Women represent an irreplaceable, valuable part of the armed forces of the United
States. Sources trace the role of American women in wartime back to the
Continental Army and our Nation’s struggle for independence.
The formal inclusion of a female unit in our military structure, however,
did not come until just after the Spanish American War. More than 1,500 women
actively served under a civilian contract to meet emergency needs during that
period of conflict. The Army Nurse Corps was established in 1901 and since then
the number of women in the military and the roles they serve have steadily
escalated and expanded. Today, there are 200,000 women in uniform, representing
about 14% of the total active duty force of 1,384,000 members.
Despite their significant contributions, many former servicewomen have
neglected to apply for the benefits they have rightfully earned. Many people,
including those women who served their country, mistakenly believe that there
are no women veterans.
In the State of Idaho, there is an estimated 6000 women veterans and more discharging to
our communities from the military daily.
To address the needs of women veterans in our state, the Idaho Department of Veterans
Services (IDVS) remains committed to:
• Providing advocacy for women veterans
• Encouraging and supporting recognition of women veterans' contributions to Idaho and the nation
• Providing outreach for women veterans' programs and issues
Idaho Women Veterans Conference
For more information on the Idaho Women Veterans Conference please
click here.
To register for the Idaho Women Veterans Conference please
click here.
Conference Agenda please
click here.
We help you get all that you are entitled to! The Idaho Division of Veterans
Services Office of Veterans Advocacy offers free professional benefits
counseling and advocacy through a network of state veteran service officers
across the state.
State veteran service officers can advise and assist you in applying for a
variety of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services, including:
Audiology, Nuclear Medicine, Cardiology, Nursing, Diabetes, Nutrition, Ear,
Nose, Throat, Obstetrics Services*, Endocrinology, Oncology, Eye, Orthopedics,
Gastroenterology, Pain Services, General Surgery, Pathology, Gynecologic,
Pharmacy, Hematology, Podiatry, Hypertension, Psychiatry, Infectious Disease,
Psychology, Internal Medicine, Rehab Medicine, Mental Health, Social Services,
Primary Care, Women’s Clinic, Nephrology
*by referral The Women’s Care Coordinators for the following regional
VAMC’s are as follows:
Boise VAMC: Ms. Annie Fife, WHCMP/WVPM (208) 422-1000 Ext 7758 or 7760
Salt Lake City VAMC: Mr. Alberto Alberto acting (801) 582-1565 Ext 2243 or 1412
Spokane VAMC: Ms. Chris Riebe, WVPM (509) 434-7608
Walla Walla VAMC: Ms. Joan Leid, RNWVPM (509) 525-5200 Ext 2713
