Chicago’s SGT Simone A. Robinson Military Women Veteran’s Center honors female veterans during the US Army’s 250th birthday bash

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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At the SGT Simone A. Robinson Military Women Veteran’s Center on 8620 South Pulaski, a meaningful gathering took place to honor female veterans who feel they have been overlooked for far too long.

“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 don’t disappear, they just become less clear, yet they’re always present,” Norman remarked. “Young individuals make tremendous sacrifices, and are often met with minimal acknowledgment upon returning home.”

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.

Despite President Donald Trump’s tribute to the nation’s oldest military branch, many veterans question whether there has been sufficient progress within the military, particularly concerning women.

“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.”