New Members Appointed to VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

WASHINGTON – Five new members were recently appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (Committee), an expert panel that advises VA’s Secretary on issues and programs impacting women Veterans.  Established in 1983, the Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary for policy and legislative changes.

“The Committee’s guidance is instrumental in shaping VA policy for women Veterans, and providing insight on their diverse needs,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. “VA anticipates the important contributions and fresh perspectives the newest members will offer to this invaluable Committee.”

New Members VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

• Kailyn Bobb, Plumas Lake, CA.  A U.S. Air Force Veteran; currently pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University.
• Keith Howard-Streicher, Alexandria, VA.  A Veteran of the U.S. Army; currently serves as Assistant Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, at The American Legion.
• Edna Boyd Jones, Norcross, GA. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, with service in the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom; currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Nursing at Albany State University.
• Leslie N. Smith, King George, VA.  A retired U.S. Army Captain; currently serves as co-founder and spokesperson for Fatigues to Fabulous, a non-profit women Veterans organization.
• Janet M. West, Jacksonville, FL. An active duty U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, with service in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; currently serves as senior medical officer at Jacksonville Naval Air Station Branch Health Clinic.

Mary Westmoreland (Retired U.S. Army Colonel), who has diligently served on the Committee since 2012, was appointed as the Committee’s new chair.  Committee members Sara McVicker (U.S. Navy Veteran) Washington, DC, and Tia Christopher (U.S. Navy Veteran), Dallas, TX were reappointed for an additional term.

For information about VA’s benefits and services for women Veterans, visit www.va.gov/womenvet or contact the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-829-6636.  The Women Veterans Call Center is available to address concerns of women Veterans, their families and caregivers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., ET, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., ET.