Women veterans in Illinois reflect on military experience including some challenges
People wave U.S. flags during the Veterans Day parade, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, in New York. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
More than two million American veterans are women and they make up 17% of the current military, according to statistics from 2021. They are a smaller share of the veteran population in America -about 10%.
On top of the many challenges that veterans face in general, women vets have additional hurdles. They served in an organization that’s predominantly male-putting them at a higher risk of isolation and victimization. After they’ve served, their contributions often go unrecognized and on top of that, the resources available to serve veterans often are not tailored to meet the needs of women.
To mark Veterans Day, Illinois women who’ve served in the military speak about some of their experiences and reflect on some of their struggles.
GUESTS
Karen “Bama” Ohnesorge
Air Force Veteran; Fundraising Coordinator, Tri-State Women Warriors
Larissa Dianovsky
Illinois Army National Guard and Army Reserve Veteran
Leonor Branch
Air Force Veteran; Founder, Sisters in Service Greater St. Louis
