Oregon's Servicewomen Not Invisible Thanks To Veteran Art Exhibit

American women have volunteered for United States military service in varying capacities since the Revolutionary War. From mechanics and nurses to war zone truck drivers and combat helicopter pilots, their contributions and sacrifices have been just as valuable and just as important as those of their male counterparts; and yet, after their enlistments end, many servicewomen still must fight to gain access to veteran benefits and services, and to receive the recognition due to anyone who's donated their time and energy to preserving the freedoms and liberties we all hold dear.

In an effort to shine a light on who these women are, and to give them an opportunity to express in their own words what their service means, Portland State University Veterans Resource Center Director Felita Singleton and Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Women Veterans Coordinator Elizabeth Estabrooks curated a roving exhibit that features the portraits and biographies of 20 women veterans in Oregon — where 28,000 women represent almost one-tenth of the state's veteran population.

Debuted at the Portland Art Museum in February, "I Am Not Invisible" shares the stories of servicewomen who've experienced everything from World War II to our most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The exhibit has traveled the state since its first showing in Portland, but this week it's been on display in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building in the U.S. Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C.

"Women in the military serve our country with the same courage, dedication and valor as their male counterparts, yet too often they are made to feel invisible," Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) said in a statement. "I'm proud to join Sen. Merkley in bringing the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs' beautiful photo exhibit, 'I Am Not Invisible,' to Congress so our colleagues can see the faces of Oregon's women veterans. Our country is stronger because women serve in our armed forces, and I am grateful to the thousands of women service members who protect our national security every day."

The exhibit shares the stories of 101-year-old H. Jean Wojnowski, a World War II nurse who joined the U.S. Army after the bombing at Pearl Harbor; Kyleanne Hunter, a Cobra combat pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps; and Deborah Lynn Peterson, a U.S. Navy veteran who experienced all the challenges associated with being a "strong, independent" black woman on a predominantly male ship.

"All too often, the role of women veterans is left out of the conversation. The 'I Am Not Invisible' exhibit seeks to change that by highlighting the sacrifices and achievements 20 incredible women veterans have made at home and abroad," Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said. "Our country owes women veterans a huge debt of gratitude, and I'm proud to bring this home-grown Oregon exhibit to our nation's capital."

Following its week in D.C., the exhibit is sharing time in Philadelphia (Oct. 30 to Nov. 13), Salem (Nov. 18), and Springfield, Oregon (Nov. 1 to Nov. 30).

"'I Am Not Invisible' is all about bringing honor and recognition to the women who have served their country, and what better place to do that than in the nation's capital?" Estabrooks said in a statement. "It is an honor to bring this ground-breaking exhibit to Washington, D.C., and we are incredibly grateful to Sen. Merkley and Rep. Bonamici for making it possible."

For more information about the "I Am Not Invisible" exhibit and the servicewomen it features, or to learn how to bring "I Am Not Invisible" to your community, visit www.iani.oregondva.com.

Image via the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs