On 19 September 1990, Women Veterans of America was formed by four Women Veterans
As the Gulf War was pending and it seemed eminent that a full-scale war was about to begin,
2. Rooms for women patients with private bathrooms
3. Women's pajamas
4. OB-GYN, mammograms, PAP smears, etc.
5. Special medications that women may need
6. Veteran Service Organization's (VSO) understanding the needs
7. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), Sexual Harassment,
8. Transitioning from military to civilian life.
Over the years, additional chapters of Women Veterans of America were formed across the country.
Katherine Mussen, Vietnam Veteran; June Panzeri, WWII Veteran;
Mildred Cipolla, Korean War Veteran; Colleen Mussolino, Vietnam Veteran.
They were all in a support
group lead by Claudia Mitzeliotis in Brooklyn, VA.
the idea of forming
a Women Veterans of America organization, came about.
They knew the women coming home from the Gulf War would need their expertise and guidance.
WVA brought to the VA's attention issues from women who have served in the military.
Because the majority of VA patients were men, Women Veterans of America suggested the following:1. Privacy for patients
of disabled women veterans and how to handle
their cases.
and assault groups led by therapists and psychologists.
WVA Founders
On September 9th, 2004, 11 women veterans formed Chapter 20 in Nashville, Tennessee.
This was the first chapter in Tennessee.
(Back row, left to right):
Pat Knight, Susay Frey, Janet Cook, Ginnie Tribble, Lois Dillree, Corina Collins
(Front row, left to right):
Carla Johnson, Birdie Anderson, Mary Ross, Terri Klozik, Stacey Hopwood