06-11-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Women Veterans Day (Photo) - 06/11/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2026
Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Women Veterans Day
(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation yesterday, June 10, 2026, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe Friday, June 12, 2026, as Women Veterans Day. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Chris Boice, on behalf of the Board. During the presentation he acknowledged that, “Douglas County salutes and honors the service of all women who have courageously and honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
“Today, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of the millions of women who have served our nation in times of war and peace. Their contributions have strengthened our military, protected our freedoms, and paved the way for future generations of women in uniform. As we gather to celebrate National Women's Veterans Day, we also recognize the unique challenges women veterans have faced throughout history and continue to face today. Their stories of service, resilience, leadership, and patriotism deserve to be remembered, shared, and celebrated. Please join me in honoring the remarkable women who have answered the call to serve our country and whose legacy continues to inspire us all,” stated Commissioner Kress.
Women Veterans Day is celebrated on June 12 each year across that nation, and Douglas County was honored to be the first county in Oregon to celebrate the newly established Oregon holiday recognizing Women Veterans on June 12, 2019. Since the American Revolution, women have proudly served and supported our nation’s military. With the inception of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901, women formally began serving in the United States Armed Forces. June 12 marks a significant date in history. This day commemorates the 78th Anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman and acknowledged the great contributions made by women in the military and finally granted them the right to serve as permanent, full and regular members of the United States Armed Forces and Reserves. During World War I, about 35,000 women officially served as nurses and support staff. In World War II, 140,000 women served in the U.S. Army and the Women's Army Corps performing critical jobs such as military intelligence, cryptography, and parachute rigging. Today, there are nearly 2.1 million women veterans living in the United States that have proudly served in United States Armed Forces. Douglas County proudly serves as home to over 1,600 Women Veterans, and recognizes the fact that Women Veterans are fastest growing segment of the veteran population in the United States.
Cecila McMullen, Army National Guard Veteran and President of the Local American Women Veterans Association thanked the Commissioners and provided a few quotes about the reason for honoring our Women Veterans.
“There is no difference in gender here in the military or police corps. We are all doing each other’s jobs. The same jobs – there is no difference!” Sergeant First Class Leigh Ann Hester, US Army Military Police Soldier and Silver Star and Medal of Honor recipient.
“If I don’t do it, who will? At some point somebody has to step up to pave the way for everyone to move forward.” – Captain Vernice Armour, US Marine Corps, Combat Pilot.
Commissioner Boice presented Women Veterans Day proclamation certificates to attending Women Veterans - Ceclia McMullen, Tammy Turner, Sharon Conkey Johnston, and Dawnetta Loomis. They also thanked and recognized many local Veteran Service organizations that support, assist, and advocate for our women veterans and their families, including – Jim Little (Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee, Douglas County Veteran’s Forum and Vietnam Veterans of America), Dorina Kirkes (Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America), Michaela Spence Bugnone (Roseburg VA Health Care System – Women Veterans Program), Elena Lininger (Source One Serenity), American Women Veterans Association, Douglas County Veterans Service Office, Cow Creek Veteran Service Office, American Legion Post 16 & 123 & Auxiliary, Wings of Love, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2468 & 9745 & Auxiliary and Umpqua Community College Veterans Group.
“I had a great experience in the military. I attribute the military to developing my core values, my foundation, my leadership skills, and to helping me get my current role at the Cancer Center as the Executive Director. I have met a lot of amazing women veterans along the way. I am proud to say that Douglas County is an amazing county that really recognizes and honors veterans in our community. And that is not something that is found everywhere.” - Tammy Turner, US Air Force Veteran.
Dawnetta Loomis, US Army Veteran of 24 years spoke about her time in the US Armed Forces. Loomis served in three combat operations including Desert Storm and was deployed overseas several times. She wanted to dispel the myth that military personnel do not go to war and that they are often at the forefront of battles. She stated that those experiences have helped her to grow and see life in a different way. “I am originally from Pennsylvania, but I married a wonderful man who brought me here to Roseburg. This is my home. I am blessed to be here and be in a community that recognizes veterans.”
This proclamation is a reminder to our citizens to take the time to honor the women who have fearlessly and faithfully served our nation and to thank them and their families for their dedication, service, sacrifice and outstanding contributions on behalf of a grateful nation. Thank you for your service!
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Media Contacts: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County.
