News
The Surprising Fear That Created the USO
Thursday, February 4, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - National
On February 4th 75 years ago the United Service Organizations (USO) became a Congressionally-chartered corporation when six civilian organizations joined forces on behalf of the U.S. military. In 1941, over 1.1 million people enlisted during the first-ever peacetime draft in preparation for WWII. Communities near military bases were concerned about what the men would do while waiting to deploy. Additionally, there was a military medical officer's fear that enlisted men were "susceptible to the warm comforts of loose women who would ply them with alcohol and seduce them into bad habits and diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea." The USOs "made sure its centers were squeaky clean." Many performers died during their volunteer USO service. Today, there are over 160 volunteer-staffed USOs and it has its own Congressional caucus.
"Full Frontal" with Samantha Bee to Spotlight Women Veterans on TBS February 8, 2016/10:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - National
In Samantha Bee's premiere TBS episode of the new late night talk show, “Full Frontal,” she investigates how the needs of women veterans will be met at the Veterans Administration given that combat jobs will now be open to them. Dr. Jackie Maffucci, Research Director at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, offers her perspective on servicewomen and how they're treated as veterans in advance of the February 8, 2016, 10:30 p.m., TBS premier.
Miracle Quilts Create Quilts for Wounded Troops
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Combat - California
Veteran Marissa Strock was injured 10 years ago while serving as in the military police in Afghanistan, when she was injured 10 years ago. Carole Carroll presented Marissa with a homemade quilt made by volunteers from "The Miracle Quilts-Quilts for Our Wounded Troops" group. If interested in quilting, call Carole at 248-321-8669 or e-mail MiracleQuilts@att.net.
Female Pilots of World War II Deserve Same Honors as Men
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - National
More than 12 million Americans (11 percent of the population) were in the United States military in 1945. Some were women who served stateside and overseas. Some were pilots. In 1977, women veterans were granted veteran status with the same status and benefits as their male colleagues. Forty years later, the Army decided that the "women pilots’ status as veterans doesn’t entitle them to burial spots in Arlington National Cemetery." These Walla Walla, Washington editors believe it is wrong and disgraceful.
EXCLUSIVE: Miss Veteran America Contestant Combats Veteran Homelessness
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - Georgia
The competition benefits a nonprofit organization called “Final Salute” who provides suitable and safe housing for women veterans experiencing homelessness. More than 300 homeless women veterans in 15 states have been assisted by "Final Salute." Sally Rejas, a semi-finalist contestant in the 2016 Ms. Veteran America competition shared that the contestants are often asked why they are speaking only on behalf of homeless women veterans. She shares that the Department of Veterans Affairs does not have many homeless women veteran programs.
We Need More Women in the Military
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Category: Combat - National
U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton says "Yes" women should be allowed to compete for all military jobs. The fact that only 23 percent of America's youth is eligible to serve in the military is not his focus. He believes that a more diverse organization "works better." General Eaton stated: "The argument from opponents of opening up jobs to women principally is focused on whether the military can handle such a change. If the past has taught us one thing, it is not only that our military can handle integration, but arguments to the contrary from the time, look foolish now."
Military Officials: Women Should Register for Draft — Just Like Men
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Category: Department of Defense - National
In a February 2, 2016 Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Gen. Robert B. Neller, the Marine Corps Commandant, stated they supported women registering for the draft now that all combat jobs are open to women. Today, men between the ages of 18 and 26 who legally reside in the U.S. are required to register with the Selective Service.
Austin Female Veterans Weigh in on Draft Registration Proposal
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Category: Department of Defense - Texas
Two women veterans from Austin, Texas share their continued pride of serving in the U.S. military. Regarding women's eligibility for the draft, one fully supports the change and believes it is a duty of citizenship. The other offers that it depends on an individual's interests and motivations.
Expanded Opportunities for Women in Combat Roles Strengthen Armed Forces
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Category: Combat - National
The Department of Labor Women's Bureau recognized the significance of Secretary of Defense Carter's decision to open 100% of military occupations to servicewomen who qualify and meet specific standards. This change opens 52 occupations and opens pipelines to the most senior leadership jobs. In 2014, 15% of the active duty force was women with about 7 percent serving in the highest ranks of the officer corps. The Bureau plans to continue to work towards removing artificial barriers to women’s success, cultivating respectful workplace cultures with flexibility policies, and recruiting, retaining, and promoting women "based on their raw talent alone."
The Problem With This New Step For Women
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | Category: Department of Defense - National
Author Sally Kohn offers her perspective about equality and how it is applied to the requirement of men and women registering under a military selective service act and an active draft. She notes that while freedom isn't free, the decision of whether or not someone should risk their life to defend it should not be forced on them any more than the military being forced on men and women "because of a lack of meaningful alternatives--whether for a livable wage, college funding, or access to immigration."