BUFFALO, N.Y., April 26 (UPI) -- A new VFW post proposed for New York's Erie County likely would be the nation's first geared to female veterans.
Organizers say they have 20 veterans and spouses lined up so far. They need 35 eligible veterans, male or female, to qualify for a post.
"I have not heard of another post being founded under the same
circumstances," Jerry Newberry, director of communications for the national VFW, was quoted as saying in the Monday edition of The Buffalo News. "This is a great story, actually."
One organizer, 20-year Army veteran Kelly Carrigg, 42, says the post would help meet female veterans' needs, provide camaraderie and help shape public perception, the News said.
"We need to break that (male-dominated) paradigm and accept women have accomplished great things in the military, and we're not going away," Carrigg said.
Veteran Sandra Williams, 50, adds it's nice to be around other female veterans.
Patrick Welch, director of veteran services for Erie County, which declared this year the Year of the Female Veteran, calls it "an outstanding idea."
