In honor of Women’s History Month, Michele Licata and Andrea Jones, two of the MDVA Service Program Veteran Benefits Specialists (VBS) spoke with our Outreach Program on the significance of women in military service, as well as how MDVA is meeting the needs of women veterans in Maryland:
Michele Licata is a VBS in Salisbury, Maryland. She began her service to MDVA in June 2011. Ms. Licata is a military spouse and mother. She can be reached at 410-219-7256.
How does your connection to the military inform the work that you do as a VBS?
Being in a military family enhances my work performance, as I understand there is a difference between military and civilian life. It can sometimes be the small things like communication, the military often uses acronyms and to someone unfamiliar, this could be a barrier to communication. I truly love it when veterans arrive for their appointment with me and they are usually 10-15 minutes early. My husband always says, “Being early is on time, being on time is late”. Understanding firsthand the sacrifice and discipline necessary for this population makes it an honor and privilege to assist each of them to the best of my ability.
This month is Women’s History Month. What does the evolution of women in the military mean to you? Does the road traveled by women throughout military history influence the way you approach your work as a VBS?
The evolution of women in the military is of great importance and has an impact on everyone. In addition to using their talents while on active duty, those skills and experiences from their military service help women veterans to make achievements in their civilian careers and contributions to their communities. These women are paving the way to empower all women to aspire to be anything they want. As the evolution of women in the military continues, I’m excited to see the continued promotion of our female military leaders. I am always appreciative to all our veterans, but there is a special place in my heart for female veterans, as I can understand some of their obstacles along the way. These women allow me to work harder, think smarter, and encourage other women as well.
The MDVA assists thousands of veterans each year. In your role as a VBS do you see specific conditions and/or injuries that are disproportionately impacting women? If so, what conditions are they?
In my role as a VBS, I actually have not seen specific conditions and/or injuries that are disproportionately affecting women (other than obvious female only issues). This shows me that both men and women are performing in similar capacities while on active duty. As different as men and women may be, women are just as talented, skilled, intelligent and disciplined as their male counterparts.
To ensure women veterans feel comfortable sharing their experiences with our VBS', they can request a female VBS to assist them with their claim. What process/procedure does MDVA have in place to ensure women veterans have an emotionally safe place available as they apply for benefits?
One wonderful aspect of being a VBS with MDVA is that we have offices conducive to privacy, safe surroundings and a calming environment. I strive to accommodate my veterans with my undivided attention, a quiet atmosphere and plenty of time to hear and understand their concerns. Often times, the issues that are discussed can be difficult in nature and can initiate unpleasant thoughts and emotions. I want each veteran to feel my office is a safe place to discuss all issues and not be judged nor downplayed.
If a female veteran has not enrolled in VA healthcare, what information related to enrollment and the women veterans program can you provide when they are applying for VA benefits? Do you assist them with enrollment?
I recommend all veterans apply for VA healthcare. Our office will assist all veterans with completing the VA healthcare application. For female veterans, I discuss with them the Women Veterans Healthcare Program and that their strategic priorities are Primary Care, Health Education, Reproductive Health, Communication & Partnerships, Health Research and Special Women Veteran Population. I also give them the Call Center # 1-855-829-6636. The health and wellbeing of all our veterans is extremely important, but women’s health can be more complex.
Andrea Jones is a VBS in Hagerstown, Maryland. She began her service to MDVA approximately five years ago. Ms. Jones is a United States Navy Veteran. She can be reached at 240-527-6894.
How does your connection to the military inform the work that you do as a VBS?
During my time in the service in the 90s, the environment and my experiences weren’t always the most positive for women to excel and to excel at the levels of their male counterparts in the Military.
This month is Women’s History Month. What does the evolution of women in the military mean to you? Does the road traveled by women throughout military history influence the way you approach your work as a VBS?
I’m very grateful to see many of those changes over time, including availability of promotions and even down to hair style options. The Military is still a very male dominant industry and I can say here at MDVA I have been very fortunate to work in the office with other females and see how welcoming and inviting that can be for Women Veterans.
While there are still times that I meet women who have struggled throughout their military service, I can provide a safe space. A place where women can feel seen and heard, be a listening ear, and even relate on some levels that help her to file a claim and feel confident in the process to obtain benefits.
To ensure women veterans feel comfortable sharing their experiences with our VBS', they can request a female VBS to assist them with their claim. What process/procedure does MDVA have in place to ensure women veterans have an emotionally safe place available as they apply for benefits?
MDVA serves many women Veterans and I feel we are able to do a great service to them with myself and other female colleagues being available, regardless of where the Veteran lives.
If a female veteran has not enrolled in VA healthcare, what information related to enrollment and the women veterans program can you provide when they are applying for VA benefits? Do you assist them with enrollment?
Working in the Western Region, we can also refer women confidentially to Martinsburg VAMC because of the amazing Women’s Center they have on the campus.
MDVA Service & Benefits Program
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