Sep 13 2009
Female vets encouraged to use benefits
Did you know women are coming back from the war(s) with a higher percentage of injuries than their male counterparts? How about that of the 26 million veterans, 20 percent are female? Representatives from Congressman Martin Heinrich and Sen. Jeff Bingaman’s offices gave those statistics Saturday at the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: Proudly She Serves New Mexico Women’s Veterans Conference in Albuquerque.
Female veterans from throughout New Mexico attended the day-long conference on issues particular to them, with featured speaker and the first Black female POW in our nation’s history, Shoshana Johnson.
Johnson, whose new book, “I’m Still Standing,” is due out next February, entertained the more than 100 in attendance, but also pressed her message that is OK to seek treatment for PTSD, and to utilize the benefits afforded to every veteran who has served the U.S. Johnson was captured with seven others during Operation Iraqi Freedom three days into the conflict in March 2003. The POWs, including Johnson, were rescued by the U.S. Marines April 13. While she did not discuss specifics about her time in the Iraqi’s prisons because of security issues, Johnson reiterated she was shaken, and suffers from PTSD. She said her family – whose many members also served in the Armed Forces – keeps her grounded.
“It’s been a long, hard road,” Johnson said. “Never be ashamed to say I’m having a hard time. “There are plenty of men sitting in front of the TV with a beer while women are out there fighting a war.”
John Garcia, cabinet secretary in Gov. Bill Richardson’s office for Veteran’s Services, also attended the conference. Garcia said of 200,000 veterans in New Mexico, only 40 percent are using VA benefits.
“I wouldn’t care if there was just one person here,” he said, “because it would be one more,” who knew what she was entitled to, whether she served one day or retired out.
The second annual conference at the Albuquerque Hilton was organized by Christin McKinley of the Women’s Veterans of New Mexico. Leaders in the fields of women’s sexual trauma, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries hosted workshops during the conference along with other support groups who told the women about veterans’ benefits in education, small business development, wellness, and health care. A drumming healing circle rounded out the day’s events.
The governor’s representatives consistently sent a message to all in attendance they are available, ready to assist and hear of more ideas for benefits for veterans.
As a U.S. Navy veteran, I have used veterans’ medical services in more than five states. The system has never failed me, and while, sometimes it conveys the message to ‘hurry up and wait,’ ala military style, I use the extra time to get to know my fellow veterans.
And my local VA, at the Raymond G. Murphy VA in Albuquerque, the convention also brought the best news that women veterans have their own clinic for primary care, and women’s issues. I’ve been there, and it is a calming atmosphere. While the walk in may be intimidating with elder veterans, and many more males than females, it is imperative, and wonderful to have our own sanctuary. How about your state?
