WVA Mission, Vision & History

WVA Mission

Women Veterans of America (WVA) shall advocate for all Women Veterans and for women currently serving in the military.

This is accomplished by:

~Providing information and support to Women Veterans.

~To be liaisons to proper government agencies.

~To assist women veterans in obtaining VA Benefits.

~Serve on Women Veteran's Advisory Committees.

~Serve through the VA Volunteer Services.

~Participate in Veteran Outreaches.

~Participate in ceremonies honoring all Veterans.

~Become involved in local and national issues pertaining to all women veterans and to those women presently in the military.

WVA Vision

To be a voice for Women who have and are serving in the United States Armed Forces

and to act as an advocate for Women Veteran's Rights, Issues, Benefits and Recognition.

WVA History

On September 19, 1990, Women Veterans of America was formed by four Women Veterans who were in a support group led by Claudia Mitzeliotis at the Broklen VA. As the Gulf War was pending and it seemed eminent that a full scale war was about to begin, the idea of forming a Women Veterans of America came about. We had already been through and smoothed out the rough parts of dealing with the VA Hospital system. We knew those women coming home from the Gulf would need our expertise. We brought to the VA's attention issues from women who have served in the military. The majority of the patients were men so the WVA suggested the following issues be addressed:

1. Privacy for patients.

2. Rooms for women patients with private bathrooms.

3. Women's pajamas.

4. Gyn, Mammograms, PAP smears etc.

5. Special medication women may need.

6. Veteran Service Organization's (VSO) understanding the needs of disabled women veterans and how to handle their cases.

7. PTSD, Sexual Harrassment and Assault groups led by therapists and psychologists.

8. Transitioning from military to civilian life.

WVA Founders

Katherine Mussen ~ Vietnam Veteran

June Panzeri, WWII Veteran

Claudia Mitzeliotis, Brookln, VA

Mildred Cipolla, Korean War Veteran

Colleen Missolino, Vietnam Veteran

National Women Veterans

of America

Mission, Vision & History