WVN June 2024 Newsletter

June 2024

In the News

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather. June is a very special month for several reasons. June 12^th of every year is designated as Women Veterans Recognition Day in Massachusetts in honor of the Women Armed Services Integration Act signed by President Truman in 1948. In honor of this day, and for all women who have and continue to serve, we will host the Deborah Sampson Award Ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on June 13^th, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Come join us as we learn the story of Deborah Sampson, honor women veterans and recognize the many contributions to support veterans by Mary-dith Tuitt, U.S. Navy Veteran (pictured).

Additionally, June is LGBTQ+ Pride month in recognition of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, New York. Since 2011, openly gay, lesbian and bisexual service personnel have been permitted to serve in the military. For those that served prior, many faced other than honorable discharges. EOVS now has the Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) for veteran that received a less than honorable discharge and believe it was based on one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. For state benefits, such as Chapter 115, they may file an appeal with VERB.

June is also PTSD Awareness month. Please visit our website for health, mental health and wellbeing resources at the federal, state and community partner levels. You can also visit the National Center for PTSD for more information and connections to resources.

Wishing you a beautiful June!

Jessica Frost

Director, Women Veterans Network

WVN Featured Event

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. Online registration is now closed, but you mail email EOVSWomenVets@mass.gov to be added to the waitlist.

WVN-Sponsored Events

Thank you so much for your interest in this event! The maximum number of registrations for this event has been met, so the link no longer works. If you would like to be added to a wait list, please email EOVSWomenVets@mass.gov.

Upcoming Military Observances

PTSD Awareness Month - June

Women Veterans Day - June 12

Army Birthday - June 14

U.S. Flag Day - June 14

Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday - June 23

PTSD Awareness Day - June 27

Other Veteran Events

Career Workshops & Trainings

Federal, State & Nonprofit Resources

MA Veteran Benefits

MA Veteran Programs

Find Your Local VSO

Established last September, the Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) provides an application process for certain veterans discharged under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) policy, and recommend their eligibility for state-based veteran benefits. If you think you qualify, or know someone who might, please visit the website for more information.

Veteran Transition Toolkit

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 list of all of the resources available to you. Sections highlight everything from housing and healthcare to education and employment.

Download the PDF

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.

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.