Dear Sister Veterans,

As the warmth of summer moves in, I am delighted to extend a heartfelt greeting from the Center for Women Veterans (CWV). This season offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and strength that you each bring to our community.

Summer is a time for renewal and joy, and I hope it fills your days with sunshine and happiness. Whether you are spending time with family, exploring new hobbies, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, I encourage you to make the most of this wonderful season.

With the rising temperatures, it is important to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining your health and well-being. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are spending time outdoors. Remember, hydration supports everything from your energy levels to your mental clarity. Let’s prioritize our wellness during these sunny months!
Click for more tips on how to stay safe in this heat.

What We’ve Been Doing

VA Augusta Veterans Expo

In May, the Center conducted outreach at the VA Augusta Veterans Expo in Augusta, Georgia. The event themed, “Supporting Those Who Served,” aimed to connect participants with resources that promoted financial stability, career opportunities, mental health, and wellness initiatives, and to help them plan for the future.

Our Outreach Program Manager, Ms. Michelle Terry, attended the VA Augusta Veteran Expo, where over 700 Veterans gathered! It was an incredible opportunity to connect, share valuable resources, and honor the service of our Veterans. Michelle had the chance to express her heartfelt passion for our mission and commitment to women Veterans.

In an interview, she shared:
"We want Veterans to TRUST and CHOOSE VA. We are here for them, and we want them to come back to the VA and make VA their home again."
Watch it here!

Partners and Stakeholders Meeting

Bi-Monthly CWV Partners & Stakeholders
On June 4, 2025, the Center for Women Veterans held its bi-monthly Partners and Stakeholders Meeting in Washington, D.C., bringing together organizations and advocates dedicated to supporting Women Veterans.

During the meeting, attendees received briefings from several partner organizations, including Student Veterans of America (SVA), the Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), and the National Alliance of Women Veterans. Each organization shared their ongoing advocacy efforts, current initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration to enhance services and support for Women Veterans.
For more information on how to become a Partner, you can check out our website.

Celebrating Women Veterans Recognition Day

Women Veterans Recognition Day is observed annually on June 12th to honor the contributions and sacrifices of women in the U.S. military and commemorates the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which President Harry S. Truman signed into law on June 12, 1948.

On June 5, 2025, the Executive Director, Ms. Jacquie Hayes-Byrd, and the Outreach Program Manager, Ms. Michelle Terry, attended an event hosted by the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Women Veterans/Inclusion Program that focused on self-care and awareness. Ms. Hayes-Byrd gave an inspiring message about the importance of self-care.

Honoring Women Veterans

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Ms. Jacquie Hayes-Byrd and Acting Deputy Director Ms. Ana Claudio attended a memorable ceremony alongside 250 Sister Veterans hosted by Veterans Bridge Home in Welcome, North Carolina.

Thank you to all who made this day special, and to our Women Veterans, we salute you!

102nd Annual Convention for The American Legion, Department of Puerto Rico

On June 27–29, 2025, CWV Acting Deputy Director, Ms. Ana Claudio, proudly represented the Center for Women Veterans at the 102nd Annual Convention for The American Legion, Department of Puerto Rico in Isla Verde, PR.

Ms. Claudio shared important updates on VA programs, services, and benefits for women Veterans, while highlighting CWV’s mission to ensure all women Veterans CHOOSE VA and TRUST VA. It was a great opportunity to connect with the Veteran community and reaffirm VA’s commitment to recognizing and supporting women Veterans.

What’s Next?

We are thrilled to announce that the Center for Women Veterans has an incredible lineup of events coming up, and we can't wait to meet and serve you as the HUB for all things women Veterans!

If you're attending any of these events, please stop by our table to meet our passionate team and grab important information on VA benefits and services tailored specifically for women Veterans.

Dates listed are the dates the Center will be in attendance. Please check each event site for more details.

2025 Vietnam Veterans of America's Twenty-Second National Convention

Dates: August 5–6, 2025
Location: New Orleans, LA

2025 National DAV Convention

Dates: August 8–11, 2025
Location: Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

Jesse Brown VA Women’s Health Program Presents – WOMEN WARRIORS: Service, Support, & Sisterhood

Date: August 19, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL

2025 American Legion National Convention

Dates: August 22–24, 2025
Location: Tampa Bay, FL

In addition to the Center attending these events, I will attend and speak at the American GI Forum National Conference in San Antonio, TX on July 29th.

These events are fantastic opportunities to connect, share resources, and celebrate our amazing community of women Veterans. We're dedicated to providing you with the essential information and support you need.

We look forward to seeing you and assisting with any questions you might have about maximizing your VA benefits and services. Let’s make these events unforgettable together!

A Couple of Updates

Some other news to share is that we are starting to plan our next Women Veterans Community Support Forum — more information to follow in my next letter.

We have also rescheduled our 4-Part Webinar Series on Women Veterans Benefits and Services. New dates will be in our next letter as well.

Closing

I am honored to be here to support my sister Veterans. We are here for you, and we want to hear from you. Let us know what topics you’d like to learn more about and what you want to see on our social media and blogs. The VA Center for Women Veterans is your partner, your advocate, and your sanctuary. Use us to your advantage.

Until next time, continue to be amazing!

Related Articles:

• https://news.va.gov/141099/veterans-justice-outreach-program-life-around/

• https://news.va.gov/141236/honoring-veterans-army-maria-inez-ortiz/

• https://news.va.gov/141170/health-veteran-swaps-cocktails-for-mocktails/

• https://news.va.gov/141086/breastfeeding-support-women-veterans/

• https://news.va.gov/132965/disaster-assistance-and-resources-for-veterans/

• https://news.va.gov/141265/hiring-veterans-jobs-week-july-14-2025/

• https://news.va.gov/141069/va-research-wrap-up-3d-printing-menopause-ptsd/