Our Stories Our Service: Kentucky's Women Veterans - A Teacher's Guide (Digital Version)
This guide provides additional resources for educators to incorporate into their Veterans Day programs and to meet the Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies in the classroom. The following are lessons designed by educators who have also served in the military and connect to the content in Our Stories, Our Service while providing additional digital resources.
Access a .pdf of Our Stories Our Service: A Teacher's Guide
Access Digital Lesson Plans (including additional content not included in print guide)
Teacher Resources - Grades K-5
Women in the Military Timeline Resources
Hello Girls Resources
Teacher Resources - Grades 6-8
A Hero's Journey
A Hero's Journey Slides (PowerPoint)
Hero's Journeys Handout - A Hero's Journey and the 12 Phases
Oral Histories and Service Records
- Marjorie Graves
- Nena Shelton
- Letter from the War Department Awarding Shelton the Distinguished Service Medal
- Poem, Captain Nena Shelton
- Nena Shelton's Military Identity Card
- Nena Shelton in Nurse Uniform (photo)
- Letter to Aunt Mollie and Uncle John from Nena Shelton, March 26, 1923
- Letter of promotion from the War Department, November 1, 1935
- Nena Shelton's military identity card, December 20, 1917
Profiles in Character
Profiles in Character Slides (PowerPoint)
Oral Histories
- Verna Fairchild
- Helen Evans
- Katie Gilley
- Lois Howard Gray
- Bertha Langford
- Marjorie Graves
- Mary Broussard
- Margaret Plattner
- Linda Godfrey
- Helen Evans
- Linda Brashears
- Jennifer Chapman
- Rebecca King
- Mary Frances Clark
- Sheryl Renee Dixon
- Tabitha Phelps Flynn
- Crystal Benbow
- Monique Nicole Taylor Johnson
- Cynthia Manente
- Latasha Lynn Fields
Character Archetypes Lists (.pdf)
Teacher Resources - Grades 9-12
Kentucky Women in Combat
What were the experiences and contributions of Kentucky women in combat situations, and how did their roles evolve over time?
Supporting Question 1: How did societal norms and regulations impact the roles of Kentucky women in combat situations?
- Source A: Margaret Plattner Interview
- Source B: Mary Willie Arvin
- Source C: Anna Mac Clarke's Story
- Source D: Sarah Rosetta Wakeman's Experience
- Source E: Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester
- Source F: Women Warriors (Brookings Institution)
Resource
Supporting Question 2: What challenges and traumas did Kentucky women face during their service in combat zones?
- Source A: Marjorie Graves' Reflections
- Source B: Helen Evans Interview
- Source C: Leigh Ann Hester's Award Citation
- Source D: Linda Brashear's Injury Description
Resource
Supporting Question 3: How did the experiences of Kentucky women in combat influence their post-service lives, mental health, and societal perceptions?
- Source A: Marjorie Graves Discussion
- Source B: Linda Brashears' Insights
- Source C: Emily Hernandez's Story
Resources
Contributions of Women
How have women contributed to the U.S. military, and what challenges did they face?
Supporting Question 1: How did societal norms and regulations influence women's decisions to join the military?
- Source A: “OSOS Booklet: Posters, Patriotism & Propaganda” (Booklet pages 7-12)
- Source B: “12 Women in the U.S. Military: The Evolution of Gender Norms and Military Roles”
- Source C: “Statement of Mrs. Anna Gordon, East Orange, N.J., on Army Policy for Women with Minor Children”
- Source D: Honor Bound: An American Story of Dreams and Service by Amy McGrath and Chris Peterson (Excerpt from Chapter 2 - Booklet pages 94-95)
- Source E: “Future of Military Recruitment” by Catherine Kuzminski, YouTube video uploaded by GovMatters
Resources
- Library of Congress Resource Guide: Analyzing Primary Sources
- Document Analysis Activity Worksheet (.pdf)
Supporting Question 2: What roles did women from Kentucky play in the military, and how did their experiences differ from their male counterparts?
- Source A: SSG Linda Brashears
- Source B: SGT Leigh Anne Hester
- Source C: SPC Ashley Hawkins (booklet page 98-100)
- Source D: WAC Helen Evans
- Source E: CPT Marjorie Graves
Resources
- Teaching History: Teaching with Timelines
- NEH-EDSITEment! What is History? Timelines and Oral Histories
- Veteran Milestones Worksheet (.pdf)
Supporting Question 3: How did the experiences of women in the military shape their post-service lives and contributions to society?
- Source A: Improving Support for Veteran Women - RAND Corporation
- Source B: The Battle Within: Treating PTSD in Military Veterans
- Source C: The Hurdles Female Vets Face When Transitioning to The Civilian Workforce
- Source D: Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home
Resources