Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Wednesday introduced a resolution declaring June 12, 2020, as Women Veterans Recognition Day in Michigan.

In addition to introducing the resolution, Glenn also announced that Midland County, along with 11 other counties, have collectively been awarded nearly $1.1 million total in COVID-19 emergency funding for veterans through the state’s new County Veteran Service Fund Emergency Relief (CVSF-ER) program.

The funding will help Midland County veterans with emergency costs such as home and vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and more.

Glenn said Michigan should recognize and honor women who have served in and aided U.S. armed forces since the American Revolution. She said women who’ve served in the U.S. military have often been referred to as “invisible veterans,” since their service – up until the 1970s – went largely unrecognized by politicians, the media, academia, and the general public.

“As the first woman elected to represent the city of Midland in the state House of Representatives, I’m mindful of the importance of recognizing the strides women have made in every profession,” Glenn said. “As the wife, daughter, and mother-in-law of veterans, I also understand the importance of honoring our veterans, women no less so than men, for the selfless service they’ve provided.”

“Our women and men in uniform put their lives on the line for each one of us and our families, and they deserve to know they and their families have our support, especially during these trying times,” Glenn said. “I’m pleased these resources are available, because throughout all of the hardships our community has experienced the past few months, it’s great to have some good news to share.”

In addition to emergency assistance for veterans harmed by the coronavirus pandemic, funding will also help veterans with emergency costs caused by the recent flooding in Midland County.

“Between the pandemic and flooding, things have not been easy for the families it’s my privilege to represent,” Glenn said. “Assisting veterans is an issue of the heart for me. Our veterans, women and men, are true American heroes and deserve to know people are going to step up for them, like they stepped up for us. They’ve earned our gratitude, respect, and support.”