DT | History of Women in Service

From the Revolutionary War to the present, women have shaped our military and the history of our Nation. They served valiantly and died in every major war and conflict throughout our Nation’s history. They have served honorably in peacetime, in the United States and abroad. Every woman who served has paved the way for her fellow Service members.

Throughout the decades, female Service members have risen through the ranks, despite the challenges, and have demonstrated their abilities while serving in a variety of occupations. They welcome the expansion of military occupational opportunities on women serving in combat. From serving as cooks, seamstresses, and launderers during the Revolutionary War to multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and continuing to serve, women Veterans are an important part of our history and our future.​

Women are the fastest growing subgroup of the veteran population. Today women comprise 16.2% of active duty service members, representing a 219% increase over the last 19 years. The women who serve alongside their male counterparts continue to impact our country. "These women use the skills and experiences from their military service to make achievements in their careers, contributions to their communities, and to become public service leaders."

During this session, attendees will learn about the historical aspects of women in the military and the ways that they continue to impact communities as veterans. 
 

Speaker Bio: 

Currently Dr. Janet Porter uses her leadership expertise to provide care to our nation’s veterans, with a particular focus on serving women veterans.  Janet brings her many years of experience in health care to every role she occupies, at the bedside, educating the public, or bringing current research into the practice setting.  She holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Avila University and a master of science, and doctor of nursing practice from the University of Missouri at Columbia.  She has held a wide variety of positions in private and academic health care settings and currently works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she enjoys the opportunity to lead women veterans’ health care throughout the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.  Janet lives in the Kansas City area with her husband Steve.