Honoring Our Sisters in Service: “We See You”

Today, on National Women Veterans Recognition Day, I want to do something a little different. I want to take a moment to speak directly to you, the phenomenal women who’ve walked the path of military service and who continue to walk it daily.

As a female Army veteran who’s now serving hundreds of our women active duty and veteran students here at Delaware State University (DSU), I see you. I see your strength, your resilience, your unique set of barriers faced while wearing the uniform—and the ones you’ve encountered since trading it for civilian clothes.

From One Sister in Arms to Another

When my sisters and I first raised our hand to put on the uniform, yours may have looked different from the faces of some women veterans you see in the community now. We served quietly and invisibly, and largely without recognition. We served anyhow. We served with dignity, with allegiance, and with a profound devotion to something outside of ourselves.

To any fellow women veterans who may be reading this piece right now: your service makes a difference. Whether you served one term or 30 years, whether you were stationed stateside or served your entire contract overseas, whether you served in a combat role or supported from the rear, your impact on the defense of our nation is immeasurable, and it should be upheld every single day of the year, not only on June 12.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

Women veterans have always been trailblazers, serving with distinction in every branch of our military. We’ve broken barriers in male-dominated fields, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for the next generation of women in uniform.

But our journey doesn’t end when we take off the uniform. Many of us, like the amazing women I work with here at DSU, continue our mission of service in new ways—pursuing higher education, starting businesses, raising families, supporting our communities.

To Our Active Duty Sisters

To the women of our military today: You are not alone. You are on a worn path already journeyed along by thousands of women who have come before, and we are here on the sidelines rooting you on. We are proud to be your sisters in the spirit of your courage and commitment.

Supporting Women Veterans in Higher Education

At DSU, we know leaving the military to begin an academic program can be quite the adventure. Women veterans frequently struggle with a series of unique challenges—from managing family responsibilities to accessing campus resources, from coping with invisible wounds to realigning their sense of mission and identity. That’s why when it comes to supporting women veterans in higher education, it is not only important to me, it’s personal. Every woman veteran student I serve is reminiscent of my path, my challenges, my victories. We’re creating an environment for women who are veterans where they can thrive academically, and we value the leadership experience and life perspective they bring to our campus.

The Power of Community and Connection

One thing I’ve learned throughout my military service and beyond is that we’re stronger together. Women veterans supporting women veterans creates an unstoppable force. When we share our stories, offer mentorship, and extend a helping hand to those coming behind us, we honor not just our own service but the service of every woman who’s worn the uniform.

Proudly and Purposefully Looking Forward

As we honor the National Women Veterans Recognition Day 2025, let’s recommit to celebrating our service to our country every day of the year. Let’s tell the stories of women who have worn our nation’s uniforms, past, present, and future. Even more, let’s tell our stories to the young girls thinking about wearing our nation’s uniform so they can see someone who looks like them in those stories. Let’s support policies that recognize the unique ways women experience military service. And most importantly, let’s continue to be grateful that our service to our communities is shaping the nation we’re proud to call home.

For women veterans or active-duty service members looking to connect with our DSU community—whether you are considering coming to university or just exploring your options—know that you have a home with us. Our veteran services know your experience because we’ve lived your experience. We’re here to support your educational goals, provide access to resources, and give you a community of women who know understand your military journey, and who’s got your back.

So, whether we see you daily, or if we quietly nod at each other in passing, to every woman veteran out there, reading this message: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued dedication to help make your community better. We thank you every day because we see you. We appreciate you. And most important, we’re grateful for you.

From one veteran to another, with respect and gratitude,

Lolita Treadwell
Director for DSU Dover AFB (DAFB)
Proud Veteran, US Army