Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced he helped pass a resolution declaring June 12 as “Women Veterans Recognition Day” in the state of New York (K.1343). The designation coincides with the 66th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948.

“Today, we recognize the sacrifices our servicewomen have made throughout the years. These women put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Their courage, dedication and patriotism is remarkable and should be honored.”

As of 2011, women made up nearly 15 percent of our active duty military, and nearly 17 percent of the officers across the four military branches are women.¹ In January 2013, the military lifted the policy against women in combat roles, turning a page in our history. And, in April 2013, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new hotline geared toward assisting women veterans, their families and caretakers (1-855-VA-WOMEN).

“American women have been serving our country and in harm’s way for generations. And for too long, their contributions went unrecognized. Today, they serve in every branch of our military all over the world,” said Thiele. “From tending to wounded soldiers during the Revolutionary War to fighting alongside their male counterparts in Iraq and Afghanistan, women have long been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their service to this country is invaluable and must never be forgotten.”

Thiele has been working to make the transition back into civilian life as smooth as possible for New York’s veterans. Earlier this year, he sponsored the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act, which sets a 6 percent participation goal in the awarding of state contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses – the highest such goal in the nation (Ch. 22 of 2014).

“It’s our duty to ensure our brave soldiers – both men and women – have job opportunities and the support they need upon their return home. This act helps encourage and support businesses owned by service-disabled veterans,” said Thiele.

The Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948, which was signed into law by President Harry Truman, paved the way for women to join the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. That legislation – along with the recent decision to lift the ban on women in combat – has helped to ensure that women have the equality and liberty the very country they fight for promises, added Thiele.

“A huge debt of gratitude is owed to our servicewomen. This Women Veterans Recognition Day, join me in thanking our East End women veterans for their selfless dedication to protecting our nation,” said Assemblyman Thiele.

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1. cnn.com/2013/01/24/us/military-women-glance