Annville, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is holding a new series of free listening sessions for women veterans to learn about the challenges they face and highlight resources available to support them after they move from military to civilian life.
The sessions build on the department’s work to improve post-military access to benefits, ensure financial stability and increase a sense of belonging and visibility for the more than 64,000 women veterans across the state. Women make up about 10% of the total veteran population, and the number of women veterans is trending toward 16% by 2043, according to the department.
“Women are the fastest growing demographic of veterans in the nation. It’s important that we focus on them now and work to understand their needs and challenges related to post military service,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the department. “These listening sessions will empower women veterans to elevate their community presence, openly share their insights, and drive meaningful, lasting progress.”
“Women veterans deal with unique challenges when exiting the military. Whether it is health care or just not being acknowledged and appreciated as veterans, women face an uphill battle,” said Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta, the department’s special adviser for women and minority veterans. “It is important that we listen to what they have to say, so we as a commonwealth and nation properly support, recognize, and care for our women veterans as they continue to grow in numbers.”
Three sessions are scheduled this year, with more in the works for next year. Women veterans can register for and attend these listening sessions:
Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.: Mellon Heritage Veteran Outreach & Wellness Center, 2142 Freeport Road, North EastNov. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St., LancasterNov. 22, 2-4 p.m.: American Legion Gardner Werner Post 154, 14515 State Route 3001, Montrose
Registration for the free sessions is online.
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