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Fall of 2022 is off to a buzzing start as our team works hard to prepare for the Military Women’s Memorial 25th Anniversary Celebration! This exciting weekend will be full of events, celebrations, and opportunities to reminisce with friends and colleagues from across the country.
As we gather together as a community in the nation’s capital next week, we look forward to paying tribute and giving thanks to the women who have served our country, and entrusted the Military Women’s Memorial with the responsibility of telling their stories for the past 25 years. Tickets for each of MWM’s 25th Anniversary events are on sale now - don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the important legacy of America's servicewomen!
We look forward to continuing to highlight the stories of the many servicewomen who have defended our country. Help us celebrate their accomplishments by registering your service today.
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A Message From The President | |
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Greetings,
The countdown to the 25th Anniversary celebration is in its final days! We are truly looking forward to celebrating this milestone event for the Memorial with you. We have made some adjustments to the Celebration, such as combining the kick-off Service Luncheons on Friday, October 14th to further embrace camaraderie across the Services. Also, we're moving the 25th Anniversary program inside to ensure the comfort of our guests. We are certain it will be a grand celebration befitting our magnificent Memorial and the remarkable women it represents. The registration deadlines have been extended. Visit the registration page for more details and come celebrate with us!
There is still time to record and upload your 30-second shout-out to Brig. Gen. Vaught to show your gratitude and to celebrate the October 16 dedication of the new Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught Center. The deadline to submit is October 10th. Help us show our gratitude for General Vaught's service and honor the impact that she has made on the lives of America's servicewomen.
The 2022–2023 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is underway. If you are currently serving or a federal employee and you give through CFC, please consider including the Military Women’s Memorial (#11350) as one of the worthy charities you designate. The campaign runs through Jan. 14, 2023.
In case you missed it, there is still time for those of you in the DC area to take in The Athena Division photography exhibition. These powerful portraits by world-renowned photographer Charise Isis will be on display at the Memorial through October 9. The Athena Division is an empowering photographic exhibition that captures the courage, beauty, and grace of military women who have undergone treatment and/or surgery as a result of breast cancer. We were honored to kick-off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the exhibit and a discussion program with military women breast cancer survivors and medical experts. The takeaways – the breast cancer rate is higher among military women; pay attention to your body and get regular checkups; early detection is critical.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Register.
Very Respectfully,
Phyllis J. Wilson
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New in the Military Women's Memorial
Collection
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Pictured: WWII era hat belonging to former WAVE, Viola "Jean" Hansen | |
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This month, we are highlighting the collection of a World War II Navy WAVE who came from a small town in Montana, and ended up “overseas” in Hawaii!
Twenty-year-old Viola "Jean" Hansen joined the US Navy Women’s Reserve (WAVES) in November of 1943, and attended boot camp at the US Naval Training School at Hunter College in the Bronx, New York. She then went on to graduate from Yeoman’s School in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Her first duty stations included Washington, DC, and the Naval Training and Distribution Center (TADCEN) in Shoemaker, California. Jean was then assigned “overseas” to the Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. For WAVES, Coast Guard SPARs, and Women Marines, Hawaii and Alaska were considered overseas service.
It was in Hawaii where Jean had her fellow WAVES sign her hat, pictured above. While the Military Women’s Memorial Collection has many photographs and other pieces with signatures, this is our first hat! Jean’s collection also contains photographs of a few of the WAVES who signed this keepsake.
In addition to these items, Jean’s collection contains a WAVES ID card, insignia, silver ID bracelet, ring, medals, dog tags, two photograph albums, address books, and official documents.
We'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Jean's great-niece, Amy Barnes, who donated the collection to MWM and states that her great-aunt “was a great believer in the Memorial” and would be pleased to have her memorabilia here.
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Rebekah Edmondson and Mahnaz Akbari both served in Afghanistan – Rebekah as a member of the Cultural Support Team and Mahnaz as a commander of the Female Tactical Platoon. Learn about the unique role American and Afghan women played at a time when US servicewomen were not allowed to fill combat positions.
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October's Spotlight video is a part of MWM's new initiative: The Women, Peace, and Security Series, a platform for inclusive dialogue around important topics that directly impact servicewomen. To learn more about our upcoming Women, Peace, and Security Series Panel Discussion, Click Here. | |
Thank You to our Corporate Donors, Partners, and Supporters! | |
A heartfelt thank you is extended to each of the Military Women’s Memorial partners! As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, MWM thanks you for your support towards the important work of the Memorial for the past 25 years! | |
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The Military Women's Memorial
25th Anniversary Celebration
October 14 – 16, Washington, DC
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In 2022, the dedicated service of women in the US military is more important than ever. As the influence for change, the inspiration for future generations - and with a history of service that spans 250 years - supporting the stories and experiences of America’s servicewomen is an integral part of building the recognition for the sacrifices that military women make every day. Come help us celebrate 25 years of telling HERstory and honoring her service.
