Every March, Women’s History Month calls us to remember what this country too often forgets: women have always been builders, protectors, and leaders. This year, Veteran Owned and Business Life Magazine is shining a clear light on a group whose service is powerful—and still frequently overlooked: women veterans.
Women veterans carry a unique truth. They served in uniform, and many returned home to serve again—raising families, building businesses, leading organizations, and strengthening communities. That is double service. And it deserves recognition, respect, and real support.
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A Legacy of Service That Deserves the Front Page
Women have served in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War. Today, women make up more than 10% of the veteran population, with over 2 million women veterans nationwide. They have flown aircraft, treated wounds on the frontlines, gathered intelligence, built critical infrastructure, and led teams through high-stakes missions. They’ve made life-or-death decisions—and then came home to keep leading, often without the public ever knowing they were veterans at all.
Why Women Veterans Matter Right Now
Georgia is entering a moment we shouldn’t ignore. In the 2026 elections, two women veterans are stepping forward for statewide office: Dr. Takosha Swan, a dual-branch combat veteran running for Lieutenant Governor, and Nikki Porcher, an Air Force veteran who served in Iraq running for Labor Commissioner.
This is historic not just because they are women, and not just because they are veterans—but because they represent what happens when both identities meet: service, discipline, resilience, and lived understanding of what policy looks like on the ground. They have defended democracy in uniform, and now they are prepared to strengthen it through public leadership.
The Challenges They Still Face
Women veterans often fight a second battle after service.
They are less likely to be recognized as veterans by the public. They face higher rates of homelessness relative to their numbers. They navigate systems that were not designed with them in mind. They carry the weight of being warriors while still being expected to fit into narrow definitions of womanhood. And when they pursue leadership—especially political leadership—they’re often asked to prove themselves twice: once as women, and again as “newcomers.”
And still—they persist. They lead. They serve.
Why We’re Highlighting Them
We are highlighting women veterans because stories shape what society funds, what communities prioritize, and who gets invited to lead.
We are highlighting them because representation matters. Girls and young women need to see that service—in uniform and in office—is not a dream reserved for someone else.
We are highlighting them because Georgia has a real opportunity in 2026 to elevate women veterans into positions of influence—ensuring that the voices of those who defended our freedoms help guide our future.
A Call to Action
This Women’s History Month, we honor women veterans—past and present—not with words alone, but with commitment.
Support their businesses. Amplify their stories. Hire them. Partner with them. Vote with values. Lead with courage.
To every woman who has worn the uniform: Your service matters. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.
And to the women veterans stepping onto Georgia’s ballot: thank you for proving that history isn’t only something we commemorate—it’s something we create.
With respect and purpose,
Editor-in-Chief, Veteran Owned and Business Life Magazine
Chief Executive Officer, I Will Survive, Inc.
Veteran Owned Business Life Partner (AcknowlegeMINT)
As seen in issue #2 of AcknowledgeMINT’s 2026 special edition of the Veteran Owned Business Life Magazine.
