From IAVA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 11, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org
New York, NY – In response to FOX News Anchor Tucker Carlson’s attack on pregnant servicemembers, leading voice for post-9/11 veterans Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America issued the following statement:
“Like the women Carlson disparaged last night, I also wore a uniform while pregnant during my service,” said Kaitlynne Hetrick, Government Affairs Associate at IAVA. “His remarks are an example of the ignorance around how women serve this country every day and the unfortunate lack of respect for the over 500,000 female veterans who have deployed since 9/11.”
IAVA has continued to work with Congressional leaders to ensure that the women who fought for our country receive the safe and accessible care they need and earned at the VA. The Deborah Sampson Act (DSA) was passed after four years of advocacy and organizing efforts. As the cornerstone of IAVA’s ongoing #SheWhoBornetheBattle campaign, the DSA was the most significant of many crucial steps needed to achieve equitable and safe VA care for women veterans.
“Acceptance is the cornerstone of our approach. The issues that affect female servicemembers trickle over and affect female veterans as they try to access services at the VA. And that starts at the door,” continued Hetrick. “Right now the VA motto explicitly leaves out women veterans and so we are pushing to change it. So that the moment you walk through the door of the VA you feel like you belong.”
Kaitlynne Hetrick serves as an Associate of Government Affairs at IAVA. Kaitlynne is a veteran that served 4 years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Following her service, she obtained her Associate’s degree at North Lake College. After graduating with her Associates, Kaitlynne attended Baldwin Wallace University (BW) and obtained her Bachelor’s in Public Relations. While at BW, Kaitlynne served as the President of the University’s Student Veteran Organization. She also served as a Public Relations Intern for Challenge America, a non-profit devoted to connecting service members, veterans and their families to resources and solutions that build community and give purpose to their lives.
IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.
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