterans through organizations like Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), even traveling to Washington, D.C., to share their collective voice.

“Our work with IAVA and local government officials is about bringing women veterans’ issues to the forefront,” Schauer notes. “We’re already seeing progress as awareness grows, and we’re committed to continuing this work.”

Additionally, Brandi Herring, marketing and board member with TSWW, will be a presenter at the Veterans Day Imon Ceremony held on Chaplain Schmitt Island this year. That event will take place on Veterans Day, November 11th at 10:30 AM.

A Vision for the Future: Empowering Women Veterans Everywhere

Looking forward, the Tri-State Women Warriors have bold goals for their organization. Bama Ohnesorge envisions TSWW becoming a national organization with chapters across the country, offering conferences and retreats to bring even more women veterans together. "I want conferences, I want retreats, I want chapters nationwide," she says. "This group has had such a positive impact on me, and I want every woman veteran to experience the same kind of support.”

TSWW has already inspired similar groups, including one in the Quad Cities and a budding interest in other areas such as Iowa City, and have taken part in larger events in East St. Louis, to meet with congress woman Nikki Budzinski. Their ultimate vision is for every woman service member to feel empowered and supported, no matter where she is in her journey.

How Do I Get Involved?

Tri-State Women Warriors’ impact on the lives of women veterans is undeniable, and there are many ways for the community to support their cause. You can join the organization at Hammerheads in Dubuque on November 16th to enjoy a day of fun while contributing to an incredible mission. Those unable to attend can still donate or support TSWW by connecting via email or through their social media platforms:

• Website: tristatewomenwarriors.org
• Email: tristatewomenwarriors@gmail.com
• Facebook: Tri-State Women Warriors (public and private group available)

As the TSWW team prepares for their first annual benefit, Schauer emphasizes the role of community support in their success. “Our community has been incredibly supportive,” she says. “Dubuque and the surrounding areas have welcomed us with open arms, and we’re excited to give back through this event and beyond.”

Join the Tri-State Women Warriors on November 16th to celebrate, support, and empower women veterans in your community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.