The Veterans’ Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park hosted the Female Veterans, Active Duty and Reservist Health and Wellness Fair Oct. 9 to inform female veterans of available opportunities in the community.
The fair provided services and workshops specifically designed for female veterans coping with things such as post traumatic stress disorder or sexual assault.
The Family Justice Center Military Liaison Program and the San Diego Domestic Violence Council sponsored the event.
“This event is important because so many women do not know what’s available to them,” said Emily Drake, a field representative of Women in Military Service for America.
The Soldier’s Project hosted the first workshop the women participated in, which was geared toward dealing with sexual trauma in the military. Afterward, the service members were able to participate in a meditation workshop.
The veterans also participated in workshops focusing on self defense and assertive communication skills.
Some of the other organizations represented were the Veterans Village of San Diego, Center for Community Solutions, Naval Center Combat and Operational Stress Control, Crossfit Coronado, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Firm Comprehensive Women’s Clinic and Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
In addition, the event had food, drinks and raffle prizes. Workers at the event passed out brochures of information about other services available to female veterans.
“We need to work harder to make better connections with service members,” said Jillian Carrick, the military liaison and victim advocate coordinator of the Family Justice Center and event coordinator. “Often times females don’t feel like they’re veterans. They don’t feel like they get recognition from the community. We’re here to provide that recognition for them. We want to thank them for their service; we want to provide them support.”