StJohn

Most distressing for StJohn was the inference that her father's career could be "tarnished."

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

Defining the situation for me, StJohn related how "her idealism had been crushed."

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

StJohn clarified the difference between active and reserve duty in the 1980s saying, "It means that you don't have to face the harassment everyday, and the military has no control over your life."

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

StJohn noted, I understood from childhood how the military works.

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

StJohn qualifies the gatherings as "looking at the heart side."

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

In 1986, at the age of 18, Cassaundra StJohn joined the Air Force.

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

StJohn's "aha" moment didn't come until March 2011, when she attended an event for women veteran entrepreneurs.

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

Realizing that they were many resources for men who had served -- but not for women -- StJohn had an epiphany.

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

After StJohn left active service, she had no luck finding a job with just a high school diploma.

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011

StJohn departed active service at 22 because she realized that "things were not going to change" and that she was no longer able to be "a good soldier and keep my mouth shut."

Marcia G. Yerman: Cassaundra StJohn: Helping Female Vets to Move Forward Marcia G. Yerman 2011