James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Serves Breakfast for Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration
TAMPA, Fl. — Women Veterans were celebrated at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital on June 12 in honor of Women Veterans Recognition Day.
The event themed “Women Leading with Purpose, Presence and Impact” featured prominent speakers: Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Tara McKinnie; Courtney Jackson, CEO of Paragon Cyber Solutions; Theresa Sullivan, chief of quality management at JAHVH; Edie Hanley, esteemed leading knight of the Tampa Elks; and Christine Glover, City of Tampa’s military and Veteran liaison, who shared their experiences and perspectives on military service.
The program, coordinated by the Women Veterans Program and Chaplain Services, honored the sacrifices and achievements made by Women Veterans. A solemn moment of silence and lit tea light candles paid tribute to those who have passed on, led by Chaplain Tanya James-Foster. Women Veterans Program Support Assistant and Air Force Veteran, Ashley Sard also welcomed participants and spoke about the significance of gathering. Those in attendance also took the White Ribbon VA Pledge against harassment, sexual assault and intimate partner and domestic violence led by Women’s Health Medical Director Dr. Dana Glenn, who gave the opening remarks.
She was followed by a lineup of powerful women in leadership roles who discussed how important each woman in the room, and all Women Veterans, are to the Armed Forces, their families, and beyond.
Glover presented a proclamation in acknowledgment of National Women Veterans Recognition Day from City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor commending the breakfast’s theme “Women Leading with Purpose, Presence and Impact”. Referring to an impressive biography of accomplishments that she used to motivate and encourage the veterans in attendance, Glover shared a story of how her mother worked in cotton fields and was not able to accomplish her dream of becoming a teacher.
"Watch me," were the two powerful words her mother said in response. Glover used dedication and tenacity to propel achievements.
Jackson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be present and to continue serving her country.
"It is truly an honor to be surrounded by so many incredible women who have given so much to the women we are," she said, highlighting how we can lead our own lives thanks to the involvement of women in the military. "We have all come a long way in our lives thanks to the women before us, and we are setting the example for the women following in our footsteps."
McKinnie, while reflecting on her service in the Air Force, shared admiration for her predecessors and the women who will join in the future.
"We are here to stay, to keep achieving," McKinnie said, emphasizing the pride and camaraderie she experienced during her time in service.
Sullivan shared the impact her Air Force experiences had on her. She spoke of the experiences women face at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. She reflected on the experiences she encountered while serving in the Air Force and how they shaped her into the leader she became while on active duty and every day thereafter.
Women have been an integral part of the military for over 50 years, serving in various roles and achieving excellence at all ranks even before the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 passed. Their dedication, service, and contributions to the Armed Forces have been essential in upholding the values of service and commitment.
The Women Veterans Recognition Breakfast at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital served as a platform to celebrate and underline the service of women veterans, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the military community. As the nation continues to honor Women Veterans Month, events like these highlight the invaluable role of women in the armed forces and showcase their unwavering commitment to serving their country.