When you think of women veterans who served in the US military, who do you think of? You probably do NOT think of the suffragists. Yet, two of the women featured on the panels created for our 19th Amendment celebration include two women veterans: Dr. Mary Walker, a surgeon during the Civil War, and Harriet Tubman, a spy and nurse for the Union – also during the Civil War. Indeed, the achievements and challenges faced by the women who have dedicated themselves to military service have too often been unrecognized and undercelebrated.
Today, women veterans make up about 9% of the US veteran population, or 1.7 million women. Florida has the second highest retired veteran population; 164,000 are women veterans.
Women vets have faced unique challenges in the military, including balancing family life, inadequate health care, high rates of sexual assault and harassment, and limited opportunities for career advancement. Despite these challenges, women veterans have persevered and made remarkable accomplishments in the military.
Honoring women veterans is a way to show our appreciation for their service and to raise awareness about the issues they face. It is also an opportunity to learn more about their experiences and contributions to our nation’s military history.
Please join us! In preparation for Veterans Day, the LWV Broward General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at 7:00 p.m. via ZOOM.
This meeting will provide a unique and excellent opportunity to learn more about the achievements and challenges faced by women in the military. Our SPECIAL GUEST Presenter, Colonel Susanne M. Waylett (U.S. Air Force, Retired) will discuss her career, military life, pertinent legislation, and ways in which you can make a difference. Read more about our guest speaker here: Col. Susanne M. Waylett Biography
We will also be joined by Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott, a U.S. Army veteran, who will explain how active military personnel are able to vote, even if located overseas, and other issues affecting Veterans and voting.