Women veterans honored by Westmoreland County YWCA

Paul Peirce, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Nov. 11—When U.S. Air National Guard veteran Deb Krall heard in October that the YWCA in Greensburg planned a program recognizing the county's female veterans on Veterans Day, she was thrilled.

The Youngwood resident immediately emailed her daughter with the news. Jodie, 37, of Greensburg also is a veteran with the Air National Guard.

"I was elated ... we don't have to drive to Pittsburgh to take part in a Veterans Day program this year. It's really nice being recognized locally," Krall said.

Krall was a chaplain's assistant with the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Moon from 1975 until 2008. Her daughter served as a cook and residential coordinator with the same unit from 2001-07, during which time she was deployed to Spain for a portion of her service.

"I think it's fantastic (the YWCA) decided to hold this. I love they're having it," Jodie Krall said.

The Kralls were among a handful of women veterans who were honored Thursday during a brief program at the YWCA's Huff Mansion at 226 N. Main St.

"This is our first one. One of our volunteers, Patti Benton, came to me this summer and said she has wanted for years to hold a program honoring our female veterans in the area, so we decided to go ahead and do it this year," said Carol Palcic, YWCA executive director.

Nancy Palarino of Greensburg, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1973-75, learned a Veterans Day program would be held from officials at the federal Veterans Affairs office in Pittsburgh.

"It's really great they held this program in our area. I really appreciate it," she said.

YWCA board President Teresa Rusbusin thanked the women and their families for their service to the country.

State Rep. Eric Nelson of Hempfield, a former Marine Corps infantryman, also thanked the women for their service.

In 2019, women accounted for 9.4% of the roughly 18 million U.S. veterans — up from 6% in 2000.

The VA estimates women will make up 18% of U.S. veterans in 2046, though the number of women who served in military is only expected to increase slightly — from 2 million today to 2.2 million by then.

County Commissioner Doug Chew said there are 60,000 female veterans in Pennsylvania and that women have worked in various roles "defending the country from the American Revolution through today."

"On behalf of everyone in Westmoreland County government, I thank you for your service and love of our country," Chew said.

Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@triblive.com or via Twitter .