Women Veterans Network

April 2024

In the News

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, military families commonly move every two to three years. This can cause challenges for over one million military children and their parents. In recognition of the sacrifices that military children make, April is Month of the Military Child. Thank you to all the children of servicemembers who face new locations, new friends and school systems and, often, miss time with their parent who may be serving overseas. We are grateful for you!



Jessica Frost

Director, Women Veterans Network

Sponsored by the Women Veterans Network, the “Melting Back Into Society” photo exhibit paid tribute to and celebrated the diverse identities of women in the armed forces. Micaila Britto’s project--standing in the State House's Memorial Hall throughout Women's History Month--challenged societal perceptions of women veterans, urge a reevaluation of stereotypes, and embrace these remarkable individuals' multifaceted identities and contributions. Visit www.mass.gov/info-details/melting-back-into-society to see the portraits and read the stories of the 36 profiled veterans.

EOVS Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett served as the keynote speaker at the USS Massachusetts Medal of Honor Plaque Presentation on March 15, 2024. This year's recipients included U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ryan M. Pitts and U.S. Navy Captain Thomas G. Kelley (retired), who were honored for their extraordinary bravery and selflessness.

In late March, the Women Veterans Network co-sponsored screenings and discussions of “The Six Triple Eight” in honor of Women's History Month. The documentary recounts the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, African American soldiers from the Women’s Army Corps deployed to Europe during World War II.

Attendees of WVN's Billerica screening of the “The Six Triple Eight” documentary pose with Program Director Jessica Frost (far right).

Nominate a Female Veteran for the 2024 Deborah Sampson Award


Each year, the Deborah Sampson Award recognizes a Female Veteran who has gone above and beyond to serve her fellow Women Veterans. The deadline for nominations is April 26, 2024, so download the application today!


For inspiration, read more about last year's winner, Jenny D'Olympia.

Download the Nomination Form

Upcoming Military Observances

Air Force Reserve Birthday - April 14


Purple Up! Day - April 15


Army Reserve Birthday - April 23


National Military Brats Day - April 30


Month of the Military Caregiver - May


Nat'l Military Appreciation Month - May


Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) - first full week in May



Silver Star Service Banner Day - May 1

Over its 116-year history, the U.S. Army Reserve contributed to two World Wars, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and many other missions. Famous Army Reservists include Leonard Nimoy, John Fogerty, Alan Alda and Mel Brooks.

WVN-Sponsored Events

Other Veteran Events

Community Workout for Veterans


On April 9, join instructor Conor Murphy at Big Night CrossFit in Charlestown for a workout and networking event exclusively for veterans. This free class is open to all fitness levels and can be scaled to fit your needs. Register now because space is limited!


Tuesday, April 9 from 7:00-8:00 pm

Big Night Fitness

545 Medford St, Charlestown, MA 02129

Reserve Your Spot

Federal, State & Nonprofit Resources

MA Veteran Benefits

MA Veteran Programs

Find Your Local VSO

This 54-page Transition Toolkit will guide veterans through all of Massachusetts’ programs, services and benefits, whether you’re newly discharged and transitioning to civilian life in Massachusetts or a longtime veteran looking for a printable list of all of the resources available to you. Sections highlight everything from housing and healthcare to education and employment. Download your PDF copy today! (Note: you will need Adobe Acrobat in order to view and download this toolkit.)

Make Your Voice Heard


Your opinions matter! We value your feedback, suggestions, and ideas for enhancing the WVN experience. Let us know how we can better serve Massachusetts' women veterans by sending an email to EOVSWomenVets@mass.gov.


Email us

About the Women Veterans Network

Established in 1997, the Women Veterans Network (WVN) is a program within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Office of Veterans Services. The WVN seeks to serve as a primary resource for Massachusetts' military veterans, with a mission of increasing awareness of the federal, state and local benefits available to them. As part of its outreach mission, the WVM hosts a variety of events every year, including webinars, gatherings, the Women Veterans Appreciation Day, and an annual conference.

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