National Vet Girls RISE Day is celebrated on February 19. The day highlights the contribution of women veterans who worked in the U.S. military and gives an opportunity to the community and national bodies to give back to them. For female veterans, the day is also an opportunity to celebrate the life-long bonds they have formed during their service. It is no easy feat to serve in the military and then transition back to civilian life. For this reason, Vet Girls RISE’s purpose is to support female veterans and improve their lives.
History of National Vet Girls ROCK Day
National Vet ROCK Day was established in 2017, celebrating the history and lives of women in the military. Long before women were allowed to serve in the military, they participated in wars as nurses, cooks, and caretakers for the soldiers.
In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Navy Nurse Corps; the first 20 female participants were called ‘The Sacred Twenty.’
The first woman to be officially enlisted was Loretta Perfectus Walsh in 1917, when she joined the American Navy. Women were officially allowed to participate in active military and combat roles in the last two years of World War Il. 33,000 women signed up to serve in different roles. Hundreds of them were a part of the Women Airforce Service Program, testing military aircraft.
They have also made a remarkable distinction in the history of the U.S military. After the Civil War, Dr. Mary E. Walker was honored with a medal for her work as a surgeon during the war.
In 1998, Commander Maureen Farren became the first woman to command a combatant ship, the USS Mount Vernon. In 2016, Captain Kristen Griest became the first female Army Infantry commander, after graduating from Ranger school.
Female veterans also struggle with mental, physical, and financial problems, and find it difficult to integrate into civilian life after experiencing war. Many women suffer from MST (Military Sexual Trauma), cardiovascular risk factors, depression, eye and skin disorders, and spine conditions.
This calls for support and care from every person. Support groups for female vets have been created and National Vet Girls ROCK Day was established to create more awareness and give them more support. It is celebrated in meet-up groups in different spots around the country; you can join one to celebrate.
National Vet Girls ROCK Day timeline
President Truman signs the Act that allows women to fully serve in the military.
Women are admitted to military academies in the U.S.
The Vet Girls ROCK initiative is created.
Vet Girls ROCK Day is founded.
National Vet Girls ROCK Day FAQs
How many female veterans are there in the U.S.?
There are over two million female veterans in the United States.
Who is a veteran?
A veteran is someone who was active in military service and was honorably discharged.
How can I provide support for veterans?
You can join veteran support groups around. Meet with veterans you know and treat them with gifts and meals. Donate to veteran projects. Always lend a helping hand to a veteran in need.
How many female veterans have PTSD?
Studies done on a sample of women veterans showed that the prevalence of PTSD in women veterans ranged from 4% to 21%.
How to Celebrate Vet Girls ROCK Day
Celebrate a female vet
Visit the vet girls you know. Show them love by bringing them food and celebrating them on social media.
Create awareness
Spread the word about the importance of this holiday! Let everyone know so every female vet is celebrated.
Buy a gift
Show appreciation by getting a gift for a vet girl you know. A bag, dress, or even a box of cookies would be a kind gesture.
5 Interesting Facts About Female Soldiers
Bea Arthur
You may know her from the sitcom “The Golden Girls,” but did you know that she served as a truck driver in the Marine Corps?
Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody
She was the first female to serve as a four-star General in the U.S. Armed Forces and the Army.
Grace Murray Hopper
Affectionately named “Amazing Grace,” she served in the U.S. Navy as a Rear Admiral and created the programming language COBOL.
Eileen Collins
Collins was a T-41 instructor pilot at the Air Force Academy, making her quite the Top Gun!
Harriet Tubman
This wonder woman was a nurse, a cook, and a spy during the Civil War.
Why We Love the National Vet Girls ROCK Day
We admire them
We are in awe of these women who are brave enough to enter the battlefield. We admire their strength of mind and courage.
They inspire us
Women in the military remind us that we can do whatever we want to do if we fight for it. The history of women in the military is not so smooth but they succeeded because they never gave up. This inspires us.
We celebrate the fallen
We commemorate women who died in action and applaud their work and sacrifice. We celebrate their lives given to ensure our peace.
National Vet Girls ROCK Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 19 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 19 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 19 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 19 | Saturday |
| 2029 | February 19 | Monday |
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