Women Veteran Enrollment Initiative, "Boots on the Ground for Boots on the Ground"

A Message from Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans

Dear Sister Veterans,

At the Center for Women Veterans, our mission has always been clear, to advocate for improved outcomes and access to VA benefits, services, and opportunities for women Veterans through education, outreach, and collaboration.  Our Vision is to enroll, empower, and encourage women Veterans to trust and choose VA.

I want to personally reassure you that your voices matter, your concerns are heard, and your experiences are important to us, to me.

There are times when personal issues raised by Sister Veterans are not answered publicly through social media or open forums but just know that this does not mean they are being ignored. In all cases, the most meaningful work happens behind the scenes, through direct conversations, engagement, and discussions with the right people within VA to create real solutions.

With more than 2 million women Veterans, I am honored to serve this incredible women Veteran community. I have dedicated countless hours, often spending two hours or more at a time, speaking with and following up to ensure the safety and well-being of women Veterans who need help, support, guidance, or simply someone to listen. I welcome these conversations, because every person and every voice matters. The Center for Women Veterans takes every concern seriously, and we approach each one with care, urgency, and respect.

Given the large number of women Veterans we serve, some concerns can be addressed quickly, while others require more time and collaboration to connect with the right individuals or resources needed for lasting change. Although we may not be able to provide an immediate solution to every issue, we are committed to working diligently and thoughtfully to address each concern and to continually improve the care and support all women Veterans deserve.

I encourage each of you to continue empowering you and your Sister Veterans to come to VA, ask questions, seek support, attend the regional enrollment summits and claim the benefits you’ve earned and deserve. You can help another woman Veteran take the first step toward improving her life by encouraging her to seek VA health care, benefits and services.  Do your best to softly encourage your Battle Buddy to go with you to get her support.

What I don’t want is for conversations to become discouraging or negative, causing some women Veterans to hesitate to seek help or miss opportunities that could change their future for the better. Let’s continue lifting one another up, sharing trusted information, and building a stronger community together.

If you need us, we’re here. We will connect you to with trusted people who know how to care for and help you.  We will also give you the right people, resources and tools to help you make informed decisions to make the best choices for your personal situation.  Do not hesitate to reach out securely through AskVA at https://www.va.gov/contact-us/ask-va/introduction and select Women Veterans.

- We are here.

- We are listening.

- And we remain committed to serving and you.

I want to see all of you at one of our reginal summits – they are FREE, you just have to get yourself there! Please continue to read our newsletters and follow us on social media, Facebook and X @VAWomenVets for more summit information.  If you are in or plan to be in the San Antonio, TX area on July 24 and 25, 2026, please register for our first event.  We’re bringing your VA support system to you.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

WHAT

VA Center for Women Veterans (CWV) in partnership with the Office of Women’s Health (OWH) launched the Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative: “Boots on the Ground for Boots on the Ground,” a series of five regional summits, bringing VA services directly to women Veterans in their communities.

WHEN

The first summit will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, and Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Four additional regional summits will follow, with the final event in May 2027 (date and locations TBD).

WHERE

First Summit: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas (serving Veterans from Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma). Future summits will reach additional regions across the U.S.

WHY

Each summit will provide an opportunity for sister Veterans to meet with representatives of VA and discuss issues related to their needs in the areas of employment, whole health, mental health, military sexual trauma, suicide prevention, entrepreneurial resources, and end of life planning, among other areas of focus.  You will have an opportunity to meet face to face with VA Claims Representatives to submit new or increase disability claims related to service-connected conditions.

WHO

All women who serve and served are invited and welcome, no cost to register. Bring your Battle Buddy!

 REGISTER HERE:  https://whova.com/portal/registration/bIpBmx5GL4oTJcmYk45h/