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AUSTIN, TX – The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act enacted by the U.S. on June 12, 1948, allows women to serve as regular members of the military. Prior to that, women in the military joined as volunteers in clerical roles, as nurses, or in special, temporary units such as Women’s Army Corps during WWII. As such, they were not eligible for veteran benefits after service.
Today, women serve in all military occupational specialties, including logistics, munitions, intelligence and combat.
Women Veterans Day on June 12 recognizes the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act being signed into law. The State of Texas formally established Women Veterans Day in 2017.
Find events and activities observing and celebrating Women Veterans Day around Texas. Additionally, women veterans can get connected with others year-round with TVC’s Women Veterans Program.
Texas has the highest women veteran population in the nation with over 207,500 women veterans. The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) encourages women who have served to claim the benefits they have earned. These include education benefits, disability compensation, health care and more. TVC’s Women Veterans Program can assist with accessing benefits and connecting with other women veterans. Additionally, the program addresses needs, issues and topics of women who served.
“Women who served in the military should understand they are veterans and should claim the benefits they have earned,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. “Otherwise they could miss out on opportunities to further their education with the G.I. Bill or Hazelwood Act, getting assistance to find meaningful employment, or accessing affordable health care. Also, there’s compensation to claim for service connected decreases in ability.”
Thank a veteran for their service.
Helping veterans starts here. The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior service that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC assists veterans with receiving their benefits, provides funding to agencies which provide direct services to veterans and provides administration of the Hazlewood Act education benefits. Learn more at www.tvc.texas.gov.
