Iraq war veteran Sgt. Alta Jackson, 58, who joined the Army 20 years ago, and remains in the Reserves, poses for a photo near the women's shelter where she lives in Long Beach, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009. The program where the women live is one of fewer than 10 nationally that receives money from the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide care in specialized programs for homeless women veterans. It provides housing, but also employment help and treatment for sexual trauma.
(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)