Sisters of Service

War demands change. When Joint Force Commanders realized the operational need for women on #combat missions with all-male Special Operations teams, America’s daughters answered the call. Dulcinea Productions, in partnership with ALLTRU, is proud to announce the release of the powerful documentary series Guerrera. #Guerrera lifts the veil on the opaque world of Special Operations and reveals the remarkable true story of the trailblazing cadre of women who served at the tip of the spear in America's longest war. Inspired by the sacrifices and sisterhood of the U.S. military’s Cultural Support Team (CST) and Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) and dedicated to the four U.S. servicemembers killed in action on Objective Ares, October 6th, 2013, Guerrera provides an intimate portrait of elite #warriors. It highlights the shared #values that attract men and women from all backgrounds to the profession of arms, and more importantly to the #service of others. Regardless of race, gender, political party, background, or country of origin, the characters on screen have a profound love for each other, forged in the ultimate arena. The celebrated #women warriors of Guerrera, named in honor of Captain Jennifer Moreno, earned trust through demonstrated character, competence, and commitment. The CST helped inform the lifting of the U.S. Combat Exclusion Policy, and in #Afghanistan, prior to the Taliban’s return to power, the Female Tactical Platoon had been slowly but steadily influencing pro-democratic values across #Afghan institutions and society. Lessons from Guerrera apply to today’s #security environment, where #deterrence and #competition require strength in #partnerships and a deep understanding of, and influence on, human terrain. Ultimately, Guerrera is a story of sacrifice, unity, and hope that will inspire audiences around the world. It will be released on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+ February 15th, 2025. All profits will be reinvested back into the warrior community, through AllTru, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, led by women of the Special Operations community. This series is not endorsed by the USG/DoD. But these pictures from my personal collection are fully endorsed by me. The daughters of America and Afghanistan believed in democracy and a life free of tyranny, and we still do. ???? Check out my other posts for more info and photos. And go follow ALLTRU, led by the women of Special Operations who are dedicated to empowering leaders of character and action. The mission and the legacy live on. #specialoperations #militarywomen #goarmy #usarmy #beallyoucanbe #war #counterterrorism #taliban #isis #military #nationalsecurity #DoD #specialforces #democracy #leadership #nonprofit #resilience #partnership #civilaffairs #militaryhistory #strategy #humanity #neverforget #honorthefallen #community #strongertogether #middleeast #democracy USASOC US Army United States Department of Defense Sisters of Service The PenFed Foundation USSOCOM

The past few weeks have stirred a whirlwind of emotions for many—frustration, confusion, disappointment, anger, and sadness. But through it all, one feeling stands stronger than the rest: determination. For many, recent decisions by our nation's leaders have reopened old wounds, resurfaced past traumas, and cast uncertainty over the future of long-fought-for policies, programs, and initiatives that safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms. Yet, despite the uncertainty, one truth remains unwavering: women’s voices will not be erased. At The Women in the Arena Podcast, we are committed to amplifying voices, honoring lived experiences, and ensuring that every woman—whether in uniform, in leadership, or making an impact in her own way—knows that her story matters. That mission has not changed, and it never will. We will continue to share women’s stories. And we will continue to stand for what is right. We are committed to fostering a community that stands together in times of uncertainty. If you're facing a challenge, navigating a difficult moment, or simply need a space to be heard, please reach out. The Women in the Arena was founded on connection, grace, and support—values that will always remain at the heart of what we do. Together, we shape the future. And together, we rise. ?? Iron Butterfly Media

Did you know that #GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity, celebrated every year to support causes that matter? This year, you can make a lasting impact with Sisters of Service! ???? By donating today, you’re supporting women veterans and refugees as they continue their journeys of service. With your help, we’re excited to launch new programs in 2025, including She Serves—a four-month initiative designed to empower women, especially those from migrant backgrounds, with essential insights into military service. Through briefings, team-building, mentorship, and regular check-ins, She Serves bridges the gap and encourages young women to explore if a future in the Armed Forces aligns with their goals. Join us this #GivingTuesday and help create more pathways for women to serve, grow, and thrive. https://lnkd.in/dj-SnTjF #SistersOfService #SupportWomenInService #GivingTuesday2024 #Empowerment #Veterans #Refugees #SheServes #MilitaryService #Community #Service AllTru Malia Carson Sarah Scully Jessica Yahn Kristin Rogers Alicia Oliveira Mahnaz Akbari Curtis Carson The Women in the Arena Podcast Military Women's Memorial

