The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to recognize March as National Women’s History Month and in celebration, share a message from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs along with profiles on three Minnesota Women Veterans.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs celebrates our nation’s valiant women Veterans of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Women have honorably served in the military for generations and continue to break barriers even today. The courage and determination of all women who serve or have served provides a leading light to other women during their journeys in the military – and beyond. After service, women Veterans use the skills and experiences they gained in the military to achieve milestones in their careers, contribute to their communities, and become leaders across industries.

Women Veterans of Yesterday were the “firsts of firsts” - they carved the path to recognized military service for women, they invented, they advocated, they became military leaders. Women Veterans of Today were not only “firsts” during their military service, but went on to become today’s CEOs, astronauts, founders, directors, award winning authors, volunteers and more. Women Veterans of Tomorrow are making modern military history as “firsts,” with bright military and civilian futures ahead of them. Women have shaped the history of the U.S. military. VA is committed to recognizing and celebrating these achievements.

During National Women’s History Month, we are honored to share these Minnesota Women Veteran stories which include two MDVA staff members!

• Kimberly Johnson, Women Veteran and Gold Star Family Coordinator
• Valerie Klitzke, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Jessica Stiffarm

Want to know more about women’s history in the U.S. Military?

• Statistics and Facts of Active Duty Women – Department of Defense
• Center for Women Veterans - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Women in the U.S. Air Force - National Museum of the U.S. Air Force exhibit
• Women in the U.S. Army
• Women in the U.S. Coast Guard
• Women Marines History
• Women in the U.S. Navy
• Women in Minnesota National Guard
• National Guard – Women’s History Month profiles

To get connected to Veteran and community resources and arts/cultural organizations, check out these sites:

• Center for Women Veterans
• Votes for Women – MN History Center Exhibit
• National Women’s History Museum
• Women’s History Month – Online videos, events and more.