Believe it or not, women have been serving in the United States military for quite some time. Not just since last Tuesday. Not just in support roles. Not just “recently.”
Women have served in every major conflict since the Revolutionary War—often unofficially at first, sometimes disguised as men, later formally recognized. In 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act granted women permanent status in the regular and reserve forces. Fast forward a few decades and women now serve in every branch, in nearly every occupational specialty, including combat roles officially opened in 2013.
Which means—brace yourself—we have women Veterans… my mother included and many a CVSO.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, women are one of the fastest-growing groups within the Veteran population. As that population grows, so do the services designed specifically to meet their needs.
VA health care provides comprehensive primary care, preventive services, and specialty care tailored for women Veterans. This includes routine screenings such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, reproductive health services, maternity care coordination, menopause care, and treatment for conditions that may affect women differently than men.
Many VA facilities, including community-based outpatient clinics, have designated Women Veterans Program Managers. These individuals help coordinate care and ensure women Veterans receive gender-specific services in a setting that respects privacy, dignity, and comfort. If a particular service is not available at a local VA clinic, VA may authorize care in the community.
Mental health services are also a critical component. Women Veterans experience higher rates of certain conditions, including depression, anxiety, and the effects of military sexual trauma (MST). VA offers free, confidential MST-related care, and you may be eligible for that care even if you are not enrolled in VA health care or do not have a service-connected disability.
If you are a woman who served—even if it was one enlistment many years ago—you are a Veteran. VA health care is not reserved for someone else. It is not limited to combat arms. It is not dependent on whether you “feel Veteran enough.” If you wore the uniform and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, you should at least explore your eligibility.
Enrollment is free. There are no monthly premiums. You will not know what you qualify for unless you apply. Women Veterans in our region can learn more about services available through the Minneapolis VA Health Care System at: https://www.va.gov/minneapolis-healthcare/health-services/women-veteran-care/ or by calling the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636).
If you are a woman Veteran, please consider enrolling in VA health care. You have earned it. Programming note: Lake County and Cook County Veterans Services will be closed March 3-5.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall, Lake County Veterans Service Officers, 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@ co.cook.mn.us