We are excited to announce the launch of our new program,?She Serves, this Veterans Day! Sisters of Service designed a four-month program to empower women, especially those from migrant backgrounds, with essential insights into military service. This program?seeks to bridge the information gap and encourage young women from diverse backgrounds to consider a future in the Armed Forces. Through informative briefings, team-building exercises, regular check-ins, and diverse mentorship, we want to help the next generation explore if military service aligns with their personal and professional goals. We kindly ask your support in identifying and encouraging eligible candidates to apply for our inaugural online cohort by December 8th . Eligible candidates are women between 15 and 30 with basic English language comprehension and can sign up?HERE: https://lnkd.in/e2Y5eyca. A remarkable group of Afghan women who fought alongside U.S. Service members during the Global War on Terror inspired this program. Following the fall of Kabul in 2021, 45 Afghan female veterans resettled in the United States, beginning new lives. Many of these women still aspire to join the U.S. military three years later but cannot meet current entry requirements. As they await U.S permanent residency status,?She Serves?equips them with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to reach their goal of military service. Thank you for helping us reach those who can benefit most from this initiative! And shout out to a few of the many amazing veterans and volunteers who have helped make this program reality: Curtis Carson, Sarah Scully, Giada Bleeker, Kimberly B., Meghan Booze, Alexis Hurley, Orlando Morel, Amanda Ripley, Hailey G., Eva Gari, Wilson Nichols, Kirsten Carson, Alicia Oliveira,Malia Carson, George Fraser, Jessica Yahn, AllTru, Veterans Yoga Project US Army U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) U.S. Army Special Operations Recruiting Battalion (Airborne) US Navy Navy Recruiting Command United States Marine Corps Marine Corps Recruiting Semper Fi & America's Fund U.S. Coast Guard United States Space Force United States Air Force Air Force Recruiting #veterans #recruiting

Mahnaz Akbari's story is the "why" behind what we do at Sisters of Service. Give her recent interview on The Women in the Arena Podcast a listen!

Imagine this: After being raised as a #refugee in #Iran, after your family fled the Soviet occupation of #Afghanistan, you return to your homeland with a vision to lead. And you do—becoming the commander of the only all-female #Afghan special operations unit. You lead your subordinates in hundreds of missions alongside U.S. Special Operations, navigating some of the world's most dangerous and complex environments. In 2021, the country you devoted your life to—risking everything to protect and improve—falls back into the hands of the #Taliban. You and your fellow Afghan sisters-in-arms know you must flee once more to survive. And so, for a second time, you leave your home and start over, determined to rebuild on new soil. If this sounds like a dramatic movie, it’s not. This is the true story of Mahnaz Akbari, former commander of the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon. Her journey of #courage, #leadership, and #resilience defies fiction. In our final episode of Season One, we explore Mahnaz’s story—how she led Afghanistan’s first female tactical unit, forged alliances amid war, and now, as a mentor and advocate, continues to support Afghan women transitioning to life in the U.S. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with a leader who continues to fight for the rights and futures of Afghan women everywhere. Mahnaz starts our first bonus episode spotlighting #women #veterans of foreign militaries and remarkable women globally who are making meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. Through their stories, we celebrate the powerful ways women shape our world, reminding us of the shared values that unite us across cultures. YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eZXjiYPQ Apple: https://lnkd.in/eRtPJwuw Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eTEwkJyW This episode wraps up Season One of?The Women in the Arena Podcast, and we couldn’t have made it here without our team and community. A heartfelt thank you to our founders and leaders of Iron Butterfly Media, Megan Jaffer and Cadie Hopkins; our brilliant producer, Amanda Y.; and our dynamic team: Sarah Scully, Alexandra (Joseph) Carrick, Aimee H., Alexandra Freericks, Beth Bannerman. To the amazing women of Season One— JoAnn Naumann, Shelane Etchison, Kate van Dam, Honorable Dr. Kimberly McClain, Phyllis Wilson, MPA, BSN, RN, Jackie Barnum, Danielle Park, and Jenn Hassin- you helped lay the foundation for this endeavor. To our?Women in the Arena?"champions" Josh Forman Julia Mossbridge, PhD and "enthusiasts" Dominic Critchlow who support us through Patreon, your contributions make our production possible. Thank you to listeners like you, who support our mission daily. Follow along for updates as we kick off recordings for Season Two this week! We’re just getting started. Iron Butterfly Podcast Iron Butterfly Media Sisters of Service

Three years ago, the PenFed Credit Union and Sisters of Service created a beautiful partnership that raised and distributed over $1.7 million to support 44 Afghan veteran heroines, the Female Tactical Platoon members, as they resettled into communities across the United States. This incredible effort took a village that worked hand in hand — US mentors offered guidance and friendship,??Penfed staff handled countless financial requests and late night zoom calls, and partner NGOs covered vital financial and medical education. We funded college classes, healthcare, green card applications, vehicle grants, daycare, and job training. With the help of over 100 amazing volunteers, we built a robust network of men and women dedicated to providing sisterhood, resources, and mentorship to our Afghan sisters. We wanted to pause, reflect and GIVE THANKS. The work is far from being finished as these courageous women seek citizenship and careers in service-driven fields -?from law enforcement to military service to professional boxing to the United Nations. Thank you for being apart of this journey. Mary Boies Norine MacDonald KC Renata Parras Jackie M. Andrea McCarren Rachele Belt, MBA Katie Watson Rebekah Edmondson Mahnaz Akbari Becca Moss Sarah Scully Malia Carson Jessica Yahn Curtis Carson #partnerships #Afghan #women #empowerment #resettlement #refugees #veterans #resilience

