U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CMV – News Update

Hilda P. Griggs served during World War II in the 6888th Battalion, the first and only unit deployed overseas that consisted of all-Black or Hispanic female soldiers. While living in New Jersey, Griggs enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in Philadelphia on Dec. 8, 1943, because she didn’t want her mother to find out. She was inspired to enlist by her five brothers, who were all in the service. [From VA News]

The Department of Veterans Affairs – Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) Celebration will be hosted by the Office of the Secretary – Center for Minority Veterans. This year, we will be closing out the month with an excellent program featuring VA’s Office of Health Equity’s Dr. Moy, a presentation by Christine Yamasaki highlighting Japanese American World War II Veterans of the 110th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service; information on the PACT Act given by Richard Grogan; and information on Veterans Business Outreach Center Program, provided by Mark Williams of US Small Business Administration. Our program will be on Microsoft Teams on May 30th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) month. Members of the AANHPI community have proudly served in the United States military since the War of 1812. While VA provides care to nearly 300,000 AANHPI Veterans a year, little data is available about AANHPI Veterans and their experiences with sexual assault and sexual harassment during and after military service. [From VA News]