CWV Book Corner, July: Army National Guard Veteran Claudia Bartow

Each month, VA’s Center for Women Veterans profiles a different woman Veteran author as part of its Women Veteran Authors Book Corner. This month’s author is Army National Guard Veteran Claudia Bartow.

Early in her teaching career, Bartow befriended two World War II Veterans and was fascinated by their stories. She saw that others were, too. That’s when she realized there was no comprehensive guide to help Veterans and their families record their military service memories, so she wrote a book called “I Served: A military service reflection guide.” Her book helps Veterans reminisce about all parts of their military service—from enlistment to discharge and beyond. Veterans’ answers to the questions in the guide can become a great keepsake for their loved ones.

What are you doing now?

I am a middle school Social Studies teacher.

Where and when did you serve?

1993-2002 in Army National Guard at McConnelsville, Ohio; and 2002-2003 in the Air National Guard, Mansfield, Ohio.

What was your proudest service memory?

My National Guard unit was activated during a time of horrible flooding in southeastern Ohio. I was one of the first Guardsman to arrive at the site, and we rescued nursing home residents one at a time using small boats and guide wires that were strung overtop the water. A very flooded creek had become a raging river surrounding their nursing home and had cut off any other way for them to get out to safety.

What was your inspiration to write?

I love to write, and words come very easy to me for some reason. When I saw the need for a guide to help Veterans record their stories, I just sat down and typed it. Three days later, I had the first version of my book.

How has your military experience shaped your creativity or how you express yourself?

Even though I never deployed to a combat zone, enduring Army boot camp and spending over ten years in the National Guard and all the experiences there gave me a good taste of military life. These experiences helped me come up with the content of my book.

What advice would you give other women Veterans who may be considering becoming an author?

Just go for it! Write what you know and what you are passionate about. You never know who your book will help and where it will take you personally.

How can women Veteran authors shape society’s understanding of women Veterans’ military experience and their contributions?

Women Veterans have a unique voice in their writing. The typical person, when they think of anything about the military, they automatically envision a man. Books written by women show there are many other experiences and perspectives out there.

What were some of the obstacles and challenges you faced in writing this book?

The overall writing of this book was very easy for me. Coming up with 130+ questions and prompts covering all the parts of a military experience just made sense to me. I did consult my husband at times, who is a retired Army First Sergeant. The parts where I explained how to use the guide and then tying all the parts together to make it reader friendly was probably the most difficult.

What are your recommendations for illustrating, book cover selection and the publishing process?  

For the most recent version of my book, I hired a woman on Upwork. She did an amazing job with the cover and the layout. I would definitely recommend hiring someone to do these things so your book looks professional. For printing, I use an on-demand printer, and they have been awesome.

What is one significant thing we should know about you?

When I was in Army basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I actually begged my drill sergeant to let me go home. I was homesick, having never been away from home. Boot camp was something so different than anything I had ever experienced in my naïve first 18 years of life. Thankfully, the drill sergeant said, ”No, Private. You can’t go home.” I am very thankful for that “no.” My military experience has led me to meet so many incredible people and have some amazing experiences, like being an Honor Flight Guardian and running the Veterans Day program at the school where I taught for the past 20 years.

How has writing this book helped you?

I have an inner creativity that constantly needs fed. It drives me crazy sometimes because I have too many ideas for things and am always thinking about the next thing. Writing this book and getting it out there has helped me quench that thirst to create.

What is your favorite quote?

“Don’t stop until you’re proud.” – Unknown

If you could choose one woman from any point in time to share a meal with, who would she be?

My mom. She was a Navy Veteran but passed away unexpectedly in 2011. There are so many more things I want to ask her about her life, including her military service.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one?

If so, please visit our website to find out more information. If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager Michelle Terry at Michelle.Terry2@VA.gov.