This research sought to better understand female veterans' underutilization of veteran and military service organizations (VSO/MSOs). Specifically, the Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) conducted a needs assessment examining historically low levels of social cohesion among women veterans, and then a research team analyzed data for its statistical and practical significance. The intent of this research was to provide guidance about how best to develop organizational programming around the needs of military women. Secondary analysis of 2016 SWAN needs assessment survey data involved mixed-methods analysis of open-and closed-ended questions related to VSO/MSO participation and included frequency tables, geospatial analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis with educational achievement, race/ethnicity, service branch, and service era predicting participation. Quantitative analyses were followed by content analysis of questions that provided additional insight into the participants' perceptions of VSO/MSOs. Of the sample (n = 829) in the present study, 31.1% of respondents were members of one or more VSO/MSOs. Current members (n = 219, response rate 84.9%) identified three primary organizations in which they participated, including The American Legion (32%), Disabled American Veterans (28%), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (28%). VSO membership differed somewhat by state, with participation highest in Maryland and Wisconsin. Regression models indicated that female veterans' participation in VSOs can be correlated to higher levels of education (OR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.04, 2.66]) and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (OR = 2.60, 95% CI [1.07, 6.33]). Statistical significance was not found for predictor variables of service branch or service era, although greater proportions of respondents were Army (30.4%) and Post-9/11 (27.6%). Qualitative analyses indicated that respondents (n = 773) did not feel welcome in existing service member and veteran groups (25.23%). Respondents identified this as one reason they were not currently members of these types of organizations (29.75%). Study findings offer perspective regarding women veterans' participation in and perceptions of VSO/MSOs. The findings offer important feedback for organizations hoping to reach women veterans, the fastest growing veteran population. Recommendations for increasing participation include targeted programming, single-sex offerings, available child care at some events, tailored messaging with outreach initiatives, and peer support efforts.

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Background and Purpose: Military and veteran suicide rates exceed those found in the general population. Veterans often reject patient identities, creating barriers to care for mental health within the clinical sector and a mandate for prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to offer a postintervention process evaluation of one peer-led resilience program offered to military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan at three sites in 2013. Methods: Secondary analysis of survey data collected involved mixed-methods analysis of open and closed-ended questions. In total, the research team reviewed 52 electronic survey responses; participant response rate was 48.1%. Results: Descriptive data analysis found that all participants rated Just Roll With It Bootcamp content as “somewhat useful” (17.9%) or “very useful” (82.1%). Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions found that content was perceived as valuable by participants. Emergent themes included: health practices, social support, and participant quality of life or satisfaction. Comments also informed four subthemes which included: meditation/mindfulness, nutrition, physical practice, and the seminars’ physical environment. Conclusion: Culturally-informed prevention programs that emphasize social support, physical movement, and peer-leadership have a vital role to play in working to prevent suicide by promoting quality of life for veterans.

Suicide rates among military veterans exceed those found in the general population. While the exact reasons for these high rates are unknown, contributing factors may include the military's perceived rejection of patient identities, creating barriers to mental health care within the clinical sector and a mandate for prevention programs. Spiritual fitness has emerged over the last decade as an important concept in human performance optimization and is included among holistic approaches to developing and maintaining mentally fit fighting forces. In attempts to better understand the role that spiritual fitness and religion play in mitigating and/or reducing suicide risk among veterans, the aims of this study were twofold (1) to assess the utility of the Duke Religion Index as a psychometric instrument for use with veterans completing spiritual fitness training and (2) to offer a post-intervention process evaluation of the spiritual fitness module from one resilience program offered to military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2016. Twenty-eight attendees at the JRWI Wellness Resilient Leadership Retreat completed post-retreat surveys to assess their satisfaction with the coursework and specifically, to assess the spiritual fitness module of the resiliency retreat's curriculum. In total, the research team reviewed 25 completed post-intervention survey responses (89.3% response rate). Descriptive statistics indicated that respondents (n = 25) were subjectively religious, defined as belief in a higher power practiced in ritualized ways. Over half of program participants indicated they (a) attended religious meetings at least once a week and (b) engaged in private religious activity-such as meditation-at least once a day. Results showed that most program participants reported that the spiritual fitness skills learned during the resilient leadership program were useful (88%) (Z = 3.000, p < 0.001). Additionally, most program participants reported their interest in spiritual exploration was affirmed, renewed, or raised as a result of attending the peer-led resilient leadership program (76%) (Z = 6.000, p = 0.015). Culturally informed prevention programs that emphasize spiritual fitness are indicated for use in veteran outreach and well-being programs. More detailed research is needed to assess curriculum specifics.