March is National Women History Month

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 13 March 2023 13 March 2023

Women today are an important part of the U.S. Military

(SANTA FE) – March is National Women’s History Month, set aside by Congress 36-years ago to commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Women today are an important component of our nation’s military. According to the latest U.S. Department of Defense data, women make up 17% of our nation’s active-duty force, totaling 231,741 members. 

From their inauspicious beginnings of merely performing mobile first aid and housekeeping chores for the Continental Army and various militias during our nation’s Revolutionary War, women in today’s military now perform the same duties alongside men on the ground in combat zones, in the skies overhead, and on the waters offshore of combat zones.

“Women serving in our military have come a long way from just simply tending to the needs of men,” said New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Secretary-Designate and retired New Mexico Army National Guard Colonel Donnie Quintana, a former brigade commander who was deployed to Afghanistan. “We now have women generals, admirals, fighter pilots, and special operations team members. Anywhere a man is sent, a woman can now also be expected to go.” 

The growing number of women service members is also reflected in our nation’s women veteran population. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are two million women veterans—11% of our nation’s 18.5 million veteran population. Here in New Mexico, nearly 12% (16,800) of our state’s 144,134 veterans are women.

“As our nation observes the contributions of women in our country, I want to thank those who have sacrificed to serve in our military,” said Secretary Quintana. “I was proud to lead and serve alongside women and am now proud to help women veterans file for their earned post-service veterans benefits.”

Women veterans are encouraged to contact DVS to file VA claims or apply for state veterans benefits by calling (505) 827-6300 or by email at nmdvs.info@dvs.nm.gov. 

The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services

The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) provides support and services to New Mexico’s 148,000 veterans and their families. DVS treats every veteran, regardless of their rank achieved during military service, with the respect and gratitude befitting someone who has served our country. We strive every day to live up to our agency’s official motto: Serving Those Who Served.

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