SAN ANGELO, Texas — Loretta Walsh became the first woman to enlist in the United States Military 105 years ago this month. Since then, women have proudly served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army, pushing strides and breaking barriers in the military.
After seeing the need for women veteran support in the Concho Valley, Leandra Hernandez created the Women Veterans Society to continue servicing the community and be a helping hand to women who’ve served.
“There are women out there who don't even know that somebody else is a veteran, too. Our whole purpose and goal is to meet with other women that are like-minded and need support. We're here to encourage you. We're here for you. You're not alone,” Hernandez explained.
The WVS organization was created for women veterans by women veterans. Their goal is to create a community of fellowship with women veterans across West Texas.
Pew research says women in this decade have made up a much greater share of the active-duty military than they have at any time in U.S. history. Among the ranks of the enlisted, 14% are now women and among commissioned officers, 16% are now women.
As women continue to become a force to be reckoned with in the military, WVS treasurer Patricia Murdoch still wants women who are interested in joining the military to make sure they are sure about signing that dotted line and making that commitment to the country.
“We women can do it. We’ve always had the desire to serve. But if you’re interested in being a part of it, do your research and find out where the best fit is and go for it because you can do it,” Murdoch shared.
The WVS meets at 5:30 p.m. every third Thursday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars location.