Fifty veterans and current service members attended the annual Southern Minnesota Military Women’s Retreat at Mt. Olivet Retreat Center in Farmington on Aug. 16 to 18.

The retreat, hosted by the Owatonna Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, included a resource fair, music and art therapy, hiking, and other activities. It was designed to recognize participants for their military service and provide a relaxing environment where they can focus on their well-being, learn about opportunities, and connect with one another. Navy veteran Patty McNeese, who has served as the retreat coordinator for the past five years said participants, from ages 18 to 70, describe it as beneficial and life changing.

“Several have said it saved their life due to the connections they have made,” McNeese said. “The retreat is a place for women to connect, collaborate, and communicate, building a network and support for those who think they are invisible.”

McNeese provided an example of a previous veteran participant. At the time, she was leaving an abusive relationship and was experiencing challenges. Through the retreat, she was able to connect with organizations and individuals who supported her through successfully finding a job and home, returning to school, and obtaining custody of her children.

“So, it’s that community, connection, and collaboration that’s the vital part,” McNeese said. “Women veterans knowing other women veterans. If they are in trouble, who can they call? We have several who are going through some hardships right now, who really need our support. You don’t know what you don’t know. By bringing everybody together, we make those connections.”

According to McNeese, the Disabled American Veterans hosted similar retreats beginning in 2017, but only for DAV veterans. In 2019, she and the Owatonna BTYR took on the endeavor and offered all women veterans and National Guard women service members a chance to attend as well. The retreat is staffed by volunteers, along with McNeese, who is also an Owatonna BTYR board member.

Air Force veteran Kristine Fasnacht Fumia said the retreat offers women veterans and service members a safe space.

“And you know how people say women can be hard on each other? Well, here I can see women loving each other and nurturing and uplifting each other,” Fumia said.

Fumia served as a medic in the military and is now a licensed acupuncturist in Madison Lake, Minnesota. This was her second year offering acupuncture services to retreat participants.

“I’ve been able to network very well with finding other entities that I feel very drawn to, like the addiction recovery centers. I offer my services because I’ve learned how beneficial it is for somebody to get acupuncture,” said Fumia, who sees acupuncture as way for her to provide veterans and service members a path to healing their body, mind, and soul as well as give back. “This is how I serve my community.”

Fumia said she was overwhelmed and touched when she provided her services at the retreat for the first-time last year. When others learned she was a veteran, she received a Quilt of Valor, which is presented to all veteran and service member participants.

“I had never seen those given out before. Oh, yeah. I was not much of a crier. And the lady said, ‘I made this one,’ I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh!” Fumia said. “So, I look at that every day, every day.”

The retreat is free to all participants. It is funded through grants and donations from various organizations that support the military community, including Operation: 23 to Zero, which raises awareness of veteran issues, such as post-traumatic stress, and suicide prevention.

McNeese recently retired and this is her last year coordinating the retreat. She is passing on the role to Mellissa Franz, Women Veterans Initiative and DAV lead. “I will miss the team I put together, working as one to create amazing events and rewarding experiences for these amazing women,” McNeese said. “Coordinating the event was a wonderful honor, but the stress levels that come with such a task take its toll. However, if asked to step up again after a recovery time, I would be honored to serve.”

By Cristina Oxtra

Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs