Chicago’s SGT Simone A. Robinson Military Women Veteran’s Center honors women veterans in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the US Army

CHICAGO (WLS) — The U.S. Army is the nation’s oldest military branch.

ABC7 talked to veterans in Chicago who say while much has changed since their time serving, there’s more work to be done, especially for women.

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A special and highly valued event took place at the SGT Simone A. Robinson Military Women Veteran’s Center, located at 8620 South Pulaski. The event aimed to honor female veterans, who expressed feeling neglected for a significant period of time.

“It’s very emotional, even though it was many years ago, but it’s there,” U.S. Army veteran Barbara Norman said.

Norman joined the Army in 1973. She lost several loved ones who also served, and now she is the sole survivor of her family.

“The memories remain etched in our minds, although they may start to blur over time, their essence never fades,” Norman expressed. “Young individuals make immense sacrifices, only to receive minimal support upon their homecoming.”

Those memories resurfaced Saturday as she joined the nation in celebrating 250 years since the since the U.S. Army was created on June 14, 1775.

While President Donald Trump recognized the oldest military division in the country, many veterans are questioning whether sufficient advancements have been achieved within the military, especially concerning female service members.

“It’s unacceptable that veterans are coming back who have served cannot get health service for administration to cut veteran benefits, housing, clothing, those homeless on the street, begging for food,” Norman said. “The attitude toward military has changed.”

Just a few months ago, President Trump’s executive order to get rid of images or words related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, led to the Pentagon taking down historic photos on their website, including images of the first all-female veterans flight out of Chicago in 2021.

“Although we wear the uniform, outside of that uniform, people don’t always see us as women veterans,” U.S. Army veteran Margo Watson said.

Watson, who currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves, says it’s more important than ever to support female army vets.

“I’m here to tear down those stereotypes and to let everyone know that we wear the uniform too,” Watson said.

Her work at the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs includes offering women veterans resources to earned benefits and building communities of those who have served to feel supported.

“After all my hard work in 28 years, people don’t even recognize that I am a veteran, or that I’m still currently serving,” Watson said. “So it’s important to me to make sure that people see that. So that no one ever forgets the sacrifices that have been made.”