Women Veterans Day honored by Legion Post 500

Story and photo by Department Historian Steve DeFeo

Speedway Post 500 was the site of a gathering honoring Women Veterans Day and acknowledging the contributions of woman veterans.

The event was hosted by Lisa Wilken and sponsored by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the Indiana Veteran Support Council and Legion Post 500.

The ceremony honored three female veterans inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame: Mary Lou Aurtrey, US Army Veteran, Dr. Catherine Winslow, US Army Veteran and Dr. Dorothy Marie Simpson-Taylor, US Air Force Veteran.

State Senator Greg Taylor read the unanimously approved Indiana Senate Resolution proclaiming June 12th, 2023 as Indiana Women Veterans Day honoring the Women's Armed Service Integration Act. Kris Bertrand-Glomski read a similar proclamation from the City of Indianapolis.

The event’s keynote speaker was Dennis Wimer, Director of Indiana’s Department of Veteran Affairs. The ceremony was covered by WTHR, Channel 13 and Fox 59.

Indiana Legionnaire, Northern Vice Commander Gayle Galich was presented a certificate of Appreciation from the Disable American Veterans for all of her efforts supporting their programs.

Following the ceremonies, Wilken hosted training on the nomination process for entry into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

Lisa Wilken presents two of the inductees into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame: Mary Lou Aurtrey, US Army Veteran and Dr. Dorothy Marie Simpson-Taylor, US Air Force Veteran. , Dr. Catherine Winslow, US Army Veteran was unable to attend.

Northern Vice Commander Gail Galich is presented with a certificate of appreciation by Autherine Jones for here work with the Disabled American Veterans.