Chuck Dean Stand Up Women Vet 2 Vet My hat is off to our women warriors as we observe this Veterans Day <strong>2016</strong>. Over the years I have met many women warriors, and each time I do, I come away with a sense of pride just by associating with such dedicated service members. Back in the mid-80s I met Lieutenant Lynn. She was one of the nurses in 1967 that cared for the wounded carried off the slopes of the Central Highlands in one of Vietnam’s deadliest battles. In a couple of weeks of fighting, 361 Americans died and 1,441 were wounded. Needless to say, Lynn and her unit had their hands full around the clock. The untold horrors of what she witnessed and dealt with will always be like shrapnel in her heart. She was holding up well when we met, but did let me know how hard it was to live with such memories. Lynn remains a personal hero to me because it was my unit that took most of the casualties that <strong>November</strong>. Another hero of mine is Sgt. Allissa. She saved the lives of her buddies after their Humvee was demolished by an IED in northern Chuck Dean with lady paratroopers in 2004 Iraq in 2004. Today she goes about her life in a quiet and humble way, but I know this about her - she’s one hard-charging trooper. For over 3,000 years women have played many roles in the military; from ancient warrior women, to the women currently serving in conflicts. Now it is estimated that over 287,000 American women Veterans have served in uniform, but with opportunities opening wider for women to serve in more equal roles with their male counterparts, those numbers are growing rapidly. The 1960s saw some unprecedented changes in our military. For the first time, men were accepted into the Navy Nurse Corps. They became male nurses. But the groundbreaking news was that the Marine Corps assigned the first woman to attaché duty. She then became the first woman Marine to serve under hostile fire. During the Vietnam War (1965- 1975), some 7,000 American military women served in Southeast Asia; the majority of them nurses. In today’s American Armed Forces, however, women are serving proudly in nearly every MOS (military occupational specialty) …and doing so with great honor. If you are a woman veteran, it is important to take full advantage of the care and benefits the VA has to offer you. The VA recently announced that women veterans are underutilizing their VA care. Perhaps it’s a lack of knowledge of the different benefits and eligibilities available, but whatever the reason, I encourage you to check it out. Some good news is that the VA has now expanded its services to specifically address the needs of women veterans. There are new call centers for women, and all the representatives are women…many are veterans like you. So take the time and take the step to receive the benefits and services you deserve. I salute you. Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and through that experience was led to address the many transitional issues veterans struggle with. In 2008 he was the recipient of the prestigious Hirsch Foundation Leadership Award for his writing and work in support of veterans and their families. He is the author of several important books for veterans. All can be found on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/author/ chuckdeanbooks The Desert Winds present “Veterans Day Salute!” The Desert Winds, a contemporary wind ensemble, will perform their annual Veterans Day concert, “Bookends II: Veterans Day Salute,” at Congregation Ner Tamid at 7:30 p.m. on <strong>November</strong> 10. In partnership with Congregation Ner Tamid and The Jewish Federation of Las <strong>Vegas</strong>, the concert is offered as an interfaith community event to honor all service members, veterans and their families. The Desert Winds is widely recognized as Las <strong>Vegas</strong>’ premiere contemporary wind ensemble. The organization features a roster of over 40 performers that include many local music educators, students and freelance musicians. At the conclusion of the concert, members of Jewish War Veterans Post 65 will be collecting donations in support of the Wounded Warriors Project, the Nevada State Veterans Home and the U.S. Vets. The concert is free; however, guests will have an opportunity to honor a veteran with a special slide show presentation during the concert for only $18 per veteran. Honors requests need to be made online before <strong>November</strong> 4. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. To reserve a seat or to honor a veteran, register online by visiting thedesertwinds.org. 26 www.thevegasvoice.net
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