VALOR KNOWS NO GENDER- Annette and Chris Reichard: Military Sisters

OSHKOSH, Wis. - July 23, 2015 - PRLog -- Annette Reichard joined the U.S. Army in September of 1976.  She wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father and brother, despite friends and family insisting she reconsider. Being female never entered her mind as a possible deterrent from serving her country. Within the three year term time in which she served, Annette worked as a POL or Logistical Supply Clerk in the 7^th Aviation Division. She retired as a Sergeant First Class and quickly started her civilian career for the Department of the Army.  She also joined the Army Reserves in which she served for 23 years.  Having received assistance from DAV, Annette quickly started attending meetings and volunteering her time to help other veterans and their families. “Aside from helping me with my disability, DAV has provided a tremendous sense of comradery with other veterans within our community.  It isn’t just the veterans who could use a helping hand.  It is their families too.  Their family members need to know they aren’t alone- and that there is support for them too. Our DAVA (Disabled American Veteran Auxilory) is full of not only wives.  With women representing nearly 15% of the military, the DAVA is also sons, husbands and sisters of veterans who offer tremendous support for each other and for the veterans they love,” stated Annette.

Annette’s own sister, Chris Reichard also served in the military.  When asked what inspired her to join the U.S. Navy in 1979 she proudly stated – my sister.  “I saw how well she was doing and how many people she was able to help and I knew I wanted to do that too,” said Chris. “Being in the military isn’t all about defending the front line, but also about ways for people to help other people.  It doesn’t matter if you protect the country with a weapon or turn a wrench, you help protect the freedom that we all are able to enjoy today,” stated Chris. Chris’s dedication to servitude lead her to serve as Senior Chief Parachute packer and as well as other aviation life support.  She was also one of the first women qualified as Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist.  Following her retirement she joined the DAV just as her sister had.  She has been a proud DAV member for the past 9 years. “I enjoy going out and telling the DAV story.  They have always helped me and I want everyone – men, women, young and old who have served our country to know that there is help out there.  Being injured – whether physically or psychologically while serving your country is hard. Let us help you along your journey.”

Every veteran has a story and every story is different, their stories portray their strength and courage…both then and now.

Disabled American Veterans, representing more than 1.3 million disabled veterans, is a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It is dedicated to one, single purpose: Fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served.

See the DAV Flight Team with the Skyraider and A-4 Skyhawk this week at AirVenture Oshkosh.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam, @DAVFlightTeam and/or #DAVFlightTeam.

To learn more about the DAV Flight Team or to schedule an interview, contact, Kerry Ward 415-580-2704.  For downloadable photos of the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, go to www.davflightteam.com (http://www.davflightteam.blogspot.com/p/media-kit.html)