News
Ernst Joins Boxer, Colleagues in Introducing Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act
Friday, February 5, 2016 | Category: Suicide - National
The "Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act," was introduced on February 5, 2016 by U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The Act was a response to the Department of Veterans Affairs study of "alarming increases" in suicide among female veterans.
Ernst, Colleagues, Introduce Bill to Prevent Female Veteran Suicides
Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Category: Suicide - Maine
On February 3, 2016, U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced "The Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act." From 2000 to 2010, according to a recent Department of Veterans Affairs study, rates of suicide among female veterans increased by 40 percent. The study also found that female veterans' suicide rate is approximately six times greater than that of civilian women and that risk doubles for female veterans between the ages of 18-29. More than 174,000 veteran and non-veteran suicides were tracked during the research. Representative Julia Brownley's (D-CA) similar House legislation, H.R. 2915, passed out of the House Veterans Affairs Committee in September 2015.
VA Offering Specialized Programs for Women Veterans
Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Category: Health Care - Michigan
The number of women veterans is increasing and although the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is developing specialized programs for them, not many women veterans know about the initiatives or think that they are qualifying veterans. The Iron Mountain Medical Center in Michigan served over 1,100 women veterans in 2015. Barbara Robinson, woman veteran program manager, stated that the Center has trained women's health providers. For more information, search for the "VA locator directory," click on "Michigan," then the "Iron Mountain Medical Center," "Health Care Services," and then "Women Veterans."
The Surprising Fear That Created the USO
Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - National
On February 4th 75 years ago the United Service Organizations (USO) became a Congressionally-chartered corporation when six civilian organizations joined forces on behalf of the U.S. military. In 1941, over 1.1 million people enlisted during the first-ever peacetime draft in preparation for WWII. Communities near military bases were concerned about what the men would do while waiting to deploy. Additionally, there was a military medical officer's fear that enlisted men were "susceptible to the warm comforts of loose women who would ply them with alcohol and seduce them into bad habits and diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea." The USOs "made sure its centers were squeaky clean." Many performers died during their volunteer USO service. Today, there are over 160 volunteer-staffed USOs and it has its own Congressional caucus.
"Full Frontal" with Samantha Bee to Spotlight Women Veterans on TBS February 8, 2016/10:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
In Samantha Bee's premiere TBS episode of the new late night talk show, “Full Frontal,” she investigates how the needs of women veterans will be met at the Veterans Administration given that combat jobs will now be open to them. Dr. Jackie Maffucci, Research Director at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, offers her perspective on servicewomen and how they're treated as veterans in advance of the February 8, 2016, 10:30 p.m., TBS premier.
Miracle Quilts Create Quilts for Wounded Troops
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Combat - California
Veteran Marissa Strock was injured 10 years ago while serving as in the military police in Afghanistan, when she was injured 10 years ago. Carole Carroll presented Marissa with a homemade quilt made by volunteers from "The Miracle Quilts-Quilts for Our Wounded Troops" group. If interested in quilting, call Carole at 248-321-8669 or e-mail MiracleQuilts@att.net.
Female Pilots of World War II Deserve Same Honors as Men
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - National
More than 12 million Americans (11 percent of the population) were in the United States military in 1945. Some were women who served stateside and overseas. Some were pilots. In 1977, women veterans were granted veteran status with the same status and benefits as their male colleagues. Forty years later, the Army decided that the "women pilots’ status as veterans doesn’t entitle them to burial spots in Arlington National Cemetery." These Walla Walla, Washington editors believe it is wrong and disgraceful.
EXCLUSIVE: Miss Veteran America Contestant Combats Veteran Homelessness
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - Georgia
The competition benefits a nonprofit organization called “Final Salute” who provides suitable and safe housing for women veterans experiencing homelessness. More than 300 homeless women veterans in 15 states have been assisted by "Final Salute." Sally Rejas, a semi-finalist contestant in the 2016 Ms. Veteran America competition shared that the contestants are often asked why they are speaking only on behalf of homeless women veterans. She shares that the Department of Veterans Affairs does not have many homeless women veteran programs.
We Need More Women in the Military
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Combat - National
U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton says "Yes" women should be allowed to compete for all military jobs. The fact that only 23 percent of America's youth is eligible to serve in the military is not his focus. He believes that a more diverse organization "works better." General Eaton stated: "The argument from opponents of opening up jobs to women principally is focused on whether the military can handle such a change. If the past has taught us one thing, it is not only that our military can handle integration, but arguments to the contrary from the time, look foolish now."
Military Officials: Women Should Register for Draft — Just Like Men
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Category: Department of Defense - National
In a February 2, 2016 Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Gen. Robert B. Neller, the Marine Corps Commandant, stated they supported women registering for the draft now that all combat jobs are open to women. Today, men between the ages of 18 and 26 who legally reside in the U.S. are required to register with the Selective Service.