Honoring Mid-Missouri women’s military service, past and present
A Mid-Missouri U.S. Army veteran Becky Price recently said, “We are called soldiers and veterans, not male or female.”
Women who have served in the military in America’s history have proved their skills, intelligence and strength are as equally vital as their male counterparts.
Take Deborah Sampson, the first known woman to fight in an army for the United States. Even though she disguised herself as a man, she served for more than a year in the early 1780s. Many women followed Sampson’s lead to fight in U.S. battles, receive military pensions and even acquire land owed to them for their service.
Today, thousands of women proudly serve in all branches of the U.S. military. Some hold high-ranking positions and serve in military jobs once dominated by men. Others have continued their service in veteran assistance programs and civic organizations following retirement, helping veterans receive their benefits, shelter and proper medical care. These women are military personnel, veterans and advocates. They are united in uniform, not just as women but, more importantly, as American soldiers.
To showcase the dedication women play in the U.S. Armed Forces and in honor of Military Appreciation Month in May, HER has profiled two female leaders in the Missouri National Guard, as well as a newly enacted and growing women’s mentorship program through the Sisters in Arms Council.
Learn about the continuously expanding women veterans program at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia, which is administered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Readers can also find out about some local organizations that assist soldiers, military families and veterans, including an all female American Legion post. Visit HER’s website to meet four area ladies who are serving or have served our country at varying times during the past five decades in a special online article.
HER just scratched the surface of the amazing veterans and enlisted women from Mid-Missouri. To all area soldiers and veterans, male or female, we thank you for your dedicated service to our country.
BY Samantha Pogue
The post United in Uniform appeared first on HER Magazine.