In Owensboro, a powerful new initiative is working to ensure that female veterans are seen, supported, and celebrated. Veterans Empowered Together (V.E.T.) recently launched “She’s the VET,” a program designed specifically to address the unique needs of women who have served in the military. This local effort is already making a meaningful impact, offering resources, community, and visibility to a group that has long felt overlooked.

Female veterans often encounter challenges that differ from those faced by their male counterparts, ranging from under-recognition to limited access to gender-specific support systems. Recognizing this gap, a group of local women veterans—including Melody Wallace, Carlotta Richey, Natasha Conkright, Carie Vanasse-White, and Melanie Wallace—came together to create a space where female service members past, present, and future can find camaraderie and advocacy. Their goal is not only to support each other but to expand the reach of V.E.T. and strengthen the local veteran community as a whole.

The initiative grew out of a realization that many women’s veteran events were taking place outside Kentucky, primarily in Indiana. This distance created a barrier for local female veterans seeking connection. Richey, a former Army military police officer, emphasized the importance of a local network that speaks directly to women’s experiences in the military. “A local women’s veteran organization is important to aid our fellow female veterans with specific-to-female issues, as well as forge a sense of belonging many female veterans don’t feel they’ve earned,” she said.

That sense of belonging is central to the mission of She’s the VET. The founders understand that women in uniform are often mistaken for military spouses or auxiliary members rather than recognized as veterans themselves. Melody Wallace, a Navy veteran, noted that unless women are wearing something that explicitly identifies their service, they are often overlooked. “We feel it is time that we are seen for our service as well,” she said. “Unless we are wearing a shirt designating our branch or speaking at an event, very few people realize that WE are the veteran.”

The acronym “SHE” in She’s the VET stands for serve, honor, and elevate—core values that guide the group’s efforts to uplift women who have served or are currently serving. One of the initiative’s goals is to build partnerships with local recruiters, offering mentorship and support to young women considering military service. This outreach aims to provide the kind of encouragement and guidance many of the founders wish they had received when they enlisted. “We have an opportunity to be the people we didn’t have when we enlisted,” Melody said.

In addition to supporting current and future service members, She’s the VET is also committed to honoring the legacy of past women veterans. The group is collaborating with the Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organization to design and fundraise for a women’s veterans monument along the downtown Owensboro riverfront. The monument will pay tribute to local World War II veterans Mary Josephine Oberst and Vivian Hayden Lawton, while symbolizing the shared bond across generations of women in military service.

Army veteran Natasha Conkright addressed a concern that often arises when new, identity-focused groups are formed within larger organizations. She emphasized that this initiative is not about division but about inclusion. “The V.E.T. organization was built to serve all who wore the uniform, and that unified mission should always remain at the core,” she said. “But we also have to recognize that female veterans face unique challenges. Having a women’s branch within the larger veteran community doesn’t divide us … it strengthens us. Together, we’re stronger when every veteran has a seat at the table.”

Through local events, wellness programs, and educational workshops, She’s the VET is creating a robust network of resources tailored to the needs of women veterans. The group hopes to foster a sense of community that validates their experiences and amplifies their voices. I found this detail striking: the first all-female veteran coffee, scheduled for August 23 at Gramps Coffee & Donuts, represents a small but significant step toward building that community. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about connection and acknowledgment.

V.E.T. Commander Michael Mixson expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing the essential role that women veterans play both nationally and locally. “Women veterans are a vital part of our nation’s military history and our local community,” he said. “She’s the VET gives us the opportunity to not only recognize their service but also provide tailored resources, camaraderie, and advocacy that reflect their experiences.”

With efforts like She’s the VET, Owensboro is taking meaningful strides to ensure that all veterans—regardless of gender—receive the recognition, respect, and support they deserve. The initiative’s emphasis on visibility, mentorship, and legacy-building underscores a broader commitment to inclusivity within the veteran community. As the program grows, it promises to be a transformative force, not just for the women it serves, but for the community as a whole.

Read more at owensborotimes.com