Women vets to be honored at luncheon

Women who served in the military are often not getting the attention they deserve, said Kim Kay McCarty Martin of the Montana American Legion.

And many times they do not get the benefits they deserve, she said.

The newer generation of women’s vets usually have a better idea of what they are entitled to, she said. Older vets were never told of veterans’ benefits they could obtain, she said., and many assume they can’t get any.

“I talked to one woman who said she served in Korea,” Martin said. “She told me she didn't know she was classified as a veteran.”

Of course she was, replied Martin, who is Montana American Legion women veterans coordinator.

To help rectify the lack of attention women veterans have received, she said, the Legion will hold four women veterans recognition luncheons across Montana in May and June to pay tribute to women vets.

The Havre luncheon will be June 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Havre Eagles Club.

In addition to lunch, there will be programs to honor the women and inform them of any veterans benefits they may be entitled to.

Women who served in the military will have no charge, while people who accompany them will be charged $13 to cover costs, Martin said.

For many vets, this will be the first time they have been honored, and “it’s long overdue,” she said.

“American women have answered the call to serve with the same honor and integrity as their male counterparts, but too often they have been told or have not considered themselves veterans” she said.

“American women have been great patriots, warriors and healers for the United States in its military efforts from the Revolutionary War to the present,” she said.

To RSVP, contact Kim Kay McCarty Martin at 701-260-2833 or [email protected] or Debbie Hancock at 406-544-2656 or [email protected].