Kimberly Johnson is the MDVA Women Veteran and Gold Star Family Coordinator. Having joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2000 and served a tour in Iraq in 2008-2009, she has worked countless hours contributing to our country. With 19 years of experience in the military Human Resources field, Kimberly now works with Gold Star families and women Veterans to ensure they have equitable access to the benefits they are entitled to and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Kimberly also knows all too well the hardships of female Veterans can face. She has collaborated with “I Am Not Invisible,” an amazing campaign that aims to increase awareness and appreciation of our nation’s women Veterans. In this campaign, she shared her story, speaking about the uneasiness she felt being a female Veteran post-deployment. After becoming involved with other women Veterans, she began to realize the true value of her service, and the honor she deserved. Mother, wife, Veteran, and colleague, our organization could not agree more with Kimberly’s statement that “being a Veteran is more than just being strong.”

MDVA is proud to help share the story of her and many other women Veterans. In this month and beyond, it is important to take time to recognize these women who are often unseen and make sure that they are not, in fact, invisible. To learn more about the initiatives and programs mentioned, contact Kimberly at kimberly.dobler@state.mn.us.