“My experience in the Navy fuels my passion for fellow Veterans, active duty members, and their families.” – Jessica Bain, director, Military and Veteran Services, U.S. Navy Veteran
Women have a long history of serving in important roles in the U.S. military. However, they weren’t officially honored until 2018.
Women Veterans Day was first celebrated on June 12, 2018, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. The law enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military.
However, women had long served in unofficial military roles well before 1948, including approximately 400,000 during World War II, according to Military.com. Today, every Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center has a Women Veteran Program Manager to share resources and program information.
TriWest Health Care Alliance’s staff includes around 50 women Veterans. Let’s learn more about why they chose to enlist and how it has impacted their lives:
“I grew up in a military family. My grandfather, uncle, father, and stepmom all served, and it was something I always considered. After college, I spent six years in the advertising industry, which I enjoyed, but knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term. I commissioned in 2009 as an Air Force Medical Service Corps officer and served for nearly 15 years on active duty as a Healthcare Administrator. I transitioned to the Air Force Reserve in 2023 and continue to serve today. The military has absolutely shaped who I am today, constantly pushing me outside my comfort zone and has afforded me some incredible opportunities.” – Kristine Cothren, regional director, Military and Veteran Services, U.S. Air Force Veteran
“I joined the military to pursue my education, give back to the country that offered my family and me so many opportunities, and build a life of my own. That decision not only helped me establish a strong foundation—meeting my husband and building a family—but also led to a meaningful career serving military members and Veterans.” – Katheryn Benjamin, director, Performance Management, U.S. Army Veteran
“I ‘grew up’ in the Navy as a nurse and officer, joining in 1999 and retiring in 2023. I joined for the adventure and the Navy did not disappoint! My experience in the Navy fuels my passion for fellow Veterans, active duty members, and their families.” – Jessica Bain, director, Military and Veteran Services, U.S. Navy Veteran
“As a first-generation immigrant, I chose to join the military to serve my country and to push myself to grow personally, physically, and professionally. The journey has shaped me into a disciplined, resilient, and adaptable leader while affording me the invaluable opportunity to learn from military leaders (including a retired Major General fighter pilot) in the classroom and while flying planes/earning my flight surgeon wings!” – Dr. Preeti Jois, medical director, U.S. Air Force Veteran
“I enlisted in the Navy in 1998. At 23, I just felt like I didn’t have a purpose. I spent almost seven years providing patient care in the Naval Medical System until it was time to start my own family. Joining the military allowed me to honor my father’s Air Force legacy and pursue personal growth and travel. In a time when it wasn’t as common for women to enter the military, joining gave me a sense of pride and allowed me to carve out my own path. The discipline I gained gave me a good foundation for developing habits which help me in pursuing personal and professional growth. The military life gave me exposure to not only new places and experiences, but also gave me an appreciation for people from all walks of life.” – Pamela Dillow, referral specialist, U.S. Navy Veteran
“Joining the military was never a lifelong dream or aspiration. It was a decision that I had to make to help me afford going to college. Although it was not something I could foresee, joining the military has shaped who I am as a female leader, professional, and team member. I ‘grew up’ in the Air Force! It taught me everything I know about being a leader, having influence when it matters, the importance of networking, and collaboration. I will forever be grateful for these lessons and the family the Air Force gave me.” – Alisha Smith, vice president, Military and Veteran Services, U.S. Air Force Veteran
“I have always felt a sense of duty to my community and my country. Hence, I entered the nursing profession and military. I was a single mom while on active duty. I had to trust people, which was hard for me then. I learned how to be even more resourceful.” – Shirley Stevens, case manager, U.S. Army and Army Reserve Veteran
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to TriWest’s women Veterans. They value TriWest’s mission to do Whatever It Takes!® to connect our nation’s military and Veteran communities to the high-quality health care they have earned and deserve.