2011 Honoring Women Veterans Conference Summary
It was another successful Honoring Women Veterans Conference full of information and appreciation for our nation's women veterans. On June 4, 2011, the University of Evansville and the Evansville Vet Center presented the second Honoring Women Veterans Conference held on UE's campus. The conference was designed to be a tribute to the contributions of service women both past and present.
Eighty-two women veterans were in attendance ranging in age from 19 to 101 years old. They traveled from Oklahoma to Washington, DC and everywhere in between to attend. Many attended last year and brought new women veteran friends with them. Components of the conference included presenting of the Colors by the American Legion Post 44 from Newburgh, Indiana, singing of our National Anthem by Master Sergeant (Ret.) Julie Schembre, USAF and a key note address by Major General (Ret.) Irene Trowell-Harris, RN, EdD, Director, Center for Women Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs. Major General (Ret.) Verna Fairchild was also in attendance.
Attendees learned about new legislation and developments related to women veteran issues unfolding at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. They heard about how putting their military experience to use at work, home and in their communities, benefits everyone involved. During lunch, the veterans were honored with a tribute slide show featuring a photo of each lady along with their military branch, rank and years of service.
The day wrapped up with pampering and fun. Area spas and salons sent professionals who provided complimentary hair styles, manicures, facials and massages. A music therapist taught relaxation techniques.
Sponsors for the event:
- ITT Technical Institute
- Military Family Research Institute (MFRI)
- Robin's Nest
- The Women's Hospital
- Veterans Helping Indiana Veterans, Inc
- VFW Post 1114 Ladies Auxiliary
Community resources and businesses who donated their time and services:
- American Red Cross
- Department of Veterans Affairs:
- Evansville Vet Center
- VAMC — Marion/Evansville Outpatient Clinic
- Health Benefits
- Suicide Prevention
- Women Veterans
- Regional Office, Indianapolis
- HR Solutions Inc.
- Indiana Employer Support of the Guard/Reserves Indiana National Guard Family Assistance Center
- ITT Technical Institute
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
- University of Evansville
- University of Southern Indiana
- Vocational Rehabilitation, Kentucky
- Willow Park Retirement
- Women Veterans Group
- Work One
- Body Works Massage Institute
- Impulse Hair Studio and Day Spa
- Integrative Music Therapy
- Mary Kay — Teresa Redden
- Mary Kay — Laura Young
- Roger's Hair Academy
- The Salon Professional Academy
- Shannon Aleksandr's Salon and Spa
The Honoring Women Veterans Conference planning committee was comprised of the following volunteers:
- Trudy Buckman, Marriage and Family Therapy, Evansville Vet Center (Air Force Veteran)
- Kristi Eidson, Director of Financial Aid, Veteran Certifying Official, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Southwest
- Melanie Koressel, Community Education Specialist, The Women's Hospital
- Barb Kortz, Volunteer (Marine Veteran)
- Tanya Lamey, Community Relations Specialist, ITT Technical Institute
- Cherie Leonhardt, Coordinator of Veterans Affairs, University of Evansville
- Norma Nickens, Volunteer, VA Retiree
- Sarah Paul, Readjustment Counseling/Nurse, Evansville Vet Center
- Catherine Pearce, OEF/OIF Case Manager, Evansville VA Clinic