As we rapidly close in on the first 25 years of the Military Women’s Memorial, we want you to know how important your voice and presence are as we move forward into the next 25 years. This October, servicewomen from around the country will celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of the Military Women’s Memorial, coming together in the nation’s capital to commemorate this milestone day for the Memorial.
From October 14-16, 2022, we’ll be marking this important milestone with a variety of events, including an All-Service Luncheon, a relaxed happy hour-style reunion event, a public celebration at the Memorial, a Candlelight Walk and Remembrance Ceremony, and a ceremony dedicating the Memorial's new multipurpose center in honor of Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught.
Be a part of the next 25 years of MWM!
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PLEASE NOTE: A ticket must be purchased and/or reserved for each 25th Anniversary event. Purchasing and/or reserving a ticket for one event will not grant access to any other 25th Anniversary ceremonies or celebrations - a ticket must be reserved for each event one wishes to attend. | For a full overview of events for the MWM 25th Anniversary Celebration, please visit our website: | |
All-Service Luncheon
Friday, October 14
*ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED*
Join fellow Servicemembers, past and present, as we kick off the 25th Anniversary Celebration with an All-Service Luncheon at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Washington, DC. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and reminisce with friends both old and new over an elegant lunch and program: Guest speakers will include Vice Chief of Naval Operations ADM Lisa Franchetti; Chief of the Army Reserve LTG Jody Daniels; and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass.
Reserve your tickets below to be seated among fellow Servicemembers. Ticket sales close on October 9th, at 11:30 PM (EST).
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All-Services and Supporters Reunion
Friday, October 14
Join us for a casual evening of fun and camaraderie! The reunion get-together will offer plenty of opportunities for socializing with service pals and friends, old and new.
In addition to displays and representation from various veterans groups and national organizations, the evening will feature a variety of entertainment and remarks from special guests. Enjoy catching up with old friends and meeting new ones in this laid-back atmosphere complete with a buffet, bar, step-and-repeat selfie station, memory wall, and musical entertainment by the vocal group Colors of Freedom, who performed on "America's Got Talent"!
Purchase your ticket by October 14th.
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25th Anniversary Ceremony
Saturday, October 15
The official 25th Anniversary Celebration Program is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, at the Military Women’s Memorial. We are honored to welcome the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs as featured speakers. The program will also include formal military honors, and remarks by former and current military women representing each of the Services. The highlight of the event will be the debut of a new anthem honoring military women. To ensure the comfort of our guests, the 25th Anniversary program will be held inside the Memorial.
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Candlelight Honor Walk & Remembrance Ceremony
Saturday, October 15
The Candlelight Honor Walk and Service of Remembrance are two of the most special events of the anniversary weekend. We will come together to walk in honor of all who have served and sacrificed for our nation, remembering the many courageous trailblazing women who are no longer with us. The walk will conclude with a program in remembrance of the fallen and our signature rose petal ceremony. Guest speakers include ADM Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Bonnie Carroll, Founder and President of TAPS; and Deborah White, Gold Star Family member.
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Vaught Center Dedication & Open House
Sunday, October 16th
Guests are invited to attend the dedication of the new Vaught Center, named after the Memorial’s founding president retired Air Force Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught. Following the event, guests may have the opportunity to meet this revered icon of military women.
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For a full overview of events for the MWM 25th Anniversary Celebration as well as additional information on transportation & lodging, please visit our website: | |
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Military Women’s Memorial 25th Anniversary
Honorary Congressional Tribute Committee
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We are honored to share with you the Military Women’s Memorial 25th Anniversary Honorary Congressional Tribute Committee listing. We are grateful for the critical role Congress has played from the very beginning of the Memorial’s journey and proud to have the members of Congress show their continued support for our servicewomen and the Military Women’s Memorial by being a part of this honorary committee.
Click below for the full list of the Honorary Congressional Tribute Committee.
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25th Anniversary Virtual Challenge | |
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Join MWM supporters in the 25th Anniversary Challenge – 25km or 25 miles, one for each of MWM's 25 years – and celebrate this major milestone with us. Join the Challenge and help us reach our goal of 25,000 miles and $250K in support of MWM and its important mission. Sign up, create your team, and compete for prizes!
Thanks to all who are participating and have shared their photos! The Challenge is on – Join the fun! Register now until October 16th.
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We Want to Hear from You!
It is incredibly moving and motivating when our members and friends share with us what the Memorial means to them — why it’s important; why they want to be a member; why they choose to support; or simply to express their gratitude for the opportunity to honor a servicewoman. For our 25th Anniversary Celebration and beyond, the MWM lobby will now be the site of our new My Why Wall — a visible tribute to our beloved Memorial from Servicewomen, Veterans, and supporters from across the country and around the world.
The My Why Wall will be a dedicated space for us to display your why, giving visitors an opportunity to read, reflect, and understand the impact and importance of the Military Women’s Memorial.
