Texas VA celebrates women Veterans’ achievements

While honoring and celebrating their achievements in a special way, women Veterans of the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas joined forces at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville during the 30th Annual Salute to Women Veterans.

“We are rising to the challenge to meet your needs.”

Sponsored by the Women’s Health program at South Texas VA, many employees and volunteers worked to ensure this event was exceptional, especially after COVID-19 canceled last year’s event.

The Salute to Women Veterans committee offered booths with information for various services at South Texas, entertainment from the Ingram Tom Moore High School band and refreshments. It ensured all guests would experience the gratitude they have for each service member.

“South Texas is one of the fastest growing VA health care systems in the country. And women are the fastest growing demographic at VA,” said Dr. Manju Poovathoor, Kerrville VA chief medical officer. “We are rising to the challenge to meet your needs as we are moving toward our goal of high reliability.”

“If we don’t promote our story, who will?”

Sergeant Major Laura Brown was the guest speaker. She highlighted women Veterans’ accomplishments in the military. She also shared her gratitude to those who have served and those who continue to rise to the challenge and enlist. Brown is a strong advocate for speaking up. She posed an important question to the audience: If we don’t promote our story, who will?

“I truly believe it is important to recognize and uplift women, for their bravery, tenacity and achievements,” Poovathoor said. “We owe it to each other.”

South Texas offers women Veterans primary care, gynecology, maternity care, ultrasounds and mammograms, mental health care and counseling, and more.

Women Veterans who are interested in receiving their care at South Texas Veterans Health Care System may visit www.va.gov/south-texas-health-care/health-services/women-veteran-care.