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Tag: Marines

A Sea of Women

This week I witnessed something I hope my own daughter will see one day—a sea of women in military uniform. More than 1,300 U.S. servicewomen, and a few servicemen, gathered in San Diego, CA this week for the 24th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium.

The two-day event centered on leadership and professional development.

Focusing on the achievements of women on the frontlines worldwide and the role of women involvement in building global security and stability, Melanne Verveer, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues remarked that the symposium’s theme of “Connect, Empower, Succeed,” Is applicable to women worldwide.

Women and War: Stories Make a Difference

The United States has been engaged in combat in Afghanistan longer than in any previous war. As a Nation at war for more than nine years, women are serving in new roles and in larger numbers than previous battles. More than 220,000 women have been deployed, nearly 12 percent of the force. Similar to their male contemporaries, women are demonstrating selfless service, courage and dedication to the mission.

With increasing numbers of women returning from the war zone, these veterans are of great interest to the mainstream media. Three of the hot topics regarding these service members are women in combat, sexual assault, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All deserve attention, broad perspective and action.