As a nonprofit hospice organization, Mt. Hood Hospice offers several programs free of charge to benefit the community, even those not receiving hospice care from them. One of these programs, We Honor Veterans, does just that: recognizes the service of those in the hospice’s service area.
On Wednesday, June 12, Jolie Phanton, community outreach director for the organization took Mt. Hood’s veterans services a step further with a National Women Veterans Recognition Day celebration at Clackamas County Bank.
The event featured a presentation on the history of women’s involvement in American-involved conflicts, as far back as the Revolutionary War up to current day. She spoke about how women have for a long time served as nurses, supply distributers, informants, and before they were allowed to fight alongside men, some disguised themselves as men and risked their lives on the battlefield.
Women have also played many other roles in the military over the past 200 years.
While many know Harriet Tubman for ushering slaves along the underground railroad in the 1800s, not all know that she was also the first woman to lead a military expedition, and she set up an espionage ring for the Union during the Civil War.
It wasn’t until World War II that women were allowed to enlist in all branches of the military in the U.S. One June 12, 1948, (the day now recognized as Women’s Veterans Day), President Truman signed legislation allowing women a permanent opportunity to serve in the military.
While women have lost their lives serving in support roles, and also dressing as men to fight, for decades, the ban on women in combat was not lifted in its entirety until 2013, during the Global War on Terror. And women have not always received benefits, recognition and compensation for their service.
At the June 12 event in Sandy, Phanton presented four women veterans with commemorative pins recognizing their service and specially crafted red, white and blue crocheted butterflies.
Those who received pins were Tiana Rundell (U.S. Air Force), Kathryn Wilgus (U.S. Navy), Dani Macintosh (U.S. Army) and Susan Leininger (U.S. Air Force).
The event also featured a display of veteran-created paintings under the theme “Boots on the Ground for Art,” provided by the Oregon Society of Artists. The VA Portland’s Recreation Therapy Services, in partnership with the OSA, provides regular art classes for vets, taught by classically trained art instructors virtually and in person. The art exhibit is a result of those classes.
After the presentation, attendees mingled, enjoyed refreshments and browsed the art on display.
Phanton pointed out that women veterans are disproportionately less likely to claim their VA benefits, and that those unsure of the process can contact Mt. Hood Hospice to be directed to resources.
For more information about the organization or to contact them about resources, visit mthoodhospice.com.
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