Dear Veteran Community,

Women in the Armed Forces have long played a vital and essential part in the defense of our country. They are currently the fastest-growing demographic within the Veteran Community and are enlisting in record numbers to protect the liberty and freedom that we enjoy. Roughly 15 percent of the US Armed Forces currently on Active Duty are women, and the population of female Veterans is expected to cross the 2,000,000 threshold this year. Today, they can serve in combat roles and the institutional barriers that have stood in their way are crumbling from the groundwork that was laid by those who went before them and allies.

Yet, for much of our history, women were not afforded the same rights as men. During the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, there were women so desperate to serve their country that they dressed as men to take part in the battle. For more than a century, women were relegated to the role of nurses or non-combat roles, and roadblocks were placed in the way of their advancement. It was only in 2013 that women were finally allowed to serve in units that were tasked with direct combat. Moreover, it was only last year that Congress passed a resolution acknowledging female Veterans by naming June 12th Women Veterans Appreciation Day.

Every day, women Veterans persevere and excel in the military and beyond. Utilizing the experience that they have gained from serving their country, female Veterans return home to invest in their families and lead their communities. This unique sisterhood of women consistently breaks glass ceilings, rises to the occasion, and answers the call. Although every female Veteran has a unique story to share, it is also critical that we collectively recognize the profound impact of their presence within the Armed Forces and honor the contributions that they have made to our country.

Thank you.

Warm Regards,
James

Commissioner James Hendon,
New York City Department of Veterans’ Services

Please follow us at www.nyc.gov/vets, on social media @nycveterans, or via email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov for the latest information regarding COVID-19's impact on NYC's veteran community.

To celebrate Women Veterans Appreciation Day we encourage everyone to listen to some of our favorite episodes of the SITREP NYC podcast:

Black Woman. Veteran. (In that Order)
This SITREP NYC episode is honest about discrimination in the military and is a true testament to the strength of black women who serve our country. Listen here. 

On the Ready: Stories of Motherhood in the Military
Our most recent episode features women veterans discussing parenthood in the military and sharing stories of family separation and loss. Listen here. 

Join DVS for a Virtual Veterans Advisory Board Meeting. DVS will discuss the new programs and initiatives launched to support NYC veterans during the COVID-19 crisis. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions to Commissioner James Hendon and DVS staff.

Please email questions to connect@veterans.nyc.gov before the start of the event. Participants can also chat questions during the meeting.

WHEN
Wednesday, June 24 | 5 - 9 pm

WHERE: Virtual Meeting Link 

The Veteran Voices Project (VVP) is our oral history initiative designed to preserve the stories of NYC's veterans. If you would like to document your story or volunteer as an interviewer, please contact Greg Williams at (646) 799-2743.

The special enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers looking to get health insurance through GetCoveredNYC ends on Monday, June 15th. To receive free enrollment assistance complete this form, call 311, or text CoveredNYC to 877877.

Stop Soldier Suicide pairs veterans with a Wellness Coordinator who provides personalized attention and develops a wellness plan customized to address a veteran's specific needs. Learn more here.

For a complete list of resources visit our COVID-19 Resource page.