(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)-For some, it was a chance to bond with fellow veterans. But for most, it was a chance to learn about the available benefits available to them not only as veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, but as women veterans.

90 women veterans—from World War II through the current war in Afghanistan—attended the free 2011 Women Veterans’ Conference at the Albuquerque Crowne Plaza Hotel on October 15th, presented by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) and the Women Veterans of New Mexico.

Representatives from the NMDVS, the Albuquerque VA Health Care System, the Albuquerque VA Regional Office, the New Mexico Department of Health, and other local, state and federal agencies presented information about the numerous VA and state veterans’ benefits available to the 16,000 women veterans currently living in New Mexico.

 “I am honored and proud to welcome you to this important conference,” said NMDVS Secretary Timothy Hale during his Welcome Address. “These are benefits that you—our woman warriors—have earned because you have sacrificed to serve and protect our country.”

This is the fifth consecutive year that the NMDVS has presented this conference to educate what according to the VA is the fastest growing segment of the nationwide veteran population. More than 1.8 million of the country’s 23-million veterans are women. In New Mexico, 16,000 of the state’s 176,000 veterans are women.

Among the topics presented was how the VA treats women veterans for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which it estimates may afflict up to 20% of all veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—but is twice as likely to be diagnosed in women veterans.

Other topics included a presentation about My HealtheVet—a new online way for veterans to access VA health care information and services.  Representatives from the Department of Health presented information about the need for all women to get screened for Breast Cancer—which is one of the leading causes of death for women nationwide but is something that is easily treated if the condition is detected early enough.  October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the VA is strongly urging all women veterans to talk with their health care providers about appropriate breast cancer screenings, such as regular mammograms. 
Also, representatives from Bernalillo County’s Access to Recovery Central Intake Program (ATR), which provides clinical assessments and referrals for those needing substance abuse  or mental health treatment. The facility serves as the initial point of contact.  And Pat Gaston, president of Women Veterans of New Mexico, gave a presentation about the organization and how it serves as a serves voice for New Mexico’s 16,000 women veterans and assists as an advocate for women veterans’ rights and issues.

Staff from the NMDV’s Veterans Business Outreach Center were also there to provide information on how the center can help veterans who want to start their own business or expand an existing operation.

“This was such a tremendous conference. I only wish they had these back when I got out of the Army, because when I got out all they gave me was a handshake and a ‘Good Luck,’” said Ruth Reiners of Rio Rancho. The 92-year old former Master Sergeant served from 1942-1945 at Camp Shanks, New York--the busiest outprocessing/deportation camp in the country during World War II which processed nearly 75% of all servicemen who took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. “I really hope today’s young women veterans take advantage of their benefits, and I hope to see even more women veterans at next year’s conference.”

Former WWII Army Staff Sergeant Ruth Reiners attended the 2011 Women Veterans’ Conference. The 92-year old resident of Rio Rancho found the conference to be “exciting, extremely informational…and empowering.”

In addition to the guest speakers, many veterans’ service organizations and other agencies which help veterans had informational tables and booths in the hallways outside the conference room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

NMDVS Veterans’ Service Officers Charlotte Smith (seated at left, from the NMDVS Farmington office) and Theresa Zuni (seated at right, from the Los Lunas office) answered questions and helped women file for VA and state veterans’ benefits.

28-year old Alexine Chaves (smiling towards camera) served two tours with the U.S. Army in Iraq.