By Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine

This Memorial Day as we keep the soldiers of past and current wars in our hearts and prayers, let us particularly remember the women, many of whom have been called into service in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Remember these women as they return to their families knowing that the responsibility of being a wife, mother, daughter or sister is waiting for them. Remember these women who often are fighting off their fellow soldiers as well as the enemy.

Women make up over 11% of the nearly two million U.S. active duty and National Guard troops and reservists deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Controversy still rages, however, among the military ranks about what role women should or should not play in military service and combat. Of the 4,281 deaths in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict through April, 119 have been women. More than 600 have been wounded.

At an unacceptable rate, female troops endure sexual assault and rape while serving in the military.  As many as one in seven women (15 percent) seek treatment for military sexual trauma and up to 70 percent of women being treated for PTSD are there because of sexual trauma, not because of traditional combat stresses.

In a new book by Helen Benedict, The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq, a book based on 40 in-depth interviews, recounts the stories of female veterans who served in combat zones and tells of rape, sexual assault and harassment by male counterparts.

Some were warned by officers not to go to the latrine by themselves. One began carrying a knife in case she was attacked by fellow soldiers. Others said they felt discouraged to report assaults.

Benedict said the book’s title comes from the isolation female U.S. soldiers experience when combining the trauma of their combat duties with sexual harassment by fellow soldiers.

“Because women are under so much more danger now and actually in the battle, it’s a particularly tragic situation because all soldiers are supposed to be able to rely on one another to watch their backs,” Benedict said. 

Reports of sexual assault continue to rise in the military, jumping about 24 percent – to 2,400 – in 2006 compared to 2005, according to the Department of Defense. One reason, said Lt. Col. Nate Galbreath, was the Pentagon’s 2005 creation of a restricted reporting option that does not involve a criminal investigation and affords victims some anonymity. The victim can access medical and psychological care and get counseling with an advocate. A victim has one year to request a full investigation.

So as we enjoy our Memorial Day picnics and barbeques, as we think about and honor our fathers and grandfathers, remember the honorable women who have served and are currently serving our country.  Their sacrifices are worthy of a day of reflection, respect and most of all, our support.

Sources: Reuters – http://in.reuters.com/

                Cincinnati Enquirer – http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090522/EDIT03/305220004/For+female+soldiers++last+battle+is+within

Helen Benedict is a professor at Columbia University.  To read more visit: http://tiny.cc/QoxAx

To purchase The Lonely Soldier http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Soldier-Private-Women-Serving/dp/0807061476