Same here Maureen..I joined the Air Force and had my 18th birthday in Basic Training..women were treated badly

I joined the Coast Guard fresh out of high school, a few weeks before my 18th birthday. Coming from a very small town, and a quiet home life, I was not prepared for the behavior of so many of the people I came across - from COs, chiefs, even military wives. I was threatened, harassed, assaulted - made to understand I was not welcome. When I tried to fight back the general response was the usual - I was over reacting, must have done something wrong, wearing the wrong thing, was I sure I wasn't just making it up, What did you expect trying to be like a man, boys will be boys....blah, blah, blah. There was no support of any kind. My reaction was to turn inward, block out the world and its cruelty. Now, 50 years later, I am surprised to find respect and kindness and, yes, inclusiveness within the VA. I came to Mann-Grandstaff last year, for the first time and have been treated so well. Recently, I took a meditaion course and even go to a weekly exercise class. This is a big thing for me because I have serious trust issues and don't really like being around people. Thank you VA for this podcast and for caring about all veterans.