Celebrating National Vet Girls Rise Day: Honoring the Strength of Women Veterans

Every year on February 19th, we celebrate National Vet Girls Rise Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the incredible contributions of women veterans in the U.S. Armed Forces. This special day highlights the strength, resilience, and leadership of women who have served our country, ensuring that their sacrifices and achievements are acknowledged and honored.

The Importance of National Vet Girls Rise Day

Women have played a vital role in the military for centuries, yet their service has often been overlooked. National Vet Girls Rise Day serves as an opportunity to bring awareness to the unique challenges female veterans face, from transitioning to civilian life to accessing healthcare and career opportunities. By shining a light on their experiences, we foster a culture of support, appreciation, and empowerment.

Honoring the Legacy of Women Veterans

Throughout history, women have defied odds to serve in the military. From Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man during the American Revolution, to today’s female service members breaking barriers in combat and leadership roles, their dedication is undeniable. Women veterans contribute to our nation’s strength, both in and out of uniform, serving as entrepreneurs, advocates, and community leaders.

However, as we celebrate their successes, it is crucial to acknowledge the unseen battles many veterans face when reintegrating into civilian careers.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent reality for many veterans transitioning back into the workforce. Studies indicate that nearly 30% of veterans experience PTSD at some point after their service. Women veterans, in particular, often endure unique stressors, including military sexual trauma and the challenges of balancing service with family responsibilities. These experiences shape their professional journeys and, if unsupported, can hinder their success in civilian careers.

This is where trauma-informed leadership becomes not just a benefit, but a necessity. Trauma-informed leadership is an approach that recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into workplace policies, culture, and interpersonal relationships. It seeks to create an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

For veterans, especially women navigating the workforce post-service, a trauma-informed approach can make all the difference. Here’s why:

1. Creating Psychological Safety: A trauma-informed leader prioritizes psychological safety, fostering an environment where veterans feel valued and understood. This is crucial for individuals coping with PTSD, as fear of stigma often prevents them from seeking support.

2. Empowering Strengths: Women veterans possess remarkable strengths—resilience, adaptability, leadership, and crisis management. Trauma-informed leadership helps harness these qualities by focusing on growth and potential rather than deficits.

3. Promoting Flexibility: PTSD can manifest unpredictably. Leaders who offer flexible work arrangements and open lines of communication enable veterans to manage their symptoms while maintaining productivity.

4. Encouraging Open Dialogue: By normalizing conversations around mental health and trauma, leaders dismantle the stigma. This paves the way for veterans to seek help when needed, leading to better performance and overall well-being.

5. Investing in Education: Organizations committed to trauma-informed leadership invest in training managers to understand the complexities of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. This proactive approach leads to more compassionate and effective leadership.

   
   

How to Honor and Celebrate

There are many ways to honor women veterans on National Vet Girls Rise Day:

• Share their stories: Take time to listen to and amplify the voices of female veterans.

• Support veteran-owned businesses: Many women veterans become entrepreneurs—support their businesses and initiatives.

• Volunteer or donate: Organizations like the Women Veterans Alliance and Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) provide resources and support to female veterans.

• Express gratitude: A simple “thank you for your service” can go a long way in showing appreciation.

As we honor the remarkable women veterans on National Vet Girls Rise Day, let us also rise to the occasion as leaders, colleagues, and allies. By embracing trauma-informed leadership, we not only uplift our veterans but cultivate a workplace culture rooted in empathy, resilience, and collective success.

Together, we can ensure that every veteran—especially the courageous women we celebrate today—finds not just a job, but a community where they can rise and thrive.