In June of 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Services Act and in doing so ensured that women, not just men, would have the opportunity to serve in our nation’s armed services. Sixty-seven years later, female soldiers make up an increasingly large portion of the military – 14 percent of enlisted troops and 16 percent of commissioned officers.¹ While this is a sign of progress, it also means we must take more steps to provide for these servicewomen as they transition back into civilian life.

Recently, I was proud to join my colleagues in the state Assembly to celebrate New York’s women veterans by passing a resolution to proclaim June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day (K.664). The proceedings were an opportunity to pause and reflect on the brave contributions and sacrifices women have made and on the unique challenges they face in the military. That’s why I also helped pass a second resolution calling on New York’s representatives in Congress to pass the Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015 (K.562). This would expand the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide services specifically for women and ensure female veterans can get the comprehensive health care they deserve.

Fortunately, we’ve seen progress in this area already. Earlier this year, the Syracuse VA Medical Center opened a new Women Veterans Wellness Center specifically dedicated to serving women veterans here in Central New York. There, women can access a full array of services, including primary, reproductive and sexual trauma care. For more information on services offered to women veterans throughout New York State, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636).

For many veterans, an important part of the transition back to civilian life involves finding a stable career. A newly launched program at Syracuse University aims to help women veterans do just that. V-Wise or Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship offers training and support to women veteran’s looking to build on their service by opening their own businesses. Women interested in joining the program should visit whitman.syr.edu/vwise/apply.

For heroically serving our nation and protecting our freedoms, women veterans deserve our sincere gratitude. I’ll continue doing all I can to ensure our veterans have the support and honor they have courageously fought for and earned. As always, my door is open. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.

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