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March 29, 2023 - Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania Commission for Women Honors Female Veterans During Women's History Month

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women honored Pennsylvania's female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month. The Commission recognized 22 women from across the Commonwealth representing every branch of the armed services for their brave service and selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation.

"Pennsylvania's veterans deserve our greatest thanks and respect for their service," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Today, we celebrate the leadership and accomplishments of women across Pennsylvania who served our Commonwealth and our nation with distinction. I'm proud to celebrate Pennsylvania's female veterans - and I vow that as Governor, I will always have our veterans' backs."

"This ceremony is a celebration of the women who choose to serve Pennsylvania in the armed forces," said First Lady Lori Shapiro. "Especially during Women's History Month, it's a privilege to welcome these incredible women to Harrisburg and offer our gratitude in honor of their many accomplishments in service to Pennsylvania."

Speakers Include:
Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director for the Pa. Commission for Women
Major General Mark J. Schindler, Acting Adjutant General
Brigadier General (PA) Maureen H. Weigl
Governor Josh Shapiro



<a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Governor Josh Shapiro honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro honor female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro honor female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director for the Pa. Commission for Women, honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro honor female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Major General Mark J. Schindler, Acting Adjutant General, honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Brigadier General (PA) Maureen H. Weigl honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Brigadier General (PA) Maureen H. Weigl honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Governor Josh Shapiro honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Governor Josh Shapiro honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a> First Lady Lori Shapiro honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a> First Lady Lori Shapiro honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recognizes 22 women from across the Commonwealth, representing every branch of the armed services, for their selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>First Lady Lori Shapiro honors female veterans in celebration of Women's History Month, in Harrisburg, PA on March 29, 2023. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Krista Callear from York County, who enlisted in the United States Army in 1984. She is decorated to include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (5), and the Good Conduct Medal. She retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2013. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Francia Done-Henry from Dauphin County, who served in the United States Army Reserves for over 13 years, completing two combat tours, one in Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and a second in Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq. In civilian life, she was Deputy Chief of Police-Patrol Commander Lieutenant for 15 years. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_28.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Sarah Garcia from Bedford County, who enlisted as a Combat Medic and attained their training as a National Emergency Medical Technician in 1991. She was deployed to two combat tours in Iraq. She retired from active service with the rank of Sergeant First Class in 2014. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_29.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Jennifer Grubb from Chester County, who began her career in the United States Army in 2000. She was deployed in 2003 where she served in Afghanistan at the height of the post-9/11 military action. She was a combat lifesaver and worked security details in a place where saving lives was often impossible, and no one could afford to feel secure. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_30.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Diana Henry from Adams County, who joined the United States Marine Corps in 1984. She is a member of the American Legion and was recognized in Fall of 2015 as the Veteran of the Quarter for her Post. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_31.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Mary Irvin from Montgomery County, who served in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Analyst and Paratrooper. She was honorably discharged after five years of service and reached the rank of Specialist. She has eleven ribbons and awards that include two Army Achievement Medals and a National Defense Service Medal. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_32.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Joslin Kearse from York County, who entered the United States Army with Primary Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) 27J Hawk Field Mission Maintenance Pulse Acquisition Radar Repairer. She completed Advanced Individual Training and was stationed at Ft McClelland in Alabama then Vilsec, Germany in 1994. She currently serves as the Manager of Diversity for the York County JCC. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_33.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Dr. Karen Kennedy from York County, who spent four years of active duty in the United States Air Force as a child psychiatrist. She was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for her performance. She currently provides care at the WellSpan York Child/Adolescent Day Hospital. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_34.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Alysa Ambrose from Allegheny County, who began her career in the United States Navy after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. She was one of the first groups of women to be able to serve on combatants and retired with the rank of Captain after serving for 25 years. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_35.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Kathleen LaBahn from Clinton County, who enlisted in the United State Air Force in 2001 and has proudly served her country over 21 years. Her tours of duty span the Pacific, European, and Asian theaters including combat operations in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is currently the 911th Airlift Wings Mission Support Group commander. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_36.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Rose McDermott from Allegheny County, who is a 2nd generation female veteran from Pennsylvania. During her time serving as a nurse with the 171st Pennsylvania Air National Guard, she was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her military career spanned 24 years, beginning in 1980 with Air Force basic military training. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_37.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Dr. Susan Morris-Rutledge from Washington County, who served in the United States Army Reserve from 1992-1998; she re-enlisted again and served from 2001-2006. She was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for working outside her duty Military Occupational Specialty. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_38.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Dr. Sally Mounts from Washington County, who started her military career as a Second Lieutenant Platoon officer and was responsible for the basic training of female officers. Over the course of her 25-year-long military career, she was awarded five Meritorious Service Medals and was also awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and an Army Achievement Medal. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_39.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Pamela Robb form Centre County, who joined the United States Army in 1976 and served for six years. Her service medals include the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Occupational Medal. As a civilian, she received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal which instills her military values of honor, truth, and service. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_40.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Pamela Robb form Centre County, who joined the United States Army in 1976 and served for six years. Her service medals include the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Occupational Medal. As a civilian, she received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal which instills her military values of honor, truth, and service. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_41.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Jennifer Schlotter from Bucks County, who entered the United States Army Reserve as an Engineer Officer. She was an Army Reserve officer for over eight years, mobilizing and deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom and achieved the rank of Captain. With 25 years of experience at Boeing, she has recently transitioned to the Boeing Space and Launch Division. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_42.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Roslyn Schroeder from Lehigh County, who joined the United States Marine Corps in 1977. She received the Certificate of Commendation for supporting Operation Desert Storm. She was named Marine of the Year in 1981 by the Bethlehem Detachment of the Marine Corps League. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_43.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Aryanna Wagner from Westmoreland County, who enlisted with the United States Army in 2001 and served with the XVIII Airborne Corp on the frontlines during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She currently serves as the executive director of the nonprofit organization, RISE Veterans. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_44.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Louise Walker from Allegheny County, who joined the United States Navy in 1986 and served for ten years as part of a firehouse crew and later as a Radioman. She won the Squad Leader award with the Veterans Leadership Program in 2020. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22560_gov_cfw_femaleVeterans_45.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>The Commission recognizes Peachie Wimbush-Polk from Allegheny County, who joined the United State Air Force in 1983 and served her country for eight years. As a civilian, she works with the No Hero Left Behind organization, which seeks to end homelessness and reduce suicides among veterans by providing housing and other resources.