News
Veterans in the 116th Congress, By the Numbers
Thursday, July 4, 2019 | Category: Legislation - National
When the 2015-2017 114th Congress opened, 101 members (4 women/97 men) had military experience, a steady decline since 2005. The 2018 elections (116th Congress) halted this decline with more than 150 veterans running for the U.S. House of Representatives, more than 75 elected,16 serving their first terms 3 of whom are women joining the House. The 116th congress will include 95 total veterans (6 women),18 in the Senate (2 women) and 77 (4 women) in the House. In 2012 and 2014, 12 and in 2016 14 veteran first-termers were elected. Read this article for more details.
New Congressional Caucus to Focus on Servicewomen, Female Vets
Thursday, July 4, 2019 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
A new Congressional initiative, the House Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, was launched on Capitol Hill to address long-standing issues impacting the fastest growing military cohort. They plan to focus on “growing issues facing female servicemembers and veterans today, from concerns of reports of increased sexual assaults in the ranks to more women serving in combat to health care.”
The caucus is chaired and co-chaired by women veterans.
Memorial/Decoration Day Remembrance
Monday, May 27, 2019 | Category: History/Heritage - International
Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.
33 Fallen Service Members June 2018-May 2019
Monday, May 27, 2019 | Category: History/Heritage - National
Thirty-three volunteer service members lost their lives in overseas conflicts June 2018-May 2019. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) invite all to join them in a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time every Memorial Day. The IAVA “#GoSilent” campaign began in 2011.
22nd Annual Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues & Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
The “22nd Annual Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony” will be hosted at “the Women’s Memorial,” Arlington Cemetery, Washington D.C.
As information becomes available, it will be posted on this site.
Conference Sparks Dialogue on Preventing Sexual Violence at Service Academies, Colleges
Thursday, April 4, 2019 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
Military service secretaries and service academy superintendents along with other higher education academic leaders and experts met at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland this week. The intent of the conference was “to find ways to prevent sexual violence and to share initiatives that have shown promise.” This “National Discussion on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at America’s Colleges, Universities, and Service Academies” is the first-ever national meeting addressing this subject. Over 300 attended, about 10 percent of the 1200 invited universities were represented.
In January 2019, the results of a survey showed a 50 percent rise in claims of sexual assault and harassment at the military service academies.
Examining the Role of the Commander in Sexual Assault
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
On April 2, 2019, the House Armed Services Committee hosted two panels composed of military justice reform advocates, military sexual assault survivors and military Judge Advocates. Congresswoman Jackie Spier made opening remarks, noting that the number of reported sexual assaults in the military continues to rise significantly while prosecutions and convictions have decreased. The American Bar Association along with Protect Our Defenders reinforced their position that until the decision to prosecute is made by independent attorneys and not military commanders with convening authority, there will not be an impartial military justice system free of retaliation and wrongful discharges for military personnel.
Women’s History Month 2019
Friday, March 1, 2019 | Category: History/Heritage - National
The month of March is national “Women’s History Month,” a time dedicated to learn more about women and recognize their innumerable lifetime contributions. Women with military service are a vibrant part of this memorable journey.
Welcome Kit for Department of Veterans Affairs
Friday, January 11, 2019 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - International
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) “Welcome Kit” offers veterans, their families and caregivers a step-by-step guide to VA services and benefits, contacts and eligibility information. After becoming familiar with what is available, reach in to the VA contact to gather more information, verify eligibility and move forward with their assistance.
This kit is printable...please share with others who inquire about how the VA may help them or someone they know.
Need to Know: These New UCMJ Laws Start Jan. 1, 2019
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 | Category: Military Justice - International
Amy Bushatz reported the following in her Military.com article:
“A series of sweeping reforms and updates to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) kick in on Jan. 1, 2019, including the addition of some crimes, an expansion of victims' rights and standardizing the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers on some military bases.
Many of the changes, which stemmed in part from Joint Chiefs of Staff recommendations made in 2013, were ordered in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Put into policy early this year through an executive order from President Donald Trump, they bring what Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee during the 2017 NDAA process, called the "most significant reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice since it was enacted six decades ago."”