Gala highlights Women Veterans Week of Recognition

Local women were honored for their military service recently at the annual Women Veterans Recognition Gala.

Held June 15 at the Southbank Hotel at Jax Riverwalk, this year’s gala celebrated World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War era veterans as “Trailblazers” and featured a presentation by Michelle C. Allen, state director of the Florida Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.

“The gala was a night to remember,” said Dee Quaranta (USAF ret.), president and CEO of Northeast Florida Women Veterans. “We saw tears of gratitude, smiles and awe on the faces of veterans and family members.”

The gala was the culmination of a week of programming to honor women veterans that included a church service, a proclamation ceremony at Jacksonville City Hall, a VA women’s health fair and social gatherings to spark fellowship and support.

“We strive to ensure women who served are not invisible,” Quaranta said, “and know that their service to our country is appreciated.”