The Tri-State Women Veterans MWAN Unit #157 met Saturday
The local unit of the Military Women Across the Nation met at Shoney’s off Shallowford on Saturday. The group of 18 ladies, all who served in the armed forces of the USA, came together to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of fellowshipping with other veterans. This month the unit welcomed three new members and two guests.
Members of MWAN have served the nation in World War II, the Koran War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Global War on Terrorism, Operation New Dawn, War on Terror Afghanistan, Iraq and in peacetime. Women have served in all aspects of military operations and support, from transportation to avionics, from nurses to meteorologists, or in personal or logistics beside their male counterparts.
The Tri-State Women Veterans MWAN Unit #157 makes a special effort to provide information on veterans’ affairs and upcoming events. Members regularly volunteer at the veterans’ clinic and visit hospitalized veterans in VA facilities, nursing homes and other facilities.
Members also participate in community happenings which includes patriotic parades, veteran’s events and service projects aimed to enhance the lives of veterans.
Upcoming projects include tracking volunteer hours to report to Congress, a spring yard sale, and, in the autumn, laying a wreath at the National Cemetery on Veterans Day and participating in the Dayton Veterans Day parade.
Members of the unit will also be selling wreaths for placement at the National Cemetery in December in remembrance of past heroes. The public is invited to participate in purchasing a wreath for Wreaths Across America by contacting Shelly at specwolf91@gmail.com or Cathy at ctbnana@epbfi.com. Either veteran will be able to assist with an order.
The next bimonthly meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Shoney’s, 2318 Shallowford Village Drive, Chattanooga, TN. Any woman, having served or is serving in the regular or reserve components of the US Armed Forces and can show proof of their honorable service, is invited to join. Members live in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia.
Recognized as a 501(c) Veterans Non-profit Organization in 1985, MWAN evolved from the female naval organization, WAVES NATIONAL, which was established in 1979. As the need for a multiservice organization focused on women veterans grew, WAVES NATIONAL opened their doors to all female veterans. On June 20, 2015, Tri-State Women Veterans became an official member of Military Women Across America, with a unit designation of 157, and was the first unit recognized under the newly organized MWAN. For additional information about the MWAN, please visit our national website at www.milwomen.org.