Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN

Big E's Sports Grille

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023   –  7:15 a.m.

Women have been involved in the U.S. military since 1775, originally in the civilian fields of nursing, laundering, mending clothing and cooking. Deborah Sampson was one of the first women to enlist while disguised as a man. She was unhappy with her limited role in the American Revolution. She served in a light infantry unit, fighting in many battles. Injuries put her in a hospital where her secret was discovered. Her commanding officer, General John Paterson, honorably discharged her and thanked her for her service.

Of course, women no longer have to hide their gender to serve and fight alongside men. And, just like men, there are female veterans that carry with them the scars, trauma, and suffering resulting from combat. 

Our speaker is Sgt. Stephanie Shannon US Army (RET). She is the Founder / CEO of Michigan Women Veterans Empowerment. She will share with us how her organization helps female military veterans, military service members, and their family members identify, connect, educate, advocate, support, and empower themselves in the in eight dimensions of wellness. 

Invocation: Eric Nelson
Introduction: Jeff Kissinger

The Military

1. A young female was honorably discharged from the Army, but realized that there was a typo on her discharge papers. They had her listed as a male. Concerned about this mistake she brought it to the attention of her Sergeant. "Well," said the Sergeant, "They said the Army'd make a man out of you."
   
   

2. During training exercises, a lieutenant was driving down a muddy back road when she encountered another jeep stuck in the mud with a red-faced Colonel at the wheel.

   "Your jeep stuck, Sir?" asked the lieutenant as she pulled alongside.

   "Nope," replied the Colonel, coming over and handing her the keys, "Yours is."