As we commemorate Veterans Day, the Junior League Annapolis wanted to recognize the service of all who have defended our nation – including women in the military.

Women have proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces for centuries. Today, over 2 million female veterans make up 10% of the veteran population. There are over 10,000 women veterans in the state of Maryland.

Did You Know:

• As of 2021, women make up approximately 16% of the active-duty military and 19% of the National Guard and Reserve.
• Since 2016, women have been able to serve in all combat roles.
• Women have served in every major conflict in US history, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Women have played important roles in the military throughout history, including as nurses, pilots, intelligence officers, and military police. They have been awarded numerous military decorations for their service, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star.
• Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was the first woman to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military award in the United States, for her service as a surgeon during the Civil War. Women Veterans who made history! Our own Melanie Kincaid received an award named after her (as a spouse) for her volunteering efforts while stationed in Japan! 

Women Veterans Who Made History:

• Harriet Tubman – Born into slavery, Harriet became a conductor on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War, leading hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. What many don’t know is that she also served as a nurse, recruiter, and spy for the Union Army. Her role was so covert at the time that only President Lincoln knew about it!
• Deborah Sampson – In 1782, she disguised herself as a man and joined the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. She served for three years, taking part in several battles before her true identity was discovered.
• Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski was the first female pilot to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s premier flight demonstration team. She also served as an advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• Brigadier General Wilma Vaught served in the US Air Force for 28 years, rising to the rank of brigadier general. Vaught was also the first woman to deploy with the Strategic Air Command.
• Lori Robinson was the first woman to lead a major combatant command in the US military, serving as the commander of the US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

These trailblazers have bravely served, overcome barriers, and paved the way for greater equality.

On Veterans Day, we must honor the dedication and courage of our women veterans. We must also address the unique challenges they face.

Let’s celebrate the heroic women who have defended our country. We owe them, and all veterans, our gratitude. We would love to give a shout out to our league veterans Jacqueline McGuire, Cathy Popadiuk, and Crystal Staples, Megan Esposito and others. Please let us know if you’re a member of JLA and a veteran so we can add your name to the list.

To learn more about Women Veterans in Maryland and their Inclusion Program please visit Women Veterans/Inclusion Program (maryland.gov)