Douglas County Honors Women Veterans with June 12 Proclamation

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Douglas County Commissioners have proclaimed Friday, June 12, 2026, as Women Veterans Day, recognizing the service, sacrifice and contributions of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The proclamation was issued Wednesday, June 10, during the commissioners’ weekly business meeting. Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice and Tim Freeman approved the proclamation, with Boice presenting it on behalf of the board.

Women Veterans Day is observed each year on June 12. The date marks the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1948. The act allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Reserves.

Douglas County first recognized the Oregon holiday in 2019, becoming the first county in the state to do so after Women Veterans Day was established in Oregon.

During Wednesday’s meeting, commissioners recognized the long history of women in military service, from the American Revolution to the present day. Women formally began serving in the armed forces with the creation of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901. About 35,000 women served during World War I, while 140,000 served in the U.S. Army and Women’s Army Corps during World War II.

Today, nearly 2.1 million women veterans live in the United States. Douglas County is home to more than 1,600 women veterans, and women are considered the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population.

Commissioner Kress said the day is an opportunity to recognize the courage, dedication and sacrifices of women who served during times of both war and peace. He also noted the importance of remembering the unique challenges women veterans have faced throughout history.

Several local women veterans attended the proclamation presentation, including Cecila McMullen, Tammy Turner, Sharon Conkey Johnston and Dawnetta Loomis. Each received a proclamation certificate.

McMullen, an Army National Guard veteran and president of the local American Women Veterans Association, thanked the commissioners and shared remarks about the importance of recognizing women veterans.

Turner, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said her military service helped shape her leadership skills, values and career path. She said Douglas County stands out as a community that recognizes and supports veterans.

“I am proud to say that Douglas County is an amazing county that really recognizes and honors veterans in our community,” Turner said.

Loomis, a U.S. Army veteran who served for 24 years, also spoke about her military experience. Her service included three combat operations, including Desert Storm, along with several overseas deployments.

Loomis said her time in the military shaped how she views life and helped her grow through difficult experiences. She also said Roseburg has become home after moving from Pennsylvania.

“I am blessed to be here and be in a community that recognizes veterans,” Loomis said.

Commissioners also recognized several organizations that support local veterans and their families, including the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee, Douglas County Veteran’s Forum, Vietnam Veterans of America, Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Roseburg VA Health Care System Women Veterans Program, Source One Serenity, American Women Veterans Association, Douglas County Veterans Service Office, Cow Creek Veteran Service Office, American Legion posts and auxiliaries, Wings of Love, Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and auxiliaries, and the Umpqua Community College Veterans Group.

The proclamation encourages residents to take time on June 12 to recognize the women who have served in the military and to thank them and their families for their service, sacrifice and contributions.