Blog post

Female Iraq Veterans Brief Capitol Hill on Critical Issues Facing Women Warriors
Posted by Daniel on March 31 2009

Today on Capitol Hill, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the country's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in partnership with Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV) and The Independent Television Service (ITVS), hosted a special screening of the acclaimed documentary film LIONESS and a panel discussion on female troops and veterans’ issues.

“Almost 200,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we conclude our recognition of Women’s History Month, it is a fitting time to honor their service and sacrifices,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). “For years, IAVA has been working to raise awareness about the critical needs of our women warriors. Today’s historic event continues this dialogue, and we look forward to seeing real action from our nation’s lawmakers.”

Following the screening and panel discussion with members of “Team Lioness” and filmmakers Meg McLagan and Daria Summers, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) held a press conference to discuss the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would help assess, expand and improve VA health care for women veterans.

“The VA is currently underprepared to handle the unique health care needs of our women veterans. As more female servicemembers come home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the VA must be ready to serve them. IAVA is proud to support the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, and urges Congress to move quickly to pass this critical legislation,” said Rieckhoff.

To learn more about women's history in the military and to take IAVA's quiz on women warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan, click here.
To learn more about LIONESS, please visit: http://www.lionessthefilm.com/.

Watch the trailer for LIONESS here.