Has reading this book made you think differently about women serving in the military? What are some actions you can take to support female veterans and show your appreciation for their service?

Has reading this book made you think differently about women serving in the military? What are some actions you can take to support female veterans and show your appreciation for their service?

After reading this book, it's definitely reinforced my respect for female veterans. I don't necessarily think differently about them, because I've always seen them as brave and courageous.

But it does make me want to learn more about how I can support female veterans in the future, because that's something I'm not yet familiar with.

I am a female veteran so this book had no bearing on how I felt about women in the military. The best way to support female veterans is to never assume that the veteran(s) in any situation(s) is male. I still get that today; when I am with my husband people assume he is the veteran. And if you say, "Thank you for your service" to the veteran, say it in a way that truly means something. Don't just do it because it is the politically correct thing to do now.

I don't think differently about women in the military. While I was in high school I seriously wanted to join the military service but my parents talked me out of it. However, I did get a job at a military base after I was out of school for four years. I was considered for a civilian job with the military overseas after I worked for a couple years as the base. However, I got married. I married a career military man and have lived in California, Hawaii, Virginia, and back to Ohio when he retired. My husband had overseas duty before we married in Korea, Germany, and Japan, He was in Vietnam twice after we married. Living within the military arena, I supported the women any way I could, if nothing more than volunteering to babysit when they needed someone for supplying dinner when I knew they would be late coming home.

lucyb, I really respect your efforts to support women in the military by volunteering to babysit. Trying to balance childcare while serving in the military must be challenging for most women. Did you ever come across single moms serving in the military?

I have great respect for all veterans and the sacrifices they make to serve and protect our country. The book made me aware that female soldiers don’t always get the safe respect.

Women who serve don't get the acknowledgement they deserve and I hope that will change in the near future.

I am a woman veteran, so especially enjoyed that aspect of the book. I was glad the author presented a realistic view of women in the military.

I find it very interesting to read about women who disguised themselves as men to serve in the Civil War. Their bravery was commendable because they certainly did not have to go into war. They were actually banned from doing so.

I believe it is still commendable for women to join the military - any branch. They are not drafted, as men can be. I don't think there should be a difference in our appreciation for a service member based on gender. Each person has done the highest civic duty ever asked of them.

It reminded me that we are at war and there is a need to support active soldiers and veterans. There maybe reasons that one doesn’t agree with the war. No matter what you think about the war the women are their and it isn’t always just the enemy they are battling. YES this book made a big impact on me. Thank you for writing it.

It has not made me think differently, as I know several women who served and are serving in the military. What surprised me the most is how much things have stayed the same! Thanks to the responders who served in the military (or have related experience) for letting us know how we can best support and show our appreciation to the women in the military. I will use your suggestions in future interactions. I am proud of you and the challenge you accepted!

This definitely made me realize that "thank you for your service" does mean something to whomever it was that served. I have a son who was deployed for 10 months, and everyone would tell him thank you, but I made sure to tell his wife at home thank you also, as she is serving in a different way.