May 2024 Newsletter

May 2024

In the News

Thank you to all of those who participated in our annual Women Veterans Network Conference this week! Whether you joined us in Leominster or virtually, we hope you found solidarity among our incredible community of servicewomen as we all honored our journeys.

Special thanks to our exhibitors, opening ceremony participants, and esteemed speakers, including Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll, Executive Office of Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Keynote Speakers Rashaun Morris and Jooyi Ryan, Senator John Cronin, Representatives Natalie Higgins and Joan Meschino, and Leominster Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella.

We're already looking forward to next year! To share feedback about the conference, please email us at EOVSWomenVets@mass.gov.

Jessica Frost

Director, Women Veterans Network

Rev. Michelle Durkee delivered a powerful invocation to begin the conference.

Attendees listened intently to an inspiring keynote speech from Rashaun Morris.

Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll sits with Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago and Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett.

Keynote Speaker Rashaun Morris, USCG, Master Chief Petty Officer (Ret.), poses with Rev. Dr. Sandra Gatlin Whitley, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (Ret.).

Attendees browsed the tables of more than 50 exhibitors, including the American Red Cross.

Exhibitors including Project New Hope provided attendees with information about their programs.

View a Photo Slideshow

Women Veterans Survey

Complete the Survey

Upcoming Military Observances

VE (Victory in Europe) Day - May 8

Military Spouse Appreciation Day – May 10

Armed Forces Week - May 11 - 18

Children of Fallen Patriots Day - May 13

Armed Forces Day - May 18

Maritime Day - May 22

Memorial Day – May 27

PTSD Awareness Month - June

Memorial Day, a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May, commemorates the men and women who died while in military service.

WVN-Sponsored Events

Women Veterans Recognition Luncheon: Your Time

On June 12th, we recognize your service and explore self-care. Keynote Speaker Lovelle Seymour from UMass Boston will share her own journey of healing through self-care.

Deborah Sampson Award Ceremony

On June 13th, we will honor this year’s Deborah Sampson Award recipient. The award recognizes a female veteran who has gone above and beyond to serve her fellow women veterans.

Other Veteran Events

Memorial Day Cookout

Join the Veterans Association of Bristol County - VABC as they fire up the grills and gather for delicious food and fellowship. Veterans of every background are welcome to come relax, eat, and enjoy the cookout!

Details

Thursday, May 23

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Veterans Association of Bristol County - VABC

755 Pine Street

Fall River, MA 02720

Learn More

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 emailing the EOVSWomenVets@mass.gov.

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.