We want to fill the My Why Wall with your
meaningful words of support.
Visit the Memorial during the 25th Anniversary Celebration to share your “My Why” - a brief narrative about what inspires you to support and be a part of MWM. Your personal insight will add to the history and meaning of our Memorial and give others a better understanding of why it’s so important to document and celebrate women’s military service.
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Honoring Brigadier General Vaught | |
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In celebration of the dedication of the new Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught Center, help us show our gratitude for General Vaught's service and honor the impact that she has made on the lives of America's servicewomen.
As a surprise to her, a selection of video messages will be compiled and played for her during the Vaught Center dedication ceremony. Record and upload your 30-second shout-out to General Vaught below! The deadline to submit your video is October 10th, 2022.
| Support the Military Women's Memorial's 25th Anniversary Facebook Fundraiser! | |
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As we close in on 25 years of telling the stories of America’s Servicewomen, your dedicated support in preserving the legacy and impact of the Military Women’s Memorial in the coming decades is more important than ever.
Support the Military Women’s Memorial today, and help us lay the foundation for future generations and the next 25 years of MWM!
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Women Peace & Security Panel
October 7th, 2022, 2 PM
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The Military Women’s Memorial is excited to announce our most recent initiative: The Women, Peace, and Security Series. The inaugural event, taking place on October 7th, will feature a fireside chat with retired Army General Austin S. Miller, former US Forces Afghanistan commander, followed by a panel discussion with members of the U.S. Cultural Support Teams (CST) who served in Afghanistan. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Afghan women who served in the Female Tactical Platoon (FTP). The event will culminate with a portrait unveiling and reception honoring Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent who was killed in a suicide bomber attack in Syria in 2019 while serving with a US Special Operations task force.
The Women, Peace, and Security Series will be a platform for inclusive dialogue and discussion around important topics that directly impact servicewomen, our nation's security, and the stability of our partner nations, and a vehicle to influence change and inform policy.
Thanks to our event sponsors PenFed Credit Union, AllTru, and Promote Leadership, and our reception sponsor Amazon Military.
In-person attendance is at capacity. Please join us virtually at the link below.
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Veterans Day at MWM
November, 11th 2022 at 3PM
| Join us this Veterans Day at the Military Women's Memorial for our traditional Veterans Day ceremony and program. Stay tuned for further details. | |
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Virginia tour dates
Made possible by Virginia Humanities:
US Army Women’s Museum, Fort Lee, VA
Jan 5 – Feb 28, 2023
National tour dates
Made possible by Amazon Military, Fluor, and Iron Mountain:
Cesar Chavez High School - Houston, TX
October 2022
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The Grace Project: The Athena Division
Photo Exhibition
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Thanks to those who joined us earlier this month for the “Operation Breast Health” panel event, moderated by Dr. Qwynn Salazar and hosted at the Military Women's Memorial. The panel focused on the increased incidence of breast cancer in the United States Military, the challenges that military women endure in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, health disparities for black and brown military women, and possible paths forward toward earlier detection and decreasing occurrences.
The panelists included military women and nationally recognized experts such as Dr. Aditi Hazra, Air Force Veterans Demetrica Jefferis and Sheila Johnson, Army Veteran Diana Danis, and photographer and founder of the Athena Division Charise Isis. View the recording of the panel discussion below.
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The Athena Division of the Grace Project is pleased to present its photography exhibition featuring active military and women veterans affected by breast cancer. Visitors to the Memorial still have a chance to view the exhibit which is on display through Sunday, October 9th. | |
We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Gift Shop at the Military Women's Memorial! Our temporary store at the Fort Belvoir Main Exchange is now closed. Visit us at the Memorial or shop our online gift shop today!
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25th Anniversary Long Sleeve | | |
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Available In Four Colors! | | |
Adidas Quarter-zip Pullover | Available In Four Colors! | |
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Make a donation of $330 – a penny for each of the Memorial’s 33,000 sq ft – to help sustain and advance the efforts of the Military Women’s Memorial for the next 25 years.
As a member of the Square Foot Society, you become an honorary "owner" of America’s only major national memorial and historical repository documenting the stories of service of all women who have served in and with our military. Each new member receives a coin and certificate.
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Visit our Career Opportunities page to view our current openings: | |
Click the button below
to learn more about volunteering with MWM:
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Don't forget to keep your MWM account current! | |
Keeping your email and mailing addresses up-to-date allows us to provide you with the latest MWM program updates and information.
Please be sure to use a personal email address
for your MWM account.
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The Military Women’s Memorial is the only historical repository documenting the service of all women who’ve served in and with the nation’s military, beginning with the American Revolution. Located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, it features an education center, innovative and interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories and artifacts, and engaging programs and events for all generations. | |
Here are a few additional ways you can continue to support our mission! | | | | | |
