Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs recognized women veterans in Pennsylvania in celebration of Women Veterans Day. They honored 17 outstanding women from across the Commonwealth for their brave service and selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation.
“There are nearly 71,000 women veterans in Pennsylvania who have answered the call to serve their country – and yet too often the stories of our women veterans go untold,” said Governor Shapiro. “All Pennsylvanians owe a debt of gratitude to the veterans who have served our Commonwealth and fought for our freedoms. I am proud to join the Women’s Commission to honor our women veterans and to recognize today’s honorees for their bravery and continued service to our Commonwealth.”
“Every year, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women recognizes outstanding women who have served in every branch of the military. It is a true honor to award these selfless women for their bravery and dedication to our nation. Women veterans face a unique set of challenges and deserve to have their own day,” said Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women. “All 17 of the women being honored today are incredible advocates and continue to give back to their communities and our Commonwealth.”
“Women are the fastest growing demographic group of veterans in Pennsylvania and the country,” said Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General, Veterans Affairs. “At the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs we’ve put a focus on ensuring all women vets have access to the care and benefits they’ve earned, no matter what part of the Commonwealth they live in.”
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women was established by Governor Josh Shapiro in June 2023. The Commission is committed to cultivating a workforce that empowers women, creating a safer Commonwealth, improving women’s health and wellbeing, and supporting women as we age. The Commission honors women veterans every year to recognize their contributions to our nation and Commonwealth.
2024 Honorees:
- Celeste Brucklacher, U.S. Navy, Lycoming County
- Misty Callahan, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Fayette County
- Paula E. Crawford-Gamble, U.S. Navy, Berks County
- Cheryl Foreman Grosso, U.S. Army, Delaware County
- Tina Hopper, U.S. Marine Corps, Erie County
- Linda Ann Lehman, U.S. Army, Dauphin County
- Jessica Purdy, U.S. Army, Lancaster County
- Nicole Reigelman, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Cumberland County
- Maria C. Rodriguez, U.S. Army, Lancaster County
- Jill Smallwood, U.S. Army, Allegheny County
- Sandra Soloski, U.S. Army, Allegheny County
- Dorey Stabile, U.S. Army, Westmoreland County
- Kandra Marie Strothers, U.S. Army, Allegheny County
- Cynthia A Thorton-Landis, Esq., Delaware Air National Guard, Montgomery County
- Denise VanSickle, U.S. Coast Guard, Carbon County
- Jessica Wisniewski-Hagen, U.S. Navy, Philadelphia County
- Virginia York, U.S. Navy, Susquehanna County
For additional information, please contact the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women at women@pa.gov.
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