I’ll start by saying I’m guilty. I’ve talked to literally thousands of veterans in the last ten years to help them connect and find their benefits and I’m sure I missed a few – all because they weren’t men. Why? It’s definitely not a lack of women serving because, according to a recent survey, there are over 214,000 women currently serving in the military. Averaging in all of the branches, the percentage is close to 15%. The lowest percentage is the Marine Corps with 6.8% while the Air Force has 19.1%. Add in the numbers for the Reserves and National Guard and you can factor in almost another 600,000 women. Oh, and let’s not forget those who have already served because that brings another 2,051,484 million women who have served their country into play. (VA)

I missed them because they were women. The plain and simple truth is that as a nation we are still focusing on the 85% and not the 15%. Let’s pause here, shall we? The reality is that most of the resources go towards our men who are serving and those who have served. As they should since they make up the the majority of our Armed Forces and veteran population. However, the same level of support for our women in uniform and our veterans should be equally available. I believe this is the core problem.

As a nation, the majority still think of our military as a path mostly for men. One of the reasons is that this is the way it has been for centuries. Women either had to sneak into the military like Deborah Sampson (History.org) or have supporting roles such as the women who served in all wars up until World War II. It wasn’t until Congress passed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948 that women were granted permanent status in the military, subject to military authority and regulations and entitled to veterans benefits.

And G.I. Jane has been fighting for rights and benefits ever since. Fast forward to today where 2017 is knocking on the door and women are hesitant to visit their local VA for healthcare. Why is this? Because some female veterans are being harassed by other veterans and staff, even before they enter the facility. In a women’s symposium, five female veterans stepped forward and gave first hand accounts of how they were poorly treated while going to get medical services at a local VA hospital.

Can you imagine serving your country honorably and then transitioning into a civilian world where most people overlook your service and sacrifice? Compound that with going to a military medical facility and being told that the parking is only for veterans – when you clearly have Disabled Veteran licence plates and a proper ID card. Or being followed down the hall to your appointment by someone who is stalking you. All of the female veterans stated how they were appalled by the behavior and more so that it continues to go on at a facility that should be a place for healing.