America’s women veterans and active-duty military servicewomen of all stripes are invited to attend the upcoming Women Veterans of America (WVA) National Convention in Nashville on September 12-14. The convention site is the Radisson Hotel, Opryland. The guest speaker for the convention is Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris (at right), Director of the Center for Women Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Trowell-Harris will address the convention on Saturday, September 13.

The Center oversees all VA programs for women veterans. As Director, Dr. Trowell-Harris is the primary advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters related to policies, legislation, programs, issues, and initiatives affecting women veterans. This is an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity for women veterans to hear directly from Dr. Trowell-Harris on the current state of women veterans programs within the VA on a national level.

Even though the convention is for WVA members, because of the uniqueness of Dr. Trowell-Harris’s appearance here, WVA is opening the morning session to all women, veterans and active-duty, regardless of WVA membership. If you wish to attend Dr. Trowell-Harris’s presentation, there is no charge. However, you must pre-register prior to August 13th, as seating is limited. Full convention details, including costs, are available at the chapter’s website.

Convention Registration Form, in downloadable format, is available at the group’s website: <http://wvachapter20.tripod.com/convention.html>.

For more information, please contact MaryAnn Woodward-Smith, Womens Veterans Program Manager, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, at 1-800-228-4973, ext. 5130 or Stacey Hopswood, Women Veterans Network member at 931-553-5173.

“We’ll be back next year,” they promised.

It was to have the first time a women’s group hosted the event, in this case reflecting the combined efforts of the Women Veteran’s of America Chapter 20, the Women Veterans Network and VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. The women veterans reflect every branch of the armed forces except the Coast Guard.

As local boy scouts and veterans from other groups huddled in the shelter of a porch, a laurel wreath and a neatly folded flag lay unruffled on a porch swing out of the rain.

First Sergeant Carleen D. Robertson, USAF retired, of Paris, Tennessee, was scheduled to give the keynote address. Sgt. Robertson served 18 years as an Air Force recruiter and holds service awards including the Meritorious Service Medals with two Oak Leaf Clusters. She served during both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, from 1950 to her retirement in 1975. She has been stationed in Japan, England, Alaska, Germany and Hawaii.

Although the stage was set for a moving memorial service honoring all veterans, the rains came and park officials nixed the ceremony as thunder rumbled and lightning flashed overhead. The umbrellas popped open, but rain failed to dampen their spirits as they gathered to pose for a ceremonial picture. They also vowed to return, same time next year.

Photos by Bill Larson