Women Veterans Day - here's why it matters.

Did you know that many States across our country have established Women Veterans Day to be celebrated on June 12? While it's not officially recognized nationwide, you will likely find your State on the growing list. Several organizations also acknowledge and celebrate this day.

Before the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, women worked tirelessly in various support roles for our military, but were restricted from serving as regular members of the Armed Forces and often faced discrimination and unequal treatment. However, with the arrival of World War II, women stepped forward in remarkable numbers to serve in the military, demonstrating extraordinary dedication and resilience. This important Act opened the door for women to overcome the gender barriers that had previously kept them from serving our country in an official capacity.

The purpose of this day is to bring attention to the inequalities in care, acknowledgment, and support that women Veterans faced throughout the years, and unfortunately may still face today. It also aims to highlight the increasing representation of women in the Armed Forces and the National Guard, while showing gratitude to women Veterans for their military dedication.?

Efforts are being made to make Women Veterans Day a nationally recognized holiday, with some lawmakers introducing resolutions to achieve this. Additionally, in 2020, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey presented a related resolution in the U.S. Senate.

In 2021, women constituted 17.3% of the active-duty force (231,741 members) and 21.4% of the National Guard and reserves (171,000 members), according to the US Department of Defense.

"The over 3 million women who have served in or with the armed forces since the American Revolution have contributed immensely to the strength and resilience of our armed forces,"?said'?Patricia Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy."

I am so honored to work alongside several women Veterans, such as Laura Torres, and especially proud of my sister Grace Campos-Mattia for her service and sacrifice during her time in the US Marine Corps and US Army!

Fun Facts:

• May, 1942: The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was established?
• July, 1942: The Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in the Navy was established?
• August, 1943: The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in the Army Air Forces was established?
• February, 1943: The Women’s Reserve of the Marine Corps was established

2022 Study by Military OneSource:?Women In The Military Demographics – 2022 Demographics Dashboards (militaryonesource.mil)

• Tabs include: Demographics, Family Life, Military Life