Jan 03, 2011
Women play an important role in the military. The VFW is working hard to make sure these women are taken care of long after they return home. Together with several other local veterans organizations, VFW Post 6917 and District 3 in New Mexico organized a women veterans’ conference, called “Women in Defense of America.”
The daylong conference featured 10 speakers from various organizations and programs covering everything from Federal and State veterans’ benefits to getting help starting a small business. Issues unique to women veterans and military personnel were also discussed at great length.
VFW New Mexico State Commander Cathy Brock, the first woman elected as the state’s Commander, was one of the speakers. Her presentation outlined how VFW works with Congress, VA and various programs to ensure that no women veterans are ever forgotten after their military service is completed.
About 65 women attended the conference, including six who became new VFW Post 6917 members.
Terry Benson, of Post 6917, applied for a grant from the VFW Military Assistance Program (MAP) to help cover some of the conference’s expenses. The program assists in sponsoring events that connect the VFW and its Auxiliaries with the local military and their families. “MAP has always helped me with everything I could possibly want,” said Terry.
The night before the conference, Post 6917 hosted a reception for everyone attending the event the following day.
Overall, the conference was a success. “Anytime you get this many organizations together to do a program like this, you can’t help by not having an outstanding day,” concluded Terry.