Leading From the Front: Women Veterans on Strength, Service, and Starting Over
Meet six trailblazers redefining leadership, on and off the battlefield.
77 years ago, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 gave women a permanent place in the U.S. military.
But women were already there—serving long before policy caught up.
From Harriet Tubman’s Civil War missions to the 6888th Postal Battalion in WWII, women have always answered the call—often without recognition, and always with resilience.
Paden Sickles, founder of SickFit and a senior military leader turned entrepreneur, is one of those women. Her journey from combat engineer to CEO wasn’t just a transition—it was a transformation.
“It’s one thing to lead Soldiers in the military. But stepping into the veteran community? That’s a different kind of strength. It’s no longer about rank—it’s about rediscovering your purpose, writing a new chapter, and building a legacy that isn’t confined to a uniform.”
—Paden Sickles
This Women Veterans Day, SickFit is proud to amplify the voices of the women who’ve shaped our military history—and continue to redefine what leadership looks like today.
From leadership in the Army to flightlines in the Air Force, from Navy boats to national nonprofits—these women represent some of the most powerful stories in service.
Each journey is different. Each legacy is bold. And each one continues to push boundaries beyond the uniform.
From One to Many: How Sisterhood Shaped a Leader
Throughout her own military journey, Paden was mentored and inspired by women from every branch. Women who didn’t just lead formations—but moved mountains. Women who didn’t just serve—but paved new roads for others to follow.
“This community is strong. You don’t always see it when you're active duty, but the moment you enter the veteran space—you feel it. These women welcomed me, challenged me, and reminded me what it means to keep serving—just in a new way”
—Paden Sickles
We asked each of them three questions:
1. What does being a woman veteran mean to you?
2. What’s your proudest moment from your time in uniform?
3. What’s your favorite SickFit sock?
Tiffany Jones — Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy, Founder & CEO of The TJL Collective
What does it mean to you?
"To me, being a woman veteran means stepping out of a small town and into the unknown—being brave enough to chase something
different so my children could see what courage looks like."
“It means choosing growth, even when it was uncomfortable, and becoming someone I didn’t even know I could be.”
Proudest moment
"Using the Navy to pursue my education, better myself, and grow into a leader. That journey changed everything—for me and for the ones watching me."
Favorite sock
"The Dallas Wings sock. (Coming Soon) I’m excited for the team and the fans to see it. It’s a big project for SickFit and a major milestone into a new industry.”
Lisa Carrington Firmin — Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
What does it mean to you?
“It means that I am a strong, resilient woman who served my country, following in the footsteps of my father and brother. I can do anything I put my mind to.
I’ve already proven I am tough and a great leader, so putting my skills to work in other areas and making an impact is part of the mission.”
Proudest moments
“A young enlisted Latina came up to me and said, ‘Ma’am, I was going to get out of the service until I saw you.’ That moment reminded me—representation changes lives.”
“My most impactful and favorite assignment was command in combat. We were under rocket and mortar fire daily, building an air base in the Sunni Triangle. The bonds formed in that environment will stay with me forever.”
Favorite sock
“My sock, ‘Latina Warrior,’ of course! This collaboration with SickFit was just meant to be—a powerful collab between two powerful women.”
Mariedel McEntire — Command Sergeant Major (Ret.), U.S. Army
What does it mean to you?
“Being a woman veteran means carrying the legacy of strength, resilience, and service with pride. It’s about breaking barriers, leading with courage, and showing Soldiers that they, too, can serve with honor, lead with confidence, and inspire change. It means proving every day that determination knows no gender … only purpose.”
Proudest moment
“My proudest moment in uniform was seeing others succeed by following the example I set. Knowing that my hard work, dedication, and leadership inspired fellow Soldiers...
reminded me that true impact comes not just from what we achieve, but from how we lift others along the way.”
Favorite sock
“I like the SickFit compression socks. I love to hike and they keep my feet less fatigued.”
JoAnne(Jo) Bass — Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
What does it mean to you?
“It means service. It means purpose. It means standing shoulder to shoulder with incredible people, all committed to something bigger than ourselves.”
Proudest moment
“There are countless proud moments from my career—but the one that stands out first happened early on. I remember standing on the flightline, watching a 12-ship of F-16s take off...
In that moment, I felt it deeply: This is why we serve.”
Remarks
“Each assignment brought new challenges, new lessons, and new opportunities to lead, grow, and serve alongside some of the best people I know. Every chapter mattered—and I wouldn’t trade a single one.”
Ginger Miller — Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Veteran, Founder & CEO of WVIF
What does it mean to you?
“Being a woman veteran means carrying forward unmatched strength, courage, and resilience—not only in service to our nation, but in life beyond the uniform.
It means continuing to lead, to advocate, and to uplift every sister who has served and sacrificed.”
Proudest moments
“My proudest moment came the day I took off my uniform for the last time. That moment marked the powerful transition from service member to woman veteran.
It was the moment I realized that my next mission would be even greater.”
“One of my favorite assignments was right out of boot camp when I was stationed at Naval Station Annapolis. I was attached to a YP Boat where I trained and educated Naval Academy Midshipmen in line handling and navigation.”
Favorite sock
“Currently the slouch socks but I can’t wait for my favorite SickFit Sock to drop this fall: the Women Veterans Interactive Sock! We’re reminding the world that women veterans matter—and we’re doing it in style.”
CW5 Phyllis J. Wilson — Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.), U.S. Army, President & CEO of the Military Women’s Memorial
What does it mean to you?
“I love being a woman veteran! It means that I chose to serve my nation as a Soldier. The military service helped to shape me into the person I am today.”
Proudest moments
“My proudest moments while serving in the military was being able to witness my children follow in my footsteps.”
“I was a Military Intelligence Soldier and loved that work. My favorite assignment was the opportunity to be the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Army Reserve.”
Favorite sock
“My favorite SickFit sock has to be the amazingly soft Military Women’s Memorial sock! (Not Available in store)"
This Is More Than a Day. It’s a Declaration.
“The feeling of serving—really serving—is one of my proudest moments. You can’t fully describe it. Leading troops from entry level and watching them grow into junior leaders…it’s unmatched.”
—Paden Sickles
And now?
Watching those same women lead in new ways—on different battlefields, in business, in their communities—is even more powerful.
Women don’t just sit still. We pivot, build, lift, and keep moving forward.
We’re truly built different. Just like SickFit.
That kind of transformation stays with you.
The stories. The moments. The growth.
Those memories don’t fade—they live with you. Always.
These women don’t just represent history.
They represent the future—of leadership, service, entrepreneurship, and legacy.
Whether you wore the uniform or walk alongside someone who did—this moment is for all of us.
To learn. To reflect. To honor.
We see you. We salute you. And we walk beside you.
Carry the legacy forward.
1 comment
Good read. Love to see this.