From the Executive Director's Desk,

March is Women's History Month and we at MOVA are honoring the service of women in the military. Women have been serving in the US military since the Revolution. Yes, since the Revolution and we are still serving honorably today. The mission of women in the military has changed dramatically since the Revolutionary War. We are no longer just enlisting to "free a man to fight" but we are now part of America's fighting force.

Women make up approximately 14 percent of the US military. Today women are qualifying on the rifle range, learning to be pilots, and commanding troops. The only limits put on a young woman's military career are the limits she places on herself. Women are also on the front lines of war and dying in combat along with our male counterparts.

Today, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, approximately 30 women have been killed in combat. I encourage you all to say "thanks" to your mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts in uniform and to remember the service and sacrifices they make to keep the United States safe for democracy!

Semper Fi,

Clarice Joynes
Executive Director & Military Liaison

The New York City Commission on Women's Issues is recognizing all New York City Women this month as it celebrates 25 years of honoring Women's History. The commission is highlighting opportunities for New York City women through its Web site which features a calendar of events, seminars, panel discussions, and exhibits that recognize the pivotal role women play in making New York the greatest city in the world. Please visit www.nyc.gov/html/cwi for more information or to sign up for e-mail updates of events affecting New York women.

Also in recognition of Women's History Month, the New York City Commission on Women's Issues launched its New York City Family Guide, a Web site that aims to be a comprehensive source on various aspects of child care for families in New York City. Thoroughly researched with the support and input from various agencies, the NYC Family Guide is a hub of information on raising a family in New York City. Please view the guide at www.nyc.gov/html/cwi/family. For more information on child care options in New York City please call 311.

The New York City Department of Small Business Services' Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program works to ensure that such business participate in the New York City procurement process. The department publishes an Online Directory of Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses to make it easier for buyers to locate these businesses. Please visit www.nyc.gov/html/sbs for to view the online guide.

The New York City Department of Small Business Services also conducts periodic training classes and hosts networking events to help Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses to compete successfully for contracts. Please call 311 for more information.

The United States Department of Veterans' Affairs' Center for Women Veterans works to ensure women veterans have access to VA benefits and services and that these benefits and programs are responsive to the specific needs of women veterans. The center publishes a fact sheet on women veterans and also publishes a list of the 25 most frequently asked questions to make women veterans aware of the services available to them. For more information, please visit the Center's Web site at www1.va.gov/womenvet, call the Center at (202) 273-6193 or follow the links below:

• Center For Women Veterans Fact Sheet
• Women Veterans 25 most frequently asked questions

In recognition of the fact that more than 1.2 million women are veterans and that more than 14% of the current military force consists of women, the Veterans Administration established a division within its Boston VA Medical Center Health Sciences Division to conduct clinical research addressing trauma-related problems of women veterans. For more information about this center, please write to: VA Medical Center; Women's Health Sciences Division; 150 South Huntington Avenue; Boston, MA 02130; or visit the Center's Web site at www.dartmouth.edu/dms/ptsd.

The United States Department of Veterans' Affairs' VA New York/New Jersey Healthcare Network has an online listing of resources for women veterans. Women veterans can find information on women's healthcare, Specialized tests and services, counseling programs and other gender-specific programs offered through the Veterans Administration and accessible to Women Veterans living in the New York City area. For more information, please visit the Veterans Integrated Service Network 3 (VISN3) Web site at www1.va.gov/visns/visn03/womenvets/wvc.asp or call (212) 807-7229.

Since 1999, there has been a 175% increase in the number of Veterans being compensated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychiatric illness that can occur following life-threatening events. The Manhattan Vet Center, 32 Broadway, Suite 200, is conducting an "Understanding Traumatic Stress and Recovery" workshop from 8:30 - 10 a.m., Monday, March 14, 2005 and from 8:30 - 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2005 to help veterans learn more about the purpose of traumatic stress reactions while helping them develop more effective coping strategies. Please call Jo Potestivo at (212) 742-9591 for more information.

In honor of Women's History Month, the Capital District Chapter (NY#5) of Rolling Thunder, Inc is leading fundraising efforts to support the American Gold Star Mothers, an organization that provides support and camaraderie to families who've lost a child who was serving in the armed forces. Fundraising efforts will conclude May 7, 2005 with a picnic and program honoring all of New York's Gold Star mothers. For more information on Rolling Thunder's fundraising efforts or on the American Gold Star Mothers' Recognition Program, please e-mail the organization at AGSMNYBenefit@aol.com, RTNationalPIL@aol.com ,call (914) 631-1939 or click on the link below:

• Supporting American Gold Star Mothers

The United States Small Business Administration is hosting a "Do You Want to Grow Your Business?" seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2005 or Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 26 Federal Plaza, 6th Floor Conference Center, Room A, New York, NY 10278. Please call (866) 827-3500 to register by phone or visit www.sls-7j.net.