Assemblymember Hunter Honors and Supports Female Veterans
Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that two resolutions she introduced passed the Assembly. The first proclaims June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day and the second urges the New York State congressional delegation to ensure female veterans receive equitable care (K.601, K.519).
“As a female veteran myself, I know that many of us face unfair obstacles when we return home,” Hunter said. “Female veterans deserve the benefits they earned so valiantly through their service, as well as recognition for their bravery, patriotism and sacrifices.”
As chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans and the only female veteran in the state Legislature, Hunter has made it her responsibility to be a voice for the nearly 66,000 female veterans across the state 1.
Hunter’s first resolution proclaims June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day in New York State to honor female veterans and commemorate the Women’s Armed Forces Service Integration Act of 1948. The Assembly paused deliberations to honor the sacrifices made by female veterans. Hunter also hosted a luncheon for a group of female veterans, who hail from all across New York State, in honor of Women Veterans Recognition Day. Guest speakers included Col. Maureen G. Murphy, commander of the 109th Mission Support Group of the New York Air National Guard; Char Marx of Clear Path for Veterans; Corliss Dennis, director of Onondaga County Veterans Services; and Jordanna Mallach, special programs coordinator for the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs.
“It’s a privilege to be surrounded by women who are committed to helping fellow women veterans,” Hunter said. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every veteran for their service, and every speaker for lending their time, knowledge and expertise.”
The second resolution urges the New York State congressional delegation to pass the Deborah Sampson Act. Deborah Sampson served in the Revolutionary War and was one of the first women who fought in uniform on behalf of our nation. The bill would address gender disparities at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that all female veterans receive equitable care. The bill would also provide enhanced access to VA care and ensure female veterans get the benefits they earned through their service.
Hunter will continue to advocate for female veterans by working to expand employment opportunities, increase accessibility to state resources, fight for necessary health coverage and support minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE).