December 2022

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.

This FREE support is

• Confidential
• Available every day 24/7

And serves

• All Veterans
• All Service members
• National Guard and Reserve
• Their family members and friends

The I Am Not Invisible (IANI) awareness campaign began as a program featuring twenty photographs of Oregon women who were military veterans. Now a nationwide program, the IANI campaign strives to increase awareness and generate dialogue about the role of women veterans.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs through the Wisconsin Veterans Museum created their IANI exhibit to highlight the diverse, experienced, and important segment of the veteran community and increase awareness about these veterans. To hear the oral history interviews from the Wisconsin women veterans who participated in this project, click here.

The traveling exhibit consists of indoor, easy-to-assemble, pop-up banners available to local libraries, historic societies, schools and community spaces throughout the state. There is no cost to reserve and host the exhibit, only shipping costs apply.

For more information or to inquire about this traveling exhibit availability call (608) 261-0541 or email Curator of Exhibits.

The holiday season may not be the most beautiful time of the year for you, and that’s okay. Here’s a guide for getting through:

• Set boundaries (or limits)
• Create time for you
• Exercise regularly
• Make connections
• Ask for help

Need additional support? Talk to a USDVA provider because help is available. Learn more click here.

#WisVetWomen #WisVets

Festive season brings us all together. May the peace and warmth we feel now last throughout the next year! Wish you happy holidays!

CWV 2023 Women Veterans Trailblazers Initiative “Women Making the Difference”

- Call for Nomination Packages

The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) is proud to announce the CWV 2023 Women Veteran Trailblazers Initiative “Women Making the Difference”.  

In 2019, the Center launched the CWV Women Veterans Trailblazers “Women Breaking Barriers” initiative to celebrate women Veterans’ contributions during and after their military service.  Fifteen women Veterans Trailblazers representing all branches of service were selected. 

In 2021, the Center received 108 nomination packages for the 2021 CWV Women Veterans Trailblazers “Women Veterans Leading the Way” initiative to celebrate women Veterans extraordinary work in Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Homelessness, Legal assistance, Mental Health and Wellness.  Twenty-seven women Veterans representing all branches of service were selected that embody the characteristics that define a Trailblazer.   

For the 2023 CWV Women Veterans Trailblazers “Women Making the Difference” initiative, CWV has defined a woman Veteran Trailblazer as a woman who:

Has served and separated from the service and makes an impact by enhancing the lives of other veterans, veteran families, or veteran caregivers. Impact may be a single event or action or may be demonstrated over a period of time in one or more of the following areas:

• Education
• Employment
• Entrepreneurship
• Homelessness
• Legal 
• Mental Health and Wellness

Please submit all requested materials

(1) Nomination form

(2) Nominee’s recent professional photo

(3) One-page summary of why the nominee meets the definition above of a Trailblazer and how they are continuing to serve others.      

(4) CWV Trailblazer Code of Conduct form (nominee’s signature required)  

** Self nominations are welcomed.**

Deadline for nomination packages for the 2023 Center for Women Veterans Trailblazers Initiative will be Friday, January 13, 2023.  

Nomination packages received after the deadline and previously selected Trailblazers will not be considered.   

The 2023 Center for Women Veterans Trailblazers “Women Making the Difference” will be announced during Women’s History Month (March 2023).

Email nominations and/or questions to: 00W@va.gov  

Attention to: Ms. Ana Claudio.