Renea embodies resilience and leadership and inspires transitioning military women with her two-decade military journey. As a certified Health and Life Coach and international bestselling author, she empowers others to reach their full potential.
"You don’t look like a Veteran." This is a comment some female veterans hear all too often, but is it a compliment or an insult?
This statement asks what a veteran, especially a female veteran, should look like.
Women have served in the military since the American Revolution, defying the norms and expectations of their time. Officially recognized as nurses in the Women's Army Corps (W.A.C.) during World War II, women have expanded their roles significantly, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes at every turn. Their stories of resilience, strength, and dedication are inspiring yet too often overlooked.
Imagine the courage it took for women to step into roles traditionally held by men during World War II. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) flew non-combat missions, freeing male pilots for combat and demonstrating remarkable skill and bravery. Over 1,000 women served as WASPs, flying over 60 million miles. Women in the Women's Army Corps (W.A.C.) performed essential communications, logistics, and medical care tasks, stateside and overseas. They were vital in ensuring the success of the war effort. Additionally, women served in the Navy as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and in the Coast Guard as SPARs, contributing to administrative, technical, and operational duties critical to the military's functioning.
Fast forward to the Vietnam War, where over 7,000 women were deployed, primarily as nurses in the Army, Navy, and Air Force Nurse Corps. These women faced the harsh realities of war, providing medical care under fire and dealing with traumatic injuries in combat. But their contributions didn't stop there. Women also served in intelligence roles, helping to gather and analyze crucial information that informed military strategies. They took on administrative and logistical roles, ensuring that troops received the necessary supplies and support vital to the operational effectiveness of the military during this challenging conflict.
In more recent conflicts, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, women have continued to serve with distinction, breaking new ground in various military roles. The lifting of the combat exclusion policy in 2013 marked a significant milestone, officially allowing women to serve in combat roles. The policy change recognized that women had already been serving in combat situations, given the nature of modern warfare. Women have served on the front lines in numerous capacities, including as infantry officers, combat medics, pilots, and intelligence analysts. Their presence in combat roles has been essential to the success of military operations. For example, female engagement teams (F.E.T.s) deployed to interact with local women in culturally sensitive areas, gathering valuable intelligence and building relationships that male soldiers could not. Moreover, women have commanded combat units, flown fighter jets in combat missions, and led troops in critical operations. Their performance in these roles has proven they possess the same courage, skill, and leadership abilities as their male counterparts.
Despite these accomplishments, women in the military have faced significant resistance and skepticism. Goldstein (2018), in her article titled “Why are you trying to destroy the last good thing men have? Understanding resistance to women in combat jobs,” highlights the ongoing resistance to accepting female presence in the military. Societal and institutional biases have long hindered women's full integration into combat roles. The persistence of these biases reflects deep-seated fears and misconceptions about gender roles and the capabilities of women, further complicating the perception of what a veteran "should" look like.
The contributions of women like Cathay Williams, the first African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Army disguised as "William Cathay," and Lieutenant General Ann E. Dunwoody, the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve a four-star officer rank, highlight the significant impact women have had on the military. Colonel Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and General Lori Robinson, the first woman to lead a major Unified Combatant Command, further demonstrate the diverse and critical roles women have undertaken.
These stories challenge the narrow perception of what a veteran looks like. Women like Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, the first African-American woman to become a general officer in the U.S. Army, and Captain Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, the first African-American female combat pilot and a powerful and energetic speaker, show that veterans come from all backgrounds and serve in all capacities. Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman awarded the Silver Star for direct combat action, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Candy Martin, a high-ranking Hispanic woman in the U.S. Army, exemplify the bravery and leadership of female service members.
The statement "You don’t look like a Veteran" often reflects implicit biases that diminish a woman's accomplishments and sacrifices. Questioning a woman's status as a veteran overlooks her contributions and the realities she has faced in service to her country. This bias can be particularly harmful as it perpetuates the myth that women’s roles in the military are less significant or noteworthy.
Recognizing and challenging these biases is critical. Ensuring that all veterans, regardless of gender, are honored and respected for their service is essential. By doing so, we move towards a more inclusive understanding and appreciation of military service that acknowledges the diverse faces and stories of those who have served.
"You don’t look like a Veteran." A statement that, upon reflection, highlights a profound misunderstanding of what a veteran looks like. A veteran is not defined by appearance but by service, sacrifice, and strength. Female soldiers and veterans have proven their capability, dedication, and courage time and again. Recognize the history, sacrifices, and undeniable greatness of female veterans.
We are veterans. We are soldiers. We are women. We are proud.
Want to hear more inspiring stories and insights from local female veterans?
Join the waitlist to be the first to learn about our upcoming S.E.R.V.E. Summit in August 2024.
Meet these incredible women, learn from their experiences, and be part of a community that honors and supports our veterans. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and engage with those who have served our country with honor and distinction.
Renea Jones-Hudson, Empowerment Coach for Military Women
Renea embodies resilience and leadership and inspires transitioning military women with her two-decade military journey. As a certified Health and Life Coach and international bestselling author, she empowers others to reach their full potential. Her dedication to mentoring young girls and pursuing doctoral studies highlights her commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Renea's journey is a testament to transforming challenges into opportunities for success. Renea's mission is to ignite a path of growth, wellness, and unstoppable success for women poised for their next great adventure.
Sources:
Byrd, V. (2004). To Hell and Back. Essence, 34(11), 164–210.
Collins, E. M. (2009). Women’s Army Corps. Soldiers, 64(3), 4–9.
Dunwoody, A. E. (2015). A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America's First Female Four-Star General. Da Capo Press.
Eden, E. (2015). Women in Combat: The Question of Standards. Military Review.
Goldstein, A. N. (2018). “Why are you trying to destroy the last good thing men have?” Understanding resistance to women in combat jobs. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 20(3), 385–404.
Klingler, G. (2022, March 30). Female engagement teams: More than soldiers. U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
Library of Congress: Rhonda Cornum Collection. Serving: Our Voices.
Malachowski, N. (2024). Excellence Unscripted. https://nicolemalachowski.com/
Merryman, M. H. (2020). Clipped Wings: The Rise and Fall of World War II's Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). N.Y.U. Press.
Pruitt, S. (2023). U.S. military lifts ban on women in combat. History.com. Available here.
Stremlow, M. V. (1986). Free a Marine to Fight: Women Marines in World War II (PCN 19000312900). U.S. Marine Corps History and Museums Division.
Women's Army Corps (W.A.C.). U.S. Army Women's Museum.
