30 Years of Fighting for Women Veterans with Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos

In this episode of Untold Valor, Dr. Cathy Bennett-Santos shares her powerful journey from Army medic to nationally recognized advocate for women veterans impacted by military sexual trauma. She discusses the challenges many veterans face after service, the evolution of support systems within the VA, and why peer-to-peer connection can be life-changing. Dr. Santos also opens up about spirituality, healing, and the importance of finding support instead of suffering in silence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:Personal Story: Dr. Santos’ journeyWomen Veterans: Advocacy and progressMilitary Trauma: Challenges after servicePeer Support: Veterans helping veteransMental Health: Healing and recoveryBreaking Silence: Why conversations matter0:00 – Intro1:39 – Get to know Dr. Santos 5:04 – On the other side of the oath6:53 – Creating a platform for women veterans8:26 – The struggle to speak up11:01 – The importance of peer-to-peer veteran support12:52 – Dr. Santos’ encouragement to veteransDr. Cathy Bennett-SantosLearn more about Dr. Santos HEREGet a copy of My Desert Storm: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Phillyvet/dp/B0DRMHW6R6EPISODE RESOURCESNeed immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzgVoice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoyCompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryUInformation on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWSView more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q