Chicago Vet Center, VA, honor women Veterans

Jesse Brown VA’s Women’s Health program orchestrated a celebration like no other through “Fabulous in Fatigues.” Amidst laughter and shared stories, the event wasn’t just about honoring women Veterans’ service. It was a testament of camaraderie, resilience and unwavering strength.

The goal was to ensure women Veterans felt seen, respected and celebrated. VA teams also educated the group of women on VA services available to them, noting the high number of women Veterans in the area not connected to VA care. Twenty-four of the 28 Veterans who attended took their first steps through the Chicago Vet Center.

“The Vet Center is a welcoming and inviting space,” said Asya Brodsky, co-organizer and program manager at Jesse Brown VA.

“We wanted the event to be welcoming and barrier-free.”

“Sometimes big events can be too overwhelming or too stimulating and that takes away from the fellowship we wanted to create,” said co-organizer and Vet Center Outreach Specialist Alfonso Lopez. “We wanted to make this event as welcoming and barrier-free as possible.”

Two years ago, Marine Veteran Lopez started his new position and recognized the Chicago Vet Center was only a small piece of VA. He asked how he and his seven team members could be the bridge from the community to VA.

Following a relocation of the Vet Center in June 2023 into a larger space in southside Chicago, the team was ready to host an event fitting for these women to find connection, camaraderie and community in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

The Chicago Vet Center, like others across the country in every state and U.S. territory, offers confidential, no-cost counseling, community engagement and referral services to eligible Veterans, service members and their families.

The event was planned for International Women’s Day and included trivia games to educate attendees about the Chicago Vet Center and Jesse Brown VA’s Women’s Health Program. “The Vet Center and the Women’s Health program each offer unique services that provide well-rounded compassionate care to a population that has sacrificed so much for their country,” said co-organizer and Vet Center Director Jesse Waltz. “They have earned these services and this level of care,”  

“It was a wonderful event where I got to meet brave women Veterans and to honor their service on Women’s Day,” said Veteran Gwendolyn.

Senator Duckworth: “Your well-being matters.”

The event included a special video message of appreciation from Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who voiced praise for women Veterans by noting that, “Women’s History Month is our chance to celebrate the women who have thought outside of the box. Women have made history and women continue to. I hope you leave here today knowing you have access to resources to help you be the best that you can be. There are health care and support services available in the very room you’re in right now. Your well-being matters.”

The organizers received positive feedback following the event, like this one: “I just wanted to let you know your event on March 8 was amazing,” said Army Veteran Cassandra. “The networking and knowledge that was shared will always be etched in my heart.”

About Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer a variety of counseling services to help Veterans, service members and their families make a successful transition from military to civilian life or heal after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling are offered in addition to referrals and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. There are more than 300 Vet Centers, numerous satellite locations and more than 80 Mobile Vet Centers offering services in all 50 states and U.S. territories.