Women veterans spoke up at the Women Veterans Initiative on February 20 at the Toledo Main Library. This meeting was developed to learn more about the women veteran community in the Toledo area and identify their roles and discuss issues they face. This enlightening event raised the all-too-common problems of working through the VA system.
Chris Cremean led the program guiding the group through our website describing what services the organization provides to all veterans.
Fellowship was a topic brought up by an attendee. “I would just like to connect with other women vets, somebody I have something in common with, who understands what I’m talking about,” was heartfully shared with the group by Carol, a Vietnam veteran. Her concern for recognition of women veterans was apparent in the experiences she shared.
“We don’t look like vets, when I’m at the VA, they assume I’m waiting for my husband. I’m there for an appointment,” was disclosed by a Navy veteran as other women vets nodded in agreement.
Disappointment in searching for the right resources also surfaced. The main complaint was that information they searched for was old and out of date. It was agreed that more information, referrals and references are needed for this quickly expanding and respected group of veterans.
A question asked during the event was why family and friends of veterans were invited to this program. The organization believes that the issues veterans face have an impact on their domestic as well as professional life. Family members and friends who work and live with veterans can observe changes that are difficult for a veteran to express. They recognize subtle actions that may be unfamiliar to them and left questioning, “how can I help them” or “who could I call for help”.
Another topic highlighted was the change in the military service with 
women and the projected increase of the female veteran community by 2020. Preparedness was stated as a crucial component. The veteran attendees shared stories about navigating through life’s challenges for employment and voiced exasperation in finding resources and referrals.
Information about upcoming United States Vets Inc. events, especially the March’s job expo, along with material graciously provided by the Catherine Eberly Women’s Center (located at Tucker Hall on the campus of University of Toledo) and the Toledo Pubic Library were available.
