Women Veterans in State Service Honorees
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The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognized women veterans who are now state government personnel. The recognition ceremony, held at the Miller Branch Library in Ellicott City, was one of several events planned to celebrate Women Veterans Day on June 12. The department selected eight women out of 50 nominations from four agencies including the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Department of Health, Public Service Commission, and Maryland Environmental Service.
Organized by the MDVA Women Veterans Inclusion Program, the event brought together federal, state, and local organizations to share valuable information with service members, veterans, and families. In addition to many resources, a COVID-19 vaccination mobile clinic and the U.S. Mobile Vet Center were onsite.
“Women have bravely served in the military since the Revolutionary War and it is no surprise that some of today’s women veterans continue to serve in state government,” said Governor Hogan. “This recognition ceremony raises awareness of the service of women veterans and honors their commitment to our nation and state.”
This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. Maryland is one of many states who now recognize June 12 as Women Veterans Day. MDVA will host a virtual women veterans conference June 8-9. The conference will highlight county-based women veteran initiatives on June 8 and education on valuable resources for women veterans on June 9.
“We are delighted to honor women in state government who began their service in the military,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings. “We look forward to expanding our outreach to, and recognition of, the 55,000 women veterans who call Maryland home.”
For more information on the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Inclusion Program, visit veterans.maryland.gov/women-veterans-inclusion-program/.