Legacy of Pride, Patriotism, and Service.

Gender-specific medical care, mental health and sexual trauma services, the changing role of women in the military, and the effectiveness of the VA benefits delivery system were featured prominently at the third National Summit on Women Veterans Issues. The aim of the three-day conference was to provide a foundation for developing and improving policies and procedures responsive to the range of issues affecting women veterans.

National Commander Alan W. Bowers praised summit participants and organizers for their commitment to the women who have "served and sacrificed for our nation and to preserve our cherished freedoms." He noted that the summit's theme, "A Legacy of Pride, Patriotism, and Service," is particularly relevant as participants examine such topics as women's health issues in the combat theater; the changing roles of women in the military; employment programs; homelessness among women veterans; and health care programs and services for women veterans.

"Women have a proud tradition of service in every branch of the military and are eligible for the full range of benefits and services available to all veterans," said Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman. "But it is clear that programs and services necessary to meet the specific needs of women veterans certainly have significant implications for the VA and veterans service organizations."

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi said women comprise the fastest growing segment of the veteran population. Noting that "patriotism recognizes no gender," he said the VA is committed to ensuring that "America's daughters, like her sons, receive the highest quality of health care, benefits, and services."

According to the 2000 census, there are 1.2 million women living veterans, nearly 5% of the total veteran population. By 2010, the VA estimates that figure will climb to well over 10%.

"The issues discussed and recommendations stemming from those discussions will help the VA and other federal agencies improve existing programs and develop new approaches to meeting the gender-specific needs of women veterans," said Assistant National Legislative Director Joy J. Ilem, the DAV's summit coordinator.

Nearly 250 participants attended the summit co-sponsored by the VA Center for Women Veterans, VA Employee Education System, AMVETS, the DAV and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Summit participants included federal and state agency representatives, congressional staff, veterans service providers, and women veterans from across the country.

VA's Director for the Center for Women Veterans Irene Trowell-Harris noted that women veterans are entitled to the same VA benefits as male veterans. The VA also offers gender-specific services and benefits, including breast and pelvic examinations, and preventive care such as contraceptive services, menopause management, Pap smears, reproductive counseling, and mammography.

During the summit officials from the VA, Department of Defense, Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services and representatives from veterans service organizations provided participants an overview of federal programs for women veterans and offered insights into future initiatives.

Summit participants cited persistent obstacles that hamper women veterans' ability to access benefits and services. To overcome some of those obstacles, the VA and veterans service organizations need to improve outreach efforts specifically targeted toward informing women veterans about programs and services they may be eligible for or how to apply for those benefits. Another is that the VA needs to do more to provide an atmosphere conducive to meeting the unique needs of women veterans.

Improving access to services offers a partial solution to some of the problems women veterans face, but improved training throughout the VA is needed to instill greater understanding and sensitivity toward issues affecting women veterans. This is especially evident when it comes to women veterans seeking benefits and treatment for sexual trauma. Summit participants were critical of VA staff and veterans service organizations alike for a lack of understanding about issues affecting women veterans.

Participants agreed on a critical need for specialized training to help benefits counselors and adjudicators better understand issues related to claims for sexual assault and trauma and resulting residual disabilities.

Women now make up 15% of America's total active-duty force and serve in virtually every military occupational specialty and are deployed to combat theaters in greater numbers than ever before. More than 15,000 American service women have been deployed to Iraq, for example.

Particularly appropriate to the theme, "A Legacy of Pride, Patriotism, and Service," the summit luncheon's keynote speaker was Amy Nathan, author of a new book for younger readers, Count on Us: American Women in the Military. The book is a look back at the long history of women serving in our nation's military.

Nathan noted that American women have chosen to serve in the military for a range of reasons over the years: to be close to their husbands, to travel or to find new career opportunities. But most served out of a sense of patriotism. She hopes her book will remind readers that ordinary women can make a huge contribution to their country, and the sacrifices they make in the process.

"While significant progress has been made in meeting the unique needs of women, much more needs to be done," said Gorman. "The National Summit on Women Veterans Issues is necessary to help focus attention on the wide range of concerns shared by veterans as a whole and the issues of particular concern to women veterans."

It is anticipated that the VA will release a formal report on the summit's proceedings in January 2005.

J. Patrick Kelly, president of Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals, second from left, receives a recognition award in appreciation of Pfizer's sponsoring a reception during the National Summit on Women Veterans Issues. Making the presentation are, from left, Robert Wallace, Executive Director of VFW's Washington office; Velma R. Hart, AMVETS National Finance Director; and Joy J. Hem, DAV Assistant National Legislative Director.