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In 2015, Tailored for Success was given a grant to start a program to assist women veterans called - Boots2Suits, A Program for Women Veterans. Since the program began, we have been working to increase awareness around the issues affecting women veterans. This episode is a lighthearted but honest look at the issues affecting women veterans. Mary-dith Tuitt tells her story of joining the Navy right after high school, pivoting to bootcamp and working on the flight line.
The interview covers what it was like for her to be in the military as a woman and especially a woman of color. We also cover the controversial topic of gays in the military and the "inconsistent policies" the military has had concerning gays.
For the sake of history, it is important to remember that dating back to the Korean and Vietnam wars, the military viewed homosexuality as a “mental defect” and officially bared gays from serving in the military based on medical criteria. Then in 1982, the Department of Defense officially put in writing that “homosexuality was incompatible with military service”. Then by the end of the 1980’s the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy came into existence.
In December of 2010, the House and Senate voted in favor to repeal and over-turn the policy known as "don't ask, don't tell." President Obama then signed it into law December 22, 2010. The nation decided that by September 20, 2011, homosexuals would no longer fear discharge from the military by admitting to their sexual preference. Homosexuals have the freedom to serve in the armed forces openly.
Lastly, we discuss the issues affecting women when they transition out of the military and attempt to reintegrate back into civilian life. The importance of the American Legion and D.A.V. posts and the camaraderie of veterans from Korea to Vietnam to Desert Storm.
