Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that the Assembly passed two measures she sponsored: a resolution to recognize June 12 as Women Veterans Recognition Day in New York and legislation ensuring that women veterans are honored for their service and sacrifice (K.473, A.7594).

“Far too often, the sacrifices and accomplishments of women veterans are overlooked,” Hunter said. “As a proud U.S. Army veteran, I know how much pride women veterans take in having served our nation. Women Veterans Recognition Day allows us to show our gratitude to these brave women for their heroism and recognize the unique challenges they face.”

Hunter’s legislation clarifies and updates the duties of the women veteran’s coordinator within the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services (A.7594), requiring the coordinator to advocate for all women veterans in New York. It also requires the state Division of Veterans’ Services to highlight the contributions of women veterans on its website.

As chair of the Assembly’s Subcommittee on Women Veterans and the only female veteran in the New York State Legislature, Hunter has hosted a yearly luncheon to recognize female veterans. This year’s luncheon commemorated the 25^th annual Women Veterans Recognition Day and brought together women veterans and veterans services organizations from across the state, including the Albany VA Women’s Clinic, Amyx, Inc., Clear Path for Veterans, Veterans and Military Admissions at Syracuse University, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and the Women Marines Association. The keynote speaker was Laura Stradley, executive director for the Veterans Outreach Center Inc. Guest speakers at the event included Beth G. Kubala, IVMF’s senior director of programs and services, and Venecia DeRoose, peer support manager at Clear Path for Veterans.

To learn more about veterans services in New York, contact Hunter’s office at 315-449-9536 or email HunterP@nyassembly.gov.

*A video clip can be downloaded by clicking here.*