CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In Clarksville-Montgomery County, as well as other communities surrounding Fort Campbell, military service members, veteran, and their families form the backbone of many vital nonprofit organizations..

This Giving Grace salutes one of those groups of amazing veterans, the Women Veterans of America (WVA) Chapter 47.  The organization is part of the national Women Veterans of America in the same category of other veteran’s service groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

The national organization was formed in 1990 in New York State with the first chapter in Tennessee opening in 2004 in Nashville. In 2016, approximately 7,000 women veterans in Clarksville-Montgomery County broke away from the Nashville group and formed their own local chapter.

“We are comprised of women who have served in any branch of service during any era of service, as well as women who are currently on active duty,” said group adjutant Stacey Hopwood.

Hopwood served in the U.S. Marine Corps. and now serves as Assistant Director for the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization.  She emphasized the organization’s purpose which is to be the voice for women who have served in the Armed Forces or who are still serving.

“We advocate for women veterans rights, issues, benefits and our recognition as veterans.  We want to make sure our women are getting the same level of respect, the same level of care, the same level of access, that our male veteran brothers are getting,” Hopwood said.

Hopwood says Women Veterans of America also provides camaraderie, sisterhood and helps to preserve the traditions of women who have served in the military.  There are also opportunities for morale support, friendship, and networking with fellow veterans.

The organization supports women veterans and the community in a number of ways.  There are many activities involving women at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Clarksville.  They place flags on all veteran’s graves for Memorial Day and participate in the Veterans Day Parade each year.

WVA Chapter 47 donates funds and resources to other groups like Operation Stand Down Tennessee and the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition.  Each year WVA members, known as the Lady Warriors, team up with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

The organization is currently working on a major fundraising project which is a Chapter 47 Yearbook. The book will showcase the military and post military service of women veterans who are from Clarksville-Montgomery County and members of WVA Chapter 47.

When it comes to being part of Women Veterans of America, membership is open to any woman who was honorably discharged from any branch of the Armed Forces including the reserves or National Guard. Those women currently serving in the military may also join the organization.

To learn more about membership or Women Veterans of America Chapter 47, visit the Women Veterans of America Chapter 47 facebook page, email wvach47.clarksville@gmail.com, or call 931-624-1768.