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KPBS Midday Edition

On This Memorial Day, Nonprofit Brings Attention To Female Fallen Soldiers

Recruit Crystal Townsend, 35, said the Army provided a more diverse range of career options than other military branches. She hopes to go into military intelligence.
Dan Boyce / American Homefront
Recruit Crystal Townsend, 35, said the Army provided a more diverse range of career options than other military branches. She hopes to go into military intelligence.
The Southern California-based nonprofit Foundation for Women Warriors wants to bring attention to female veterans on this Memorial Day.

The Southern California-based nonprofit Foundation for Women Warriors wants to bring attention to female veterans on this Memorial Day.

"Over the years, women have grown to serve in increasing numbers in the military, and that means our sacrifice has also increased," said Jodie Grenier, the CEO of the nonprofit. "There's a number of women who have been killed in action during the last two decades of conflicts that we've been participating in and so it is ever so important to honor all of those who've made the ultimate sacrifice, but also give special recognition to the women who have endured and sacrificed for our freedom."

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In addition to honoring female veterans, the organization, based in Carlsbad and North Hollywood, provides emergency financial assistance, help paying for childcare and women-focused professional development to female veterans.

"We intimately know that women have been historically underserved and that there's a number of issues that compound the complexity of being a woman that transitions out of the military," Grenier said.

Grenier joined Midday Edition on Monday to share the stories of female veterans.