Our Mission

Women of the Global War on Terrorism was founded by a veteran who understands firsthand the long road home many women face after service.

Today, thousands of women veterans in their 30s and 40s are raising families, building careers, and quietly carrying the invisible weight of combat deployments, military culture, and unresolved trauma. Many struggle to navigate complex VA systems, find providers who understand women’s military experiences, or access wellness resources that address both physical and emotional recovery.

Women of GWOT was created to change that.

Meet the Women on the Board of Directors

Michelle King

My name is Michelle King, and I am the founder of Women of GWOT. Born and raised in Alvin, Tx. I joined the military at 21, looking to do something with my life; to do something my 2 kids could be proud of. I was Military Police and served from 2008 through 2013. I deployed a year in Afghanistan from 2011-2012. After getting out of the military, I went to school and found myself going from job to job. After getting my MBA in 2022 I landed a job at the VA and now work in Human Resources. 

I’ve wanted to share my story for a long time and having wanted to give back to the female veteran community, specifically women like me, I’m finally ready to launch, Women of GWOT. I called a few of my girls and with their help, we are starting my dream of creating an organization that supports and helps women veterans who served during Global War on Terrorism.

Women have been serving our military since the beginning and now more than ever. We have different needs than our veteran brothers and the only way for us to make change is to create it and make it happen. I am excited to start this project and help build my sisters up!

Today, I am married with three kids and spend most of my time going to hot yoga classes, reading books, working on the non-profit, yapping with friends and most of all, spending time with my family.

Tracy Reeder-Finn

My name is Tracy Reeder-Finn. I am a wife, mom, and passionate supporter of the veteran community. I believe in showing up for people, building meaningful connections, and finding ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As a military spouse, I have seen the strength, resilience, and sacrifices that come with military service. When Michelle shared her vision for Women of GWOT, I immediately wanted to be part of helping turn that vision into reality. I believe women veterans deserve a strong community of support, connection, and recognition for their service.

When I’m not spending time with my family, you’ll usually find me planning our next adventure and making memories with my daughter and family. I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Women of GWOT and excited to help the organization grow.

Lisa Beottcher

My name is Lisa Boettcher and I was appointed to be one of the directors for Women of GWOT. I grew up in NH and joined the Army on my 17th birthday as a military police. I deployed to Afghanistan for one year from 2011-2012, finding myself in the same squad and rolling on missions daily with Women of GWOT founder, Michelle King. After my contract was complete in the Army I went to college while simultaneously working in hospice care, and thereafter worked in the OBGYN field for 6 years.

I live in Florida and spend my time at a therapeutic horse ranch, where I help kids/adults with disabilities ride horses. Also in my spare time I enjoy playing guitar, riding horses, taking pictures of nature/animals, running and hanging out with my husband and 2 dogs.

I believe It is important that Women who served during GWOT get the proper help and direction they deserve. I am honored to be a part of this group/journey and know we can make a difference for women.

Denise Augustin

I am Denise Augustin and I have proudly served in the United States Army for 6 years on active duty from 2006-2012. With time in Missouri, Washington State, Iraq, and Germany I have experienced that has shaped my character, provided me with discipline, and given me a sense of purpose.

During my time in service, I was deployed to Iraq, where the mission was to successfully

carry out military police roles, duties, and mission completion. My time downrange challenged me in ways that strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and accountability and gave me the competence to work efficiently & effectively as part of a team and later leading my own team.

The experiences I gained while serving not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also gave me a deeper appreciation for leadership, unity, and perseverance.

After completing my military service, I had a continued desire to help others. That drive led me to pursue a career in healthcare; I earned my license as a Physical Therapist Assistant and began working closely with patients to support their recovery and rehabilitation goals. As a therapist my main focus is safety awareness, helping individuals regain mobility, rebuild strength, and improve their overall quality of life.

Whether working with individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. I am committed to providing optimal patient care that is both effective & encouraging. The values instilled in me during my time in uniform continues to influence my work, and I remain dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.

DeAna Kelly

“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” — General James H. Doolittle-

My name is DeAna Kelly LICSW and I was appointed to be one of the directors on the Women of GWOT’s advisory board.  I am very excited to be embarking on this journey with the brave women who have served our country, something very familiar to me. A little bit about myself is I grew up in the South Shore of Massachusetts after both my parents discharged from the US ARMY. In 2003 at the age of 17, I decided to follow in their footsteps. I enlisted to become a US Army Military Police Officer after completing OSUT in 2004. From there I was assigned to 1 BCT 101st ABN (Fort Campbell, KY) where I deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq (2005-2006), Tikrit Iraq (2007-2008). In between deployments I was attached to the US ARMY Criminal Investigation Defense (CID) as an Investigator for Fort Campbell’s Gang/Extremist Task Force. After my second deployment I reenlisted to serve with the 170th MP Co in FT Lewis, WA then deployed to Khandahar, Afghanistan in 2010.

After my deployments, it was time for me to transition my role from soldier to civilian where I  had my first daughter and moved to USAG Grafenwoehr, Germany for four years. It was then I decided to pursue my college degrees where I obtained an Associates of Arts in American Sign Language, a Bachelor’s in Humanities with a minor in Sociology and Undergraduate Certificate in Women’s Studies all while pregnant with my second daughter. I continued to have a thirst for knowledge and support and decided to pursue a Master’s in Social Work with a graduate certificate in Trauma Studies after returning to the states. I currently work as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker providing therapeutic services at the post hospitalization level of care back in the great South Shore of Massachusetts. I have dedicated my life to helping and being there for others and I am excited to continue to do that with you all.

Our Story

The Problem

A Generation Left to Figure It Out Alone

When the Global War on Terror began, women answered the call — in every branch, every role, and every corner of the world. They deployed alongside their brothers in arms. Many women served in combat zones. They came home changed.

And then, largely, they were expected to quietly return to civilian life and move on.

Today, thousands of women veterans from the GWOT era are in their 30s and 40s. They are mothers. Professionals. Caregivers. Community members. And many are still carrying the invisible weight of combat deployments, military trauma, and experiences that most people around them will never fully understand.

They face unique challenges:

  • VA systems and healthcare providers that were not designed with women in mind

  • Limited access to wellness resources that address both physical and emotional recovery

  • A culture that often overlooks or minimizes women's military service

  • The pressure to "keep it together" while managing family, career, and unresolved trauma

Women of GWOT was born from a simple truth: women veterans have always been here. They just haven't always been seen.

The Solution

Women of GWOT Was Created to Change That.

We are a nonprofit organization built by and for women veterans of the Global War on Terrorism.

Our mission is clear: no woman veteran should have to navigate healing alone. Through advocacy, VA system navigation, wellness programming, education, and community — Women of GWOT provides the support, connection, and recognition that women veterans have earned and deserve.

We also believe deeply in legacy. Every woman who served in the GWOT has a story worth preserving. We are committed to honoring those stories — for the women themselves, for their families, and for future generations.

Service — We honor the commitment and sacrifice of every woman who served.

Community — No woman heals alone. We build genuine connection and sisterhood.

Advocacy — We fight for the policies, resources, and recognition women veterans deserve.

Legacy — We preserve and celebrate the stories of women who answered the call.

Empowerment — We help women veterans reclaim their strength, stability, and future.

What We Stand For

Built for Her. Led for Her.

Women of GWOT is proudly based in New Hampshire and Florida, with a mission that reaches women veterans nationwide.

We are just getting started — and we are building this for every woman who has ever felt invisible after her service.