Just as it mobilized men and machines and built ships and guns, our Nation utilized it’s womanpower-to win. -Wac Life Pamphlet, May 1945

Women have served in the American Military since the Revolutionary War. Some served as cooks, nurses, and laundresses. Some defended themselves and others when put into impossible positions. They suffered from diseases, drew rations, and filled essential rolls. Though General Washington was initially skeptical about the women who “belonged” to the army, by the end of the War he grudgingly understood that there was no victory without their support and infrastructure.

Despite this early acknowledgment from the first Commander in Chief, rom 1776-1948, women were barred from permanently joining any branch of the American military. They stepped up in times of war, During WWII they left their homes WWII to fly airplanes, run logistics, and drive jeeps on the Western front, but they were not allowed to make a permanent place in the Armed Forces.

On June 12th of 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to become regular permanent members of the Armed Services for the first time. This year we reflect on the 75th anniversary of this act with three days of lectures, resources, and community. As we honor the legacy of the women who came before, we are inspired by the promise of what the future holds for Women in the military.

  • August 5, 2023

    1:00 PM Join Brigadier General Weigl, the Deputy Adjutant General for Veteran Affairs for a keynote address about the importance of women in military leadership roles. Registration is reccomended, standing room may be available.

    2:00-4:00 PM Join us for a reception honoring active and reitred military women.

  • August 6, 2023

    1:00 PM Join us for a lecture about women’s experiences in the military. We will highlight a local veteran’s experiences, and how the Women’s Armed Service Intergration Act changed the way women serve.

  • August 12th, 2023.

    Resource fair for current and former military with vendors like the VA, Department of Veteran Affairs, and WoVen network. Presentations from vendors will occur at 10, 11, 12, 1, and 2.