Throughout American history, women have been an integral part of the U.S.
military, serving since the time of the American Revolution.
Some women even fought in combat by disguising themselves
as men during both the American Revolution and Civil War.
However, women who were disabled during the Civil War, Spanish-American War
and World War One had to fight for the right to receive proper
care and treatment at Veteran hospitals and care homes.
In 2023, we commemorate a significant milestone:
100 years since women Veterans began receiving health care services at VA.
We pay tribute to all those who have devoted their efforts tirelessly
over the years to ensure that the women who served our country are provided
with the health care they earned and deserve.
On September 14th, 1923,
VA's predecessor, the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, approved
its first hospital spaces
for women Veterans who served as nurses during World War One.
These spaces were at the soldier's home
in Danville, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Of the 52,000 women Veterans in America following World War One
25% were either totally or partially disabled and therefore eligible for care.
By the time the National homes became part of VA in 1930,
more hospitals had been constructed and opened to care for all Veterans.
1945.
VA began hiring women physicians who specialized
in the care of women Veterans.
1946.
Dr. Margaret D. Craighill became VA's first chief medical consultant on women
Veterans medical care and appointed the first ten women doctors at VA
to treat women Veterans.
1948.
The Women's Armed Services Integration Act allowed women
the right to permanently serve in the regular Armed Forces.
It also limited the proportion of women in the military to
2% of the enlisted force and 10% of officers.
This limit was repealed in 1967.
1973.
With the end of the draft, the removal of the limit
on women in service and the beginning of the all volunteer force
the military began recruiting more women because there were not enough
qualified men volunteers to meet the needs of a volunteer military.
At that time, there were approximately 45,000 women
serving on active duty.
1983.
The Veterans Health Care amendments to Title 38 created the National Advisory
Committee on Women Veterans to assess Women Veteran issues
and make recommendations to improve health care for women.
1988.
To expand on needed services for women across VA,
Toni Lawrie helped establish the Well Woman's Clinic at Bay Pines, Florida.
She and Peggy Mikelonis, both Army nurses in Vietnam,
began hosting weeklong innovative training programs for the role
that would become Women Veterans Program Managers.
VA's National Women Veterans Health Program was established
under the leadership of Dr. Susan Mather.
1990.
The VA in Saginaw, Michigan, was renamed after Aleda Lutz
becoming the first VA facility named after a woman Veteran.
This represents an important step
in recognizing the significance of women Veterans.
The early 1990s were a historic time for women in the military.
With over 40,000 women deployed in support of the Gulf War,
making women service members more visible in the public eye.
1992.
The Defense Authorization Act repealed combat exclusion laws
that prevented women from flying combat aircraft.
VA continued to expand gender specific services
and general reproductive health care to eligible women Veterans.
VA also began providing counseling and treatment for conditions
related to sexual assault or harassment that happened to Veterans during
their time in service.
1996.
The first National Summit on Women Veterans issues was held, marking
the first time women Veterans from across the nation had the opportunity
to come together with policymakers and VA leaders.
2001.
Following 9/11, the population of women in the military deploying
and serving in combat grew rapidly, as did their visibility
partially due to the availability of media coverage. Throughout the 2000s,
as women became the fastest growing demographic in the Veteran population.
2008.
To ensure each VA maintains and builds upon health programs
for women Veterans, VA establishes a full time Women
Veterans Program Manager position at each medical center.
2010.
VA policy mandates at least one woman's health care provider at every site of care
so women Veterans do not always have to travel to a main hospital for their specific care.
2011.
To spread awareness about VA health care services for women Veterans,
The Women Veterans Call Center was launched.
2013.
Department of Defense removed gender based barriers to service,
opening the door for women to serve in all roles of the military.
2017.
To improve women Veterans experiences at VA
medical centers and make facilities welcoming for all.
VA implemented end harassment programs.
2022.
Three more VA medical facilities were named in honor of women
who had exceptional achievements during their service.
VA's mission never stops growing, changing and adapting
to ensure that every Veteran can feel like they belong.
VA has recently made an important change to support this inclusion.
Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Today we're bringing our mission statement into the moment, embracing the fullest
meaning of President Lincoln's sentiments,
promise and unquenchable passion
to care for every single Veteran.
Going forward,
VA's mission statement will read “To fulfill President
Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military
and for their families, caregivers
and survivors.”
In the United States today
there are approximately 2 million women Veterans with over 600,000 of them
receiving quality medical care
from specially trained staff at VA facilities each year.
Now more than ever, women Veterans belong at VA.
We encourage you to see for yourself all the progress
VA has made in caring for women Veterans over the last 100 years.
To read more about the historical advances VA has made in women's
health care, visit womenshealth.va.gov/history