March is Women’s History Month
Artist Nancy E. Rhodes created and painted this mural for the VA Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. Nancy chose to use real military women, either active or retired, for this painting. Back row, left to right - Cadet Xaviera Fontan, Cadet Joanna Labscher, Cadet Pia Smith. Front row, left to right - Cadet Mary Spio, Deb Joiner, Ruth Schairer.
Throughout our nation’s history, women have helped this country to evolve, particularly in defense of this nation. They fulfilled a variety of significant roles — from the iconic tale of Molly Pitcher, one of the most enduring symbols of the Revolutionary War, who fought in the Battle of Monmouth, to the Civil War’s Dr. Mary Walker, whose courage and determination earned her the title of Acting Assistant Surgeon for the Army, and later the Medal of Honor.
“Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives” illustrates how military women’s unique experiences from throughout history help to inform our present, and how the inspiring individuals of today can contribute to the strength of our women Veterans of the future.
History includes many inspiring role models— from that of World War II pilot Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier, to the more recent actions of Army Specialist Monica Brown in Afghanistan who, under intense enemy fire, saved the lives of two fellow soldiers, and was awarded the Silver Star for valor.
Women’s History Month resurrects the stories of actions taken, the trials overcome, and the confidence gained through ever-increasing opportunities to excel. These are the threads that weave the tapestry of our history.
In March, these memories rise in volume and echo across the nation.
Our country has more than two million living women Veterans, nine percent of all Veterans in the United States. These women comprise one of the fastest-growing segments of the total U.S. Veteran population; and it is estimated that by 2020, they will represent 12.5 percent of our total Veteran population. By 2040, that number will approach 20 percent.
Many of these women will seek their health care at VA facilities and apply for critical VA benefits and services. VA is committed to welcoming these valued generations of women as they join the more than 400,000 currently entrusted in our care.
The Women Veterans Hotline (1-855-VA-WOMEN), launched in 2013, is a great access tool that addresses questions from women Veterans, their families and caregivers, regarding VA-offered services and resources.
VA’s Center for Women Veterans is the leading advocate for women Veterans through department-wide programs, as well as interagency efforts. For more than 20 years, they have championed women Veterans issues to ensure that their gender-specific health care needs are addressed and their concerns are in the forefront – as VA plans to meet their growing needs with improved access and personalized care, in a manner in which each Veteran will be served in the way she wants to be served – the MyVA way.
