Kansas City VA event honors women veterans

Every June, Kansas City VA hosts its Annual Salute to Women Veterans. On June 8, over 100 women veterans joined for a morning of recognition.

In its seventh year, the Salute to Women Veterans continues to grow. Leading the annual event is Women’s Program Manager Andrea Simpson, an Army veteran who has listened to the voices of her fellow veterans to honor and advance women’s health care.

More than two million women veterans live in the U.S. and have served across all military branches and in every capacity. Women are the fastest-growing group among the veteran population.

As a veteran in service of her fellow veterans, Simpson works tirelessly to bring additional services and a unique spin on the yearly event.

“I’m delighted to see over 100 women warriors learning about their health care needs and supporting and encouraging one another,” said Network Director Dr. Trish Hall, of the event.

This year’s event also welcomed a 103-year-old local WWII veteran in her third consecutive year of attendance.

Nikki Dean, the keynote speaker, was an Army helicopter pilot. She inspired the guests with opening remarks on the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their pioneering efforts for women in aviation. Dean is a military historian and interpreter at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, providing research support and educational content development.

She was presented with a custom-made quilt courtesy of Care Packages from Home KC by quilter Sherri Lewis.

Following the event’s opening remarks and the presentation of colors, all women veterans in attendance were personally recognized during a military-style “pinning ceremony” with a commemorative service pin, certificate of service and flowers.

“There is no difference between male and women service. We tend to group everyone together, but there is a uniqueness that makes events like today important,” said Dean.