6/15/2024 8:00:00 AM
Serving all Minnesota Veterans is what we do. Making sure those Veterans are recognized for their contributions to our country is a big part of that service. June 12 is the day we set aside to recognize women who have served our nation. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. Even though women have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, their contributions have often been overlooked or undervalued. This year, we take a moment to get to know two women Veterans who continue their service by working at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).
Jennifer Shumaker is one of MDVA’s newest employees. She is our Women Veteran and Gold Star Families Coordinator and Veteran Claims Representative, which means she provides community outreach to advocate for Veterans, and women Veterans and their dependents dealing with barriers to access by assisting with state and federal benefit claims and appeals processes.
How long have you worked at MDVA and what drew you here?
I have worked here a little over a month. My passion for serving Veterans brought me here!
Tell us about your military experience.
I retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard in September 2015 with 20 years of combined experience in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Active-Duty time. I was a part of many state Guard activations in support of local disasters and state shutdowns. I was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2006 stationed in the United States. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2009-2010, I was stationed in Afghanistan. I held several roles, including:
Why did you choose to serve?
At first, it was because my older brother joined. He shared his experiences with me and that sold me on having some similar experiences. After serving for a few years, I found my own path and got out from under his wing!
What about your work gets you out of bed each morning?
Serving those who served, and never leaving a fallen comrade behind.
Why is it important to recognize women Veterans on June 12?
Because women Veterans don’t always get recognized. We served right alongside all of the troops and deserve that same recognition.
What is the best thing someone can do to acknowledge a woman Veteran?
Thank them for their service, the way that they would for anyone who served. So many times, I get asked, “Where is my husband?” Also, “Are you driving your husband’s vehicle with Afghanistan Campaign plates on it?” I tell the person that I served and remind them that many women served and are still serving.
Kimberly Johnson is an integral member of MDVA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility team.
How long have you worked at MDVA and what drew you here?
I started working at MDVA in November 2017. I originally started in the Rating Team at the USVA. I wanted to do more to support women Veterans and process Sensitive Claims Team (SCT) submissions within the USVA. However, the list of those waiting to join the SCT was long. Eventually, I looked at different avenues to support Veterans and ultimately was accepted as the Women Veteran Coordinator within MDVA.
Tell us about your military experience.
In August 2020, I retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard after 20 years of service. With my Military Occupation Specialty, Human Resource and Career Counselor, I was able to do a wide range of tasks. From working with Tactical Operations Center (TOC) to MEDAVAC, I have had the privilege to serve my country.
What about your work gets you out of bed each morning?
There is nothing more powerful than to use your words to be an agent of change. Our office conducts Open Door opportunities to our employees and Residents. During this time, individuals are able to express their feelings and be heard. By encouraging people to tell their story, MDVA is able to continually grow in providing a respectful, inclusive workplace.
Why is it important to recognize women Veterans on June 12?
The length of service of women within the Armed Forces can be dated back 200 years. Women even disguised themselves as men in the Civil War to serve. I have family members who have fought for our country dating back to WWII. However, I was the first woman to serve. I felt a certain amount of pressure to not only make my family proud, but also to continue the tradition of being of service to my country and community.
Going back to the beginning of this nation, women elected to serve their country before being able to vote, own land or be the independent individuals we are today. Today, we have Women Airmen, Marines and Soldiers completing courses, promoted to ranks or holding military occupational specialties that were once restricted.
What is the best thing someone can do to acknowledge a woman Veteran?
The most important thing that someone can do to acknowledge a woman Veteran is to take a moment to observe the room. There are women Veterans who wear their military affiliation attire such as caps, pins and clothing. Do not assume the woman is the spouse of a Veteran.
