A female soldier salutes against the background of the American flag

Empowering Women Veterans: Tanya Bradsher’s Impact at the VA

In September, Tanya Bradsher made history as the highest-ranking woman in the Department of Veterans Affairs, assuming the role of Deputy Secretary under the Biden administration. As we honor Veterans Day this year, it’s crucial to highlight Bradsher’s efforts to ensure female service members receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.

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Identifying Unseen Heroes

Bradsher emphasizes the need for employers to ask a simple yet powerful question: “Have you served?” Many veterans, especially women who may not have seen combat, hesitate to identify themselves. Women veterans, the fastest-growing group in the U.S. at 625,000, often compartmentalize their service. Bradsher stresses that employers play a critical role by recognizing the full spectrum of these veterans’ “top-notch leadership” skills.

Bridging Gaps in Awareness

Some women veterans, particularly those married to male service members, may advocate for their spouses’ benefits without considering their eligibility. Bradsher notes that, through initiatives like the 2022 PACT Act, Veterans Affairs has expanded health services for women veterans, including maternity care, mammograms, and abortion counseling.

A Personal Journey of Service

Bradsher, a fourth-generation Army member, enlisted at 23 in 1993, finding solace in the military during challenging times. Her journey included being stationed at the Pentagon during 9/11 while pregnant. Despite the challenges, she and her husband, also a service member, continued to serve while her mother supported their newborn.

Advocating for Inclusivity

In March 2021, Bradsher became the chief of staff for veterans affairs, eventually rising to her current position—the first woman of color to hold it. Her mission is clear: to ensure that she is not the last and to leave the door open for more diverse leadership.

A Call for Recognition and Support

As we celebrate Veterans Day, Tanya Bradsher’s commitment to empowering women veterans shines. Employers and the broader community must recognize the unique challenges faced by female service members and ensure they receive the support and benefits they are entitled to. Bradsher’s legacy extends beyond her current role, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive future for all veterans.

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2 Comments

  1. I have a serious issue here, women have been the beginning of the end of the United States of America since women were granted the right to vote, that was the beginning of the END!. Women have no business in the military as soldiers, they in government as with this women called Tanya Bradsher, has no business in veteran affairs at all, if women served in combat and suffered the hell that inhales fine, they were and still are not drafted for war, they have no right to have any headship over man in any aspects. Their is a place for women but the military and government is not one of them. The downfall of our society began with their right to vote, it went down from there. Women in business, politics, military is not the place for these people.
    They have a hard enough time just bearing children and raising them, at that they are and were doing a pitiful job, they have enter areas of society they are ill equip to handle and have contributed to the downfall of society values, morals and ethics. Women belong pregnant and barefoot in society and anyone who disagrees with this is a ignorant, uneducated stupid fool. Bible says it simply, no woman shall have headship over man. PERIOD! These so called soldiers where did the earn experience in combat to be in charge of anything overnight, it is absurd and ridiculous to say the least. Hate this or not this is the truth and reality

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