CalVet Honors Two Remarkable Women Veterans and Celebrates Women’s Military History Week

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CalVet Honors Two Remarkable Women Veterans and Celebrates Women’s Military History Week

Sacramento – On March 15, 2016, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) recognizes two outstanding women Veterans with our fourth annual Trailblazer Award. The award pays tribute to the valuable contributions of women Veterans to the United States Armed Forces and Veteran communities.

"We proudly recognize all California women Veterans, and honor two in particular
who exemplify outstanding military core values and dedication to our Veterans,” said Lindsey Sin, CalVet Deputy Secretary, Women Veterans Affairs.

CalVet’s 2016 Trailblazer Awardees are Navy Veterans Kelly Carlisle and Nicole Heffel.

Carlisle founded Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project in 2010, a non-profit urban farm located in East Oakland serving at-risk youth from kindergarten to eighth grade and their families. A native of East Oakland, she is committed to creating positive change in her childhood city.

Heffel established Women Veterans Engaging the Nation and the landmark program “She’s Worth It” serving incarcerated women Veterans. She has also contributed countless hours of pro bono legal services to her fellow Veterans.

CalVet honors both Veterans at the reception celebrating Women’s Military History Week on March 15. The reception is scheduled to be held at the Mix Downtown in Sacramento from 5 to 8 p.m.

Women’s Military History Week is recognized by the state of California as the third week of March. To learn more about Women’s Military History Week and the honorees, please visit our web site: calvet.ca.gov/womenvets.

The reception is free and is open to the public, thanks to the generosity of the VetFund Foundation and their corporate partners Juniper, Wells Fargo, and PG&E. Pre-registration
for the reception is required. Register at our web site: calvet.ca.gov/womenvets or
916-653-1402.