BECKLEY, W.Va. — The service of female veterans throughout the nation’s history was honored during an event Friday at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Raleigh County.
“You’ve Earned It! Celebrating Women Veterans” featured information being offered by the non-profit U.S. Women Veterans Advocacy Initiative about benefits, employment assistance, personal wellness, and other services and resources, some of which are available through V.A. community partners. During the gathering in the Beckley VAMC’s auditorium, there were memorabilia displays depicting the military service of female soldiers, both overseas and domestically, during World War II.
Public Affairs Officer Sara Yoke spoke with MetroNews about the history of wartime contributions by American women, which she said tend to be overlooked, even by other women.
“We have a unique experience within the military,” said Yoke. “I’ve been able to sit down and talk to a World War II veteran, and a Vietnam veteran, and a Gulf War veteran. As an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, I went to Afghanistan in 2009. So, yes, there are enduring themes of service (for women) in the military.”
According to V.A. Department statistics, there are more than 10,000 female veterans living in West Virginia. Yoke said she’s concerned many of them may not be aware of the range of support services available to all veterans, as well as the services that are specifically focused on the well-being of women.
“All military members face the risk of experiencing physical, emotional, and mental injuries, while serving but women are more likely to encounter sexual harassment, discrimination, and assault. And, those experiences can really manifest into some mental health challenges,” she said. “Women are the fastest-growing population that the V.A. has seen. Since 9/11, we’ve seen double the number, and projections show that it’s going to grow 20 percent in the next 30 years. So, our population is going to be more prominent and visible within the V.A. healthcare system.”
As a result, Yoke said she foresees an increasing number of events taking place at the Beckley VAMC to acknowledge the service of women, while providing camaraderie and networking opportunities for those who have served or are currently in uniform.
A complete listing of organizations dedicated to addressing the needs of female military members and their families is available through WomenVetsUSA.