Last week, Sisters of Service had the incredible honor of visiting the United States Military Academy at West Point, where we engaged with the Cadets in meaningful ways. Over two days, we participated in panels, shared insights in Counter Terrorism and Persian classes, cooked Afghan dishes, and connected with women’s sports teams. Our co-founders, Malia Carson and Ruthie Zargan, alongside four women Afghan Special Operations veterans, highlighted the critical importance of cultural competence and international partnerships. We shared our unique experiences as #veterans, discussing everything from combat stories to the challenges of the evacuation of #Afghanistan and resettlement in the United States. In turn, the Cadets practiced their Persian language skills—the native language of our Hazaran Afghan sisters—and even invited us to join them in the boxing ring, cheering “Go Army!” during lunch. A heartfelt thank you to the #Persian Language Team and West Point Cadets for welcoming us into the #USMA family. We hope our visit inspired some of the future military leaders of our nation. At Sisters of Service, we are committed to creating a sisterhood that uplifts women dedicated to serving their communities. Our mission is to provide female veterans and refugees with pathways for meaningful service and personal growth. We envision a world where every refugee woman aspiring to serve has the opportunity, support, and mentorship needed to thrive and become a symbol of strength and unity in her new homeland. Stephanie Irani-Tehrani West Point Association of Graduates Army West Point Athletic Association Inc. Mahnaz Akbari #USMA #WestPoint #GoArmy #partnerships #connections #Afghan #women #empowerment Military Women's Memorial AllTru The Women in the Arena Podcast Special Operations Association of America #resettlement #refugees #community #resilience #leaders #growth #inspire #counterterrorism Kristin Rogers Collin McCloy US Army

This past weekend, members of Sisters of Service had an incredible experience participating in the 2024 Army Ten-Miler race. It was a powerful reminder of our mission and vision as we celebrated the strength and resilience of our Afghan sisters. Beyond completing the race, our members forged deeper connections through shared pasta dinners, dance parties, and new friendships. A particularly impactful moment was our visit to the Military Women's Memorial, where we honored our fallen sisters in the #SpecialOperations community, including contributions of the Female Tactical Platoon (FTPs), the #Afghan Special Operations women veterans whom Sisters of Service directly supports through our programming. On race day, fueled by excitement after months of training, every racer finished the ten-mile course. It was heartwarming to witness the joy and determination on their faces as they crossed the finish line. Today, women in Afghanistan continue to face devastating challenges, stripped of their rights to speak freely, work, and pursue education. We run to honor these women and reaffirm our commitment to empowering one another. Thank you to our teams sponsors, Steel Dynamics, Inc, Josh Wood, and Mary Kovach, as well as our many other donors who made race day logistics, travel, training gear, and carb loading possible. Shoutout to our pasta chef Curtis Carson for your constant support of Sisters of Service programming and for being an essential member of our race day crew. We are truly in awe of the incredible individuals and organizations that have come together to support our mission. Your contributions have made a profound difference and will continue to have a lasting impact on the women and communities we serve. To learn more about our organization or get involved, please message us here or on our website: https://lnkd.in/e-WXa7k9 Malia Carson Sarah Scully The Women in the Arena Podcast AllTru Jessica Yahn Curtis Carson Kristin Rogers Elizabeth Lyons Mahnaz Akbari David Rothzeid Alexandria Nevárez Becca Moss JoAnn Naumann Amanda Ripley Jenn Hassin Phyllis Wilson, MPA, BSN, RN Eva Gari Renata Parras Josh Wood Mary Kovach

Join Us in Supporting Our #Afghan #Sisters: #CallToAction Since 2021, Sisters of Service (SOS) has been on a profound journey of #impact and #empowerment. Formed in response to the urgent needs following the U.S. troop withdrawal and the Taliban's takeover in #Afghanistan, we are a network of over 100 #American #women #veterans and #allies. Our founding Cultural Support Team members, trailblazers in #specialoperations, worked relentlessly during the chaotic evacuation to bring over 40 Afghan women, targeted because of their military service and #gender, to safety in the United States. Our commitment goes beyond their evacuation. We continue to support these courageous women and their families as they build new lives in the U.S. Through #mentorship and #community, we are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of these remarkable women, honoring their #bravery, #service, and #sacrifices. One of our key initiatives in 2024 is #ProjectTavana, which leverages the power of physical activity to build resilience. By connecting our Afghan sisters to running and racing, we aim to foster ongoing strength and well-being. We are thrilled to announce that our members will be participating in the 2024 Army Ten-Miler Race in Washington D.C., an esteemed event that brings together thousands of racers devoted to service. Your support will help ensure the continued success and well-being of these extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of #freedom and #equality. By contributing, you fuel their journey and create a ripple of #positivity, #empowering them to achieve even greater things. Since our inception, SOS has cultivated a community of like-hearted individuals committed to honoring our #Afghan #allies and uplifting women. We invite you to be part of this meaningful cause. Join us in making a difference today! Access our campaign: https://lnkd.in/ehU2Df8C Learn more about our mission: https://lnkd.in/eDWuCxft Sarah Scully Malia C Becca Moss JoAnn Naumann Military Women's Memorial US Army The Afghan-American Foundation Women Veterans Alliance The Women in the Arena Podcast