"What does a Woman Veteran Look Like?" A publication by Post 171
An excerpt from: What does a Woman Veteran Look Like? Published by William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171.
Introducing the stories of 12 women veterans – a small segment of the many women who have served our country and communities.
Women Veterans of McHenry Lake Counties
CONTINUING TO SERVE!
William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 recently has endeavored to raise awareness of women veterans in the region. This special publication has been created to support and recognize the women who have served, continue to serve and who otherwise give back to our communities every day.
What does a woman veteran look like? As you will see on the pages that follow, each woman profiled has a unique story regarding how she committed her life to serve our country. These small glimpses into their lives are meant to provide some understanding of who they are today and how the military has impacted them.
Some women found military service to be their second chance at life. One woman gained pageantry experience while simultaneously advocating for homeless female veterans. Many sought funds for education and made the most of the degrees they earned after enlistment. Others who were wounded – physically, mentally and/or spiritually – turned those negative experiences into positive ones by finding fulfilling career paths and choosing to help others who have suffered similarly.
Though their experiences vary, one commonality of the entire selection of veterans is the willingness of these women to continue to serve their communities, whether through their civilian careers, their extensive volunteer engagements or by simply raising their families in the communities they have come to love.