The Story
Nearly 15% of our active duty military personnel are women. They are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. They serve alongside servicemen every day at home and around the world. Thy have made sacrifices, suffered injury, and lost lives. But they are there. They are there because of the women who came before them. In spite of this, very little attention seems to be paid to our female veterans. It is my wish to help change that.
"She Served Proudly" is the story of those women who traveled courageously into a world populated by men and then changed the landscape forever. Through interviews, photographs, and video, you will be introduced to veterans from the last 60 years. Their reasons for enlisting are as varied as the women themselves, but their stories each resonate with the same sense of pride.
As a photographer, the initial idea was to simply produce a photographic piece highlighted by audio interviews. However, as the interviews progress, the need for filming these remarkable women becomes more important to telling their stories more fully.
The project has two phases. The first phase is the interview piece. My goal is to interview, photograph, and film women from each decade since the 1940s. The project will be documented online via SheServedProudly.com.
The second phase of the project is a photo book featuring the women along with excerpts from their stories.
The Impact
When I first approached a women veteran's group about the project, they couldn't wait to get started. These women want people to be made aware of who they are and what they accomplished. As the word begins to spread about the project, more veterans who want to participate are contacting me. They want their stories to be heard. They want people to know what it meant to them to serve their country. And they want to inspire and encourage other women.
While similar projects focus on one service branch and one conflict or event, this project has a broader scope, spanning several decades. this project, too, will give a comprehensive and interior look at the women who chose to stand up for their country by serving in the military. Their reasons, fears, personal triumphs and heartaches, and pride will be the heart of this project. By viewing these stories, people will know the importance of women in the military.
Where Does the Money Go?
It's quite simple, really. I'm a one-woman show that needs some help in making this happen.
I've hired a web designer to develop a site that will serve as the headquarters for this project. Video and audio interviews along with a blog will be featured on the site.
Cost of design and hosting - $1200
Additionally, as I put together video pieces I will purchase music licenses.
Cost of licenses - $200
If I exceed my goal, the additional money will go toward the photo book production.
Other Ways You Can Help
Help me spread the word to your friends, families, and colleagues especially if you know someone who has served in the military, male or female. Become a fan of the project on Facebook. I encourage you to use the share links on this page as well as the embed code for your blogs and/or websites. Your support of She Served Proudly whether financially or by word of mouth is greatly appreciated.