Service Women's Action Network

06/04/2026

Happy Pride Month from all of us at SWAN! 🏳️‍🌈

This month, we honor the courage, dedication, and resilience of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans. The strength of our military has always relied on the commitment of the diverse individuals who step forward to defend our country, each bringing unique perspectives and patriotism.

We remain dedicated to ensuring that every individual who serves, or has served, has access to the comprehensive care, support, and recognition they have rightfully earned.

To all LGBTQ+ service members and veterans: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued contributions to our community and our nation.

06/03/2026

Protecting the confidentiality, privacy, and security of research participants is a top priority for VA’s Million Veteran Program. MVP removes identifying details such as names and SSNs; and uses advanced technology to secure enrolled Veterans’ information.

Learn more about MVP, VA’s largest health research effort, at www.mvp.va.gov.

06/02/2026

The move to dismantle DEI programs across the military is raising serious concerns about the future of survivor safety.

Our Policy Director is featured in this piece, highlighting the risk that these cuts could undermine the progress made in reporting sexual harassment and assault. While programs like SHARP are often associated with women, they exist to protect everyone who serves. Women aren't the only ones who can be subjected to harassment and assault. When we lose these programs, we risk losing the progress made in building a culture of accountability and trust.

Ensuring that every service member feels safe to speak up without fear of retaliation is non-negotiable. Protecting survivors must remain a priority, regardless of shifting political tides.

Read the full story:

As the military has eliminated diversity and equal opportunity policies, some advocates say they've also seen the culture change concerning sexual assault and harassment.

05/31/2026

Whether you are seeking legal assistance, healthcare resources, or just need someone who understands the journey, our Case Manager is here to stand by your side.

As these testimonials show, having a reliable point of contact makes a world of difference. You can reach out for personalized support today or make a donation to help us keep this vital service free for every woman who served.

Need support? Contact our Case Manager: https://www.servicewomensactionnetwork.org/new-page

Support her work with a donation: https://www.servicewomensactionnetwork.org/donate

05/29/2026

Access to comprehensive healthcare is a promise made to every person who serves, yet that promise is being broken for our veteran community.

We are closely following the lawsuit filed by Minority Veterans of America against the administration’s reinstatement of a near-total ban on abortion care and counseling within the VA. This policy roll-back removes exceptions for r**e, in**st, and the health of the mother, which are essential for a community that often faces complex medical histories and high rates of service-connected trauma.

Read more about the legal challenge:

Minority Veterans of America is bringing the lawsuit on behalf of its members, including one who is pregnant and unable to access abortion care.

05/27/2026

Women are serving on the front lines and, tragically, more are being laid to rest in our national cemeteries. This Washington Post story serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate sacrifice has no gender. We honor them not just as casualties of war, but as the dedicated professionals, mothers, and wives they were.

Our CEO, Elisa Cardnell, is quoted in the piece.

Read the full story:

On Memorial Day, military families remember the Iran conflict’s fallen and navigate heartbreak without mothers and wives.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy were bought with a price. Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

This day is deeply personal for so many. Though we honor everyone who served this country, this Memorial Day we want to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice this year in Iran. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of our history now, and their courage continues to inspire our mission every single day.

As we spend time with family and friends, let’s ensure their stories are told and their names are spoken. True remembrance means honoring their service by continuing to support the families they left behind and died to protect.

To the fallen: You are not forgotten. We stand in gratitude for your service and in awe of your sacrifice.

05/22/2026

In 2025, we saw a nearly 50% increase in the number of veterans and service members who reached out for help and were referred to direct services.

From individual case management to signing on to 19 major policy endorsements for healthcare and reproductive rights, we can't do the work without your support. THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us in the past.

Consider donating to ensure every woman veteran has an advocate in her corner.

Link to donate: https://www.servicewomensactionnetwork.org/donate

05/20/2026

We’re setting sail for the 2028 Women’s Veteran Cruise with Merri Bair Travel, and we would love to have you on deck with us. If you couldn't make the info session, here is everything you need to know to snag your spot:

🛳 The Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
📅 Dates: March 15 – 20, 2028 (6 Days • 5 Nights)
📍 Route: Roundtrip from Port Canaveral (Orlando) to the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas!

You can register at: https://form.jotform.com/261223815331044

You can call Merri at 757-472-6919 or email her for more info at [email protected]