FAU Honors Women in Military Service During ‘Women Veterans Recognition Day’

In a moving tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifices of women in uniform, Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, in partnership with FAU’s Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W.), FAU Athletics, the FAU Military and Veterans Student Success Center, and Veterans & Homefront Voices, and Vets & Allies Storytelling, hosted a commemorative Women Veterans Recognition Day celebration on June 12, at the Delray Genesis Club at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on FAU’s Boca Raton campus.

The event honored the legacy and ongoing service of women veterans, with more than 100 attendees – including students, faculty, veterans, community leaders and military family members – gathering to recognize and celebrate women in military history and the challenges they continue to face today.

Opening remarks were delivered by Conrad Ogletree, founder of Veterans & Homefront Voices and Vets & Allies Storytelling. Ogletree is the son of a United States Navy pilot during the Korea era and the grandson of a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot during World War II. He emphasized the importance of capturing and honoring the voices of those who served – especially women, whose stories have too often gone unrecognized in the broader narrative of military service.

Several women veterans took the stage to share deeply personal reflections on courage, leadership and resilience, including Marilyn “Dee” Ray, Ph.D., a distinguished nurse scholar, retired United States Air Force Colonel, and professor emeritus, FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; and Candy Wilson, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and associate dean of research and scholarship at FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Ray served for 32 years in the Air Force Nurse Corps, including as a flight nurse during the Vietnam War, and is renowned for developing the Theory of Bureaucratic Caring, which serves as the structural framework for the U.S. Air Force’s professional caring practice model, impacting the care of more than 10 million beneficiaries. Currently, she focuses on aging and caring science at FAU, working to improve care and reduce stigma for older individuals and those with memory challenges.

With a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Wilson brought authenticity and inspiration to the event, drawing from her experiences both as a military nurse and a pioneering health care researcher. She spoke candidly about the internal and external challenges she faced – not from her military peers, but from societal expectations and personal sacrifices, including balancing deployments with family life.

“My father couldn’t understand why someone with a Ph.D. would go to war,” said Wilson “But my answer to him was simple: This is what I trained for. This is what I do.”

In her current role at FAU, Wilson leads research initiatives aimed at addressing gaps in health care for women in uniform, particularly those in the Reserve and National Guard. Her projects include reproductive health tools tailored to military environments, research on eating behaviors and pain management interventions, and efforts to identify systemic health care gaps impacting servicewomen.

“Women Veterans Recognition Day is a time to reflect on the courage, resilience and dedication of those who serve. It’s not about labels – it’s about honoring the strength it takes to raise your hand, to answer the call and to keep going when it’s hard,” said Wilson. “Service requires commitment, heart and sacrifice – not just from those in uniform, but from the families and communities who stand behind us. Recognizing that shared strength is how we truly honor all who serve.”

The program concluded with the emotional presentation of Legacy Plaques and Quilts of Valor, honoring not only the women who spoke but all those who served and paved the way for future generations. Attendees also explored military history through poster displays and participated in storytelling circles, where veterans and civilians came together to share experiences and offer mutual support.

The event also drew attention to the broader significance of Women Veterans Recognition Day, which marks the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act – signed into law on June 12, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman. This historic legislation enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces across all branches, beyond nursing roles.

Though not yet recognized as a federal holiday, June 12 has been officially proclaimed as Women Veterans Recognition Day in the state of Florida since 2021. With more than 162,000 women veterans, Florida has the second-largest population of women veterans in the U.S. FAU’s recognition of this day is a reflection of its continued commitment to veteran-centered education, advocacy and support.

The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing remains at the forefront of nursing education and military health care research, championing innovations that improve outcomes for service members and their families. Through partnerships like C-P.A.W.W. and collaborations with universities and federal agencies, the college is helping shape the future of evidence-based veteran care.

“Hosting Women Veterans Recognition Day at FAU is more than a symbolic gesture – it is a necessary act of acknowledgment and gratitude. Women have served this country with unwavering devotion, often while overcoming tremendous barriers both in and out of uniform,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Ph.D., dean of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. “As nurses, many have been the frontline healers in war zones and crisis situations. Recognizing their contributions, particularly in military nursing, allows us to give voice to their experience, support their transitions, and inspire the next generation of leaders and caregivers. We are proud to honor their service and deeply committed to advancing research, education and support systems that reflect their needs.”