Local Veterans Launch New Initiative for Female Service Members

When I first learned about V.E.T. several years ago, it was a group of veterans that regularly met for coffee and donuts. Since then, VET, which stands for Veterans Empowered Together, has grown from a social group for local service members to a non-profit helping veterans in need through mental health programs like equine, outdoor, and music therapy.

Veterans Empowered Together

They host memorial events and the annual Military Ball at the Owensboro Convention Center.  With a focus on community involvement, they've hosted fundraisers for Toys for Tots and even supported St. Jude Children's Hospital here at the radio station. It makes perfect sense that these generous folks know how to make things happen for people in need.

She's the Vet

The other day, my friend Melody Wallace shared a new V.E.T. Initiative that is super exciting. After noticing that Indiana veteran groups were hosting events and activities geared toward women veterans, a few of the VET board members decided to form "She's the Vet" for the Owensboro-Daviess County area.

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“‘She’s the Vet’ represents a significant step forward in ensuring all veterans—regardless of gender—receive the recognition, respect, and support they deserve ,” said VET Commander Michael Mixson. “While V.E.T. has always stood for the well-being of every veteran, this initiative focuses specifically on addressing the unique challenges faced by women who have served in the armed forces.”

Founding members, Army veterans Natasha Conkright, Carlotta Richey, and Melanie Wallace, Air Force veteran Carie Vanasse-White, and Navy veteran Melody Wallace, want to create a space where women who have served the United States feel seen and respected.

Courage & Conviction

“Females have served this nation with courage and conviction, yet their experiences have often gone unseen, unspoken, and underappreciated,” Conkright said. ‘She’s the Vet’ exists to change that.”

SHE: Serve, Honor, Elevate

The SHE in the ‘She’s the VET’ is an acronym for the mission: Serve, Honor, and Elevate women who have served in the past while encouraging women who want to pursue a career in the armed forces. They also plan to fundraise for a women's veterans monument in downtown Owensboro. It would be a perfect addition to the wonderful memorials that already exist in Smother's Park.

"Our goal is to not only uplift the stories of females who’ve served, but also to strengthen the bond between service members and the communities they call home. That’s why we are committed to collaborating with local businesses, supporting small-town heroes, and creating meaningful spaces for growth and connection."

From Serving Our Country to Serving Our County

I can't wait to see what the ladies of She's the Vet accomplish. They are all community leaders with a passion for helping others, and they want you to join them! See for yourself what coming together as women veterans means to them and enjoy some awesome throwback photos of their time serving our country.

Carie White, US Air Force, Dental / Medic

“Being a female USAF Veteran means being part of an elite sisterhood,” White said. “This group would be about creating a safe space for mental health check-ins, laughs, and creating a place where we can speak freely. A group that can lift each other up throughout our life’s journeys and help each other navigate the Women’s Veterans Affairs system.”

Natasha Conkright, Army veteran (on the left)

“As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand the critical need for spaces where female veterans can grow and, most importantly, be supported,” Conkright said. “‘She’s the V.E.T.’ is building a space where female veterans are empowered to lead in life after serving, creating a lasting impact in our families and communities by elevating their voices beyond the military.”

Carlotta Richey, US Army Military Police

“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,” said Richey, a former Army military police officer.

Melanie Wallace, Army National Guard, 23 years SSGT retired

“I’ve been so lucky and so blessed in my military career,” Melanie said. “I always felt like somebody had my back and I never felt like I didn’t have worth because I was a female. I retired and rolled straight into the VA.”

Melody Wallace, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman

“As women, we are often seen as the mom, military spouse, or a member of the auxiliary,” Melody said. “While we understand and appreciate the time and sacrifice of women in those roles, we feel it is time that we are seen for our service as well. There is an unspoken bond between women who have served in the military, and continuing to serve our community together will just continue to strengthen and foster those relationships.”

Upcoming ‘She’s the VET’ events:

• The next VET coffee (for all veterans) will be held Saturday, August 9 at 9 a.m. at Windy Hollow Biscuit House at 630 Emory Drive. Spouses and families are welcome at this event.
• The first all female veteran coffee is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 9 a.m. at Gramps Coffee & Donuts located at 333 Frederica St.
• We are inviting ALL interested female veterans to join us in participating in the Muddy Princess 5K Obstacle Mud Run in Nashville on Sunday, September 14th at 11 a.m.
• “Project In Her Boots,” combat boot decorating event to display for Veterans Day.
• VET Military Ball on Saturday, November 15th at the Owensboro Convention Center. We are looking forward to taking a group photo of all of our amazing female veterans dressed up and looking fabulous!

For more information about ‘She’s the Vet’ and upcoming events, check out V.E.T.’s website and social media platforms.