In the Trenches and at the Table

In the military, we were trained to never leave a sister behind. In combat, in crisis, and in chaos—we covered each other’s six. We understood that loyalty wasn’t just a word. It was a lifestyle. It meant standing in the gap when your sister was too tired to stand on her own. It meant watching her blind spots, lifting her spirit, and sometimes—quietly fighting battles on her behalf.

Those values didn’t stay behind when we turned in our boots. They live on in the way we show up for one another now—in life, in business, in sisterhood.

Yet somewhere along the way, some forgot. Some were taught that there’s only room for one woman at the table, that another woman’s rise somehow dims your own light. But let me tell you what the military taught me—when one of us wins, we all do. In the trenches or in transition, we are stronger together.

True sisterhood is rooted in loyalty, but it blooms in empowerment. It’s clapping the loudest for a win you didn’t personally receive. It’s championing a dream that isn’t yours. It’s showing up not out of obligation, but out of honor.

This kind of sisterhood doesn’t compete—it collaborates.

It doesn’t tear down—it builds up.

It doesn’t gossip—it guards.

And it doesn’t envy—it elevates.

As women—especially as Veterans—we carry a unique strength. We’ve fought wars both seen and unseen. We’ve learned to adapt, overcome, and lead. And now, in our new seasons of life, we must continue to model what real loyalty looks like: being present in the pain, being loud in the celebrations, and being still when all someone needs is silent support.

There is room for all of us at the table, sis. Room for your dreams, your gifts, your voice, and your wins. We don’t have to shrink to fit into someone else’s spotlight. We can shine together—brighter, bolder, and better than ever.

So here’s to the women who don’t flinch at another woman’s glow.

Here’s to the sisters who stand in the fire and dance in the rain with you.

Here’s to the Sheroes who brew courage, connection, and community with every cup.

Let’s stop competing and start collaborating. Let’s stop comparing and start celebrating.

Because this life? This journey? It was never meant to be walked alone.

Cheers to sisterhood. Cheers to loyalty. Cheers to us.

Contact Kamille @ https://www.aspire2growhigher.com/ and on TikTok @Kamilleyvonne

POEM

Stand for Her

When her knees buckled,

I didn’t ask why—

I bent mine too,

and held her cry.

When her fire dimmed,

I didn’t shame her spark—

I lit my own

to guide her through the dark.

When success knocked

and it wasn’t my name,

I threw confetti anyway—

because her win is part of my flame.

We are not rivals

on some battlefield of pride,

we are warriors of worth

marching side by side.

I do not need to shine alone—

there’s brilliance in our blend.

Sisterhood is not a race,

it’s a circle that never ends.

We’ve worn the same boots,

bled the same truths,

faced the storms

that made us proof—

Proof that loyalty is louder than envy,

and real love wears no disguise.

That women who rise together

never have to compromise.

So when she is weary,

I’ll stand in the gap—

not because she asked,

but because I am that map.

The compass.

The call.

The calm in her war.

A shelter, a mirror,

a wide-open door.

Because there’s room for us all

in this journey we trod—

so I’ll keep holding her crown

while she talks to her God.

By Kamille Thomas

Thank you for all you do!