Women Veterans eNews - May 2023

WVM

May 2023

Melissa Doud 1

WDVA welcomes Melissa Doud as the new Tribal Liaison, she will be responsible for outreach to tribal veterans and veterans' representatives and bringing suggestions, questions, and concerns from the tribal veteran community back to WDVA.

Melissa is a proud member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in northern Wisconsin. She is a 20-year Army veteran and has been to various duty stations around the world, including a tour in Iraq.  

Her professional experience includes positions with Chippewa Valley Bank, the Lac du Flambeau Business Development Corporation, and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) where she recently served as the Program Director for the Wisconsin Native American Tobacco Network (WNATN). She successfully built a network of WNATN representatives from various Tribes in Wisconsin through her leadership and engagement. 

Melissa is involved in her local veteran group activities and regularly connects with Tribal veterans throughout Wisconsin at cultural events. She has 5 children, one grandson, and one granddaughter. She enjoys dancing at pow-wows, practicing her culture, hunting, fishing, hiking, traveling, and sewing.  Welcome Melissa!!!


Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day 2023

​​​This year the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs three state veteran cemeteries will be hosting in-person ceremonies and we hope to see you there.  

Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery, Saturday, May 27 at 1 PM

Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sunday, May 28 at 11 AM

Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Monday, May 29 at 10 AM


Quarterly Impact Award Nomination

Impact Award Nominations Now Open

The Wisconsin Woman Veteran Quarterly Impact Award honors a woman veteran who has greatly influenced and impacted their community.  Through challenges big and small, they have effected change and have helped move Wisconsin women veterans forward.​

Wisconsin Women Veteran Quarterly Impact Award Nomination Form​

If you wish to receive a nomination form via email please email: 

WomenVets@dva.wi.gov​


WVB

Share a Wisconsin Female Veteran Run Business!

The WDVA Women Veterans Program recognizes the important role women veteran business owners play in our state.

We are pleased to share your story and information about your business with the greater veteran community in Wisconsin. Interested in being highlighted here? Email us!


Women Veteran Retreat Save the Date 2023

Join us for an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and explore new aspects of yourself through instructor-led and self-paced indoor/outdoor activities all while connecting with #vetwomen like you. 

This year WDVA is excited to offer veteran resources, community partners and new activities including "Project in Her Boots". 

Hosted in collaboration with our community partner Trinity Equestrian Center.


Friday, June 2: 6-8 PM

-Check-in Opens

-Dinner & S'mores Around the Campfire

Saturday, June 3: 7:30 AM-3 PM

-Check-in continues at 7:30 AM

-Activities begin with Early Bird Yoga at 8 AM

Register Now by Clicking Here

*A light breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided to all those who attend.*

Trinity Equestrian Center
S5300 State Road 37, Eau Claire, WI 5470


Veterans Crisis Line

988+1 veteran crisis line

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects veterans and their families to mental health resources.

 Connect with the Crisis Line.​​

Women veterans Day

Annually on June 12 the state of Wisconsin and the WDVA recognizes Women Veterans Day in honor of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948. Women veterans make up 10 percent of the veteran population in Wisconsin and honoring their service, sacrifice, and dedication to this country is the pinnacle of this day.

Women Veterans Day, also referred to as Women Veterans Recognition Day and Women Veterans Appreciation Day, is the anniversary of the day the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (pub.L. 80–625, 62 Stat. 356) was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. Prior to then, only women nurses could serve in the regular and reserve forces during peacetime.

The Wisconsin Woman Veterans Program is honored to highlight veterans from across Wisconsin to celebrate their strength, honesty, determination, and achievements in service and civilian life.  To submit your story visit: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans in The Spotlight.  

If you wish to receive a questionnaire in via email, please email: WomenVets@dva.wisconsin.gov 

#WisVetsWomen


Three Gaits Day of Service

THIS WEEKEND! Saturday, May 13!

WDVA & Three Gaits Inc. are excited to invite veterans and your families for fellowship, camaraderie, and outdoor fun in an equine setting. Curious about equine therapy?

What a great way to immerse yourself in the environment.

Stay all day or join us for a few hours; the choice is yours.

Light refreshments and lunch will be provided.

When: Saturday, May 13, 9 AM - 3 PM

Where: Three Gaits Inc.  3741 State Road 138, Stoughton, WI 

Volunteers should wear comfortable, outdoor weather-appropriate, washable clothing that can get hairy and dusty! Wear closed-toed, low-heeled, comfortable shoes to walk in the sand and on uneven surfaces.

Registration is not required but is encouraged (for the planning of refreshments) @


MKE Urban Stables  Announcement

Food and refreshments provided! 🐴

When:  Tuesday, June 6, 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: 143 E Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee

Join us for a free informal networking and social event and check out these beautiful horses and take a picture with them!


Save the Date!

Madison, WI Veteran Meet & Greet!

When: Saturday, June 17, 5 PM - 7 PM

Where: Lt. Marion C. Cranefield VFW Post 1318, 2740 Ski Ln, Madison

Join fellow veterans (and guests) for a night of informal networking.  

This is event will be a no host event, food and beverages will be available for purchase via POST 1318.   

Follow us on social media for details on this event and to learn more about veteran events across Wisconsin.