Celebrating and Serving Women Veterans
 
Women represent the fastest growing population in the U.S. military as well as in the veteran community. Last year, women represented about 18% of the overall active duty force, up from 9% in 1980, and just 1% in 1970.
 
In celebration of Veterans Day 2021, Veterans Legal Services hosted a virtual panel discussion featuring a dynamic group of women veterans and women veterans services providers. Moderated by VLS board member and Air Force veteran Alexandra Trobe, Esq., the discussion focused on the unique needs of women veterans as well as the importance of building inclusive communities for women veterans. 

Panelists included:

• Susan McDonough, director of Women Veterans at the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, an Army veteran, and commander of the Martin F. McDonough American Legion Post 368 in South Boston; 
   

• Tara Dunn, Esq., associate attorney at Todd & Weld, LLP, and an Air Force veteran; and
   

• Tara Galovski, Ph.D., director of the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, and co-founder of the Women Veterans Network (WoVen)