05/14/2026
Are you an American Woman Veteran? Have you registered your story with the Military Womanās Memorial? Itās free and super simple to do.
The coolest part is you can see your story at the Memorial located in Alexandria Virginia. Iāll post some photos in the comments section of our family trip to the memorial last year and how amazing it was for my youngest daughter to see my story.
Also huge shoutout to Arkansas Military Service Sisters for honoring Arkansas Woman Veterans šŖ š«” šŖšŗšø
Sarah B
Ms. Veteran America ~ Semi Finalist 2026
US Navy Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Veteran
š Day 16 ā Honoring Arkansas Women Veterans: HerStory Highlight š
āMA3 Sarah Whitaker-Bunger | U.S. Navy | 2006ā2013 | Master-at-Arms 3rd Class (MA3) | Wars/Conflicts: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Global War on Terrorism | Overseas Service: Persian Gulf War (2006ā2008)
When most think of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they often recall the aftermath of 9/11. But too often overlooked are the brave women who wore the uniform, stood the line, and helped shape a new era of military serviceāincluding women like MA3 Sarah Whitaker-Bunger. Sarahās story began with humble and resilient roots, growing up in the foster care system. At just 17, she faced the reality of aging out. Determined to carve her own path, she graduated high school early, left home a month before her 18th birthday, and joined the United States Navyātrading a graduation ceremony for boot camp, where she celebrated her milestone among fellow recruits.
After graduating from the Navy Police Academy, Sarah joined a specialized security warfare team that conducted missions throughout the Middle East. She earned the honor of being a Plank Owner, one of the first 100 Sailors to stand up her commandāa title she still holds close to her heart.
But serving in a predominantly male environment presented unique challenges:
āThere were more men than women, and unfortunately, little access to proper feminine medical care,ā Sarah shares. āHygiene products, birth controlāthese basic needs were often unavailable. We suffered in silence.ā That experience sparked a lifelong missionāsupporting women veterans nationwide. Sarah discovered that despite the era, job, or conflict, women veterans share a powerful bond forged in shared sacrifice and strength. It is that bondāand the resilience it has builtāthat she now carries forward in all she does.
š«”Thank you, MA3 Sarah Whitaker-Bunger, for your courage, your voice, and your unshakable commitment to sister veterans everywhere.
š Want to record your own military service or a woman veteran you know? Register at womensmemorial.org