A Salute to the Women Veterans of Texas
On June 12, 1948, women across America were officially granted the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the United States Armed Forces when President Harry S. Truman signed “The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act” into law.
During the 85th Texas Legislature Session, Texas Senate Bill 805 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, thereby officially establishing June 12th as Women Veterans Day.
There are over 177,000 women Veterans in Texas and Women Veterans Day exists to commemorate their valor and sacrifice. As the first state to establish a Women Veterans Day, Texas is proud to host this legacy of powerful servicewomen who value honor, determination, and service.
Today, the Texas Veterans Land Board celebrates Texas Women Veterans and Military Members for their outstanding service and sacrifice to this great state and our grateful nation.
Major General Tracy Norris
Major General Tracy Norris is a Veteran whose dedication and leadership is an inspiration to all. She was recently appointed the first female Adjutant General of Texas.
Major General Norris reports to Governor Greg Abbott, as well as the President of the United States to provide trained forces for the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard.
Major General Norris is an Iraq War Veteran with over 30 years of service in the Army National Guard in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Florida.
Norris has paved the way for women to occupy leadership roles in our military, and Texas servicewomen are proud and grateful.
Molly Mae Potter
Molly Mae Potter is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and has shown great perseverance and strength throughout her military career and beyond.
In 2007 Potter was originally commissioned into the Air Force as a first lieutenant and one of the only female flight test engineers. As an officer who engaged in dangerous and demanding work, her mental health suffered, and she experienced Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).
At first, Potter refused to discuss her diagnosis. She feared she would be perceived as weak and incapable. She later took a stand against this stigma and made it her mission to show all women Veterans that they too can take charge of their mental and physical health.
Potter went on to work with the Pentagon and secured the ability for all active duty Airmen to have a service dog for PTS treatment and suicide prevention. Molly Mae Potter has saved countless lives by sharing her story and taking action to help others.
Callie Rios
Callie Rios is a Veteran and sexual assault survivor who bravely advocates for female servicewomen. Rios was stationed at Fort Knox when she was sexually assaulted by a fellow soldier. Like so many other women, she felt silenced and afraid to talk about the experience.
Eventually, Rios found the courage to speak out. She sought recovery, found the support she needed, and now encourages other women in the military to do the same.
Rios was recently named Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for her dedication to women in the military and decades of volunteer work as a member of the Texas State Guard. She is currently the Junior Vice Commander of the Midland, Texas Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Though her story is a somber one that shows negative experiences women in the military can encounter, Rios points to the light at the end of the tunnel and continues to guide women towards it every day.
We are proud to have women like Major General Tracy Norris, Molly Mae Potter, and Callie Rios represent the great state of Texas. Whether you are a Veteran, Military Member or civilian, there are plenty of opportunities for you to show support for the women Veterans of Texas.
Women Veterans Day Events Across Texas
2nd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn — Tyler
5701 South Broadway Avenue
Tyler, TX. 75703
Boots & Ballgowns Gala
Friday, June 14, 2019
7:00–10:00 p.m.
1921 North Main Street
Houston, TX. 77009
Women Veterans Day: I Am Not Invisible
Saturday, June 15, 2019
9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Abilene Convention Center
1100 North 6th Street
Abilene, TX. 79601
Texas Women Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, June 15, 2019
12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.
United Way
12300 Parc Crest Drive
Stafford, TX. 77477
