Central Virginia VA honors 75th Anniversary of women in the U.S. military
Central Virginia VA Health Care System held a symposium at the Virginia War Memorial, June 12 to honor Women Veterans and to celebrate the historic Women's Armed Services Integration Act.
President Harry Truman signed the monumental act into law June 12, 1948, allowing women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the newly formed Air Force. This year, the 75th anniversary of this pivotal moment was recognized and celebrated.
“Today had some great discussions for Women Veterans,” said Joyce Miller, Women Veterans Coordinator for several local American Legion posts. “I loved what people had to say.”
Phil Liles, morning radio host with Virginia Public Media, and herself an Air Force Veteran emceed the event. Several guest speakers, including U.S. Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia’s 4th District, representatives from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Office of Women's Health, and Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret) Michele Jones, provided inspirational and informational discussions throughout the event.
Through fireside chats, breakout sessions, informational tables, and several panel discussions, topics that affect Women Veterans of the past, present, and future were addressed, creating a valuable and informative experience for the more than 350 people in attendance.
During the opening fireside chat, Dr. Tabitha Sierra, Assistant Director at Central Virginia VA Health Care System told a personal story about her first job in the Marines, a small arms repairer.
“I put armor on and thought I had to prove that I was tougher than my male counterparts, but the armor only kept me from seeking help when I needed it,” Sierra said. “I was afraid to ask for help because I didn’t want to be seen as weak.
“The armor was meant to be protective, but there were times where it caused more harm than it did good,” she said. “I encourage you to let the armor down and ask for help because asking for help is not a sign of weakness.”
At the time, women armorers were not abundant in the Marines and many of the ones who attended this school and became armorers faced uphill battles in the male-dominated job field. Sierra sought to prove the field was not only for males and graduated first in her class.
Between sessions attendees were able to explore the state’s memorial to Veterans and talk with the many informational tables and resources available.
Another notable moment came from Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Michele Jones. She amassed a number of “firsts” during her 25-year military career. Jones became the first woman in U.S. Army's history to serve as a division command sergeant major and the first Black woman to serve as the command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Reserves.
During the morning panel discussion, a woman in attendance shared a story of personal struggle. Jones spoke up to let the woman know there were people in the audience who could help her now. Jones then asked those audience members to stand up and introduce themselves.
“It has been a fantastic event,” Jones said. “Full of inspiration, education, motivation and the purging of emotions.”
For women Veterans to be able to attend and open up to seek help takes compassion from everyone, Jones said.
“My sisters here today held strong,” she added. “It’s a safe space and that says a lot.”
The Central Virginia VA Health Care System offers an array of specialized services to both women and male Veterans. For more information, or to apply for health care services, visit VA Richmond Health Care | Veterans Affairs