Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium Returns to Kearney
Source: KSNB Local4 Central Nebraska. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) is gearing up for its fifth annual Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium, set to take place September 19-20 at the Holiday Inn in Kearney. This free, two-day gathering is designed to bring together women veterans, active duty personnel, Reservists, and National Guard members for a weekend of connection, resource sharing, and recognition.
Erin Colson, the NDVA Women Veterans Coordinator, expressed pride in reaching this milestone. “I am so humbled to be in our fifth year of bringing together Nebraska’s women veterans and to see the continued success of this outreach event,” she said. The symposium reflects a growing effort to address the unique needs of women who have served in the military.
The weekend’s agenda covers a broad range of topics. Sessions will detail state and federal benefits, including services available through the NDVA. Healthcare access will be a major focus, with presentations from the VA Nebraska Western-Iowa Healthcare System, the VA Women Veterans Program, and VA Whole Health. Mental health and wellness are also front and center, with workshops on PTSD and trauma, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention.
Beyond the formal sessions, the symposium offers interactive experiences. The New Century Art Guild and the MOVE Program will host hands-on activities, while the Hanes Mobile Military Museum will display military uniforms. A new art exhibit, “Landscapes of Service,” provides a platform for veteran artists to share their work and explore personal connections to their service. Attendees interested in submitting artwork must be present at the symposium to have their pieces showcased throughout the weekend.
NDVA Director John Hilgert emphasized the importance of targeted outreach. “We want to be there for every veteran in the state, and targeted outreach events like this ensure we’re meeting veterans where they are,” he said. This philosophy drives the symposium’s design, aiming to create a welcoming environment where women veterans can find tailored support.
Registration is free but limited to the first 200 participants. It is open now and will remain open until the event begins or all spots are filled. To secure a spot, view artwork submission guidelines, or get more information, visit veterans.nebraska.gov/womenveterans. For questions, contact Erin Colson at erin.colson@va.gov or call 402-420-4337.
The symposium highlights Nebraska’s commitment to its women veterans, a demographic that has grown significantly in recent years. By offering a dedicated space for connection and education, the NDVA aims to bridge gaps in services and foster a sense of community. The event’s fifth anniversary underscores its success and the ongoing need for such initiatives.
Article commentary
The Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium returns for its fifth year, a milestone that underscores the state’s recognition of the unique challenges faced by women who have served in the military. This event is not merely a gathering; it is a strategic response to the evolving demographics of the veteran population. Women are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. veteran community, yet they often encounter barriers to accessing benefits and healthcare tailored to their experiences. The symposium’s focus on mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention reflects a critical understanding that women veterans face distinct risks, including higher rates of military sexual trauma and post-service isolation. By hosting the event in Kearney, the NDVA extends its reach beyond major urban centers, acknowledging that veterans in rural areas may have limited access to resources. The inclusion of hands-on activities, an art exhibit, and a military uniform display adds a layer of engagement that goes beyond standard briefings, fostering a sense of belonging and creative expression. The new “Landscapes of Service” exhibit, in particular, offers a powerful outlet for veterans to process their experiences through art, a medium that can bridge the gap between trauma and healing. From a policy perspective, the symposium aligns with broader federal and state efforts to improve veteran services. The NDVA’s partnership with the VA Nebraska Western-Iowa Healthcare System and the VA Women Veterans Program ensures that attendees receive accurate, up-to-date information on eligibility and care. The emphasis on whole health and wellness is a forward-looking approach, recognizing that veterans need support not just for physical ailments but for emotional and psychological well-being. However, the limited registration capacity of 200 spots raises questions about scalability. While the first-come, first-served model ensures a manageable event, it may inadvertently exclude veterans who face barriers to early registration, such as those without reliable internet access or those juggling work and family commitments. The NDVA could consider expanding the event in future years or offering virtual participation options to reach a broader audience. Overall, the symposium serves as a model for how state agencies can proactively address the needs of underrepresented veteran groups. It demonstrates that targeted outreach, when done with care and collaboration, can build trust and deliver tangible benefits. The fact that this is the fifth annual event suggests sustained commitment and growing engagement. As the landscape of military service continues to change, such initiatives will be essential in ensuring that no veteran is left behind.