GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Kent County Veterans’ Services organization has been recognizing the contributions of women in the military for five years.

“Female veterans are actually the fastest growing veterans ever," said Kent Co. Veteran Services Officer and veteran Theresa Ergang. "We are 2 million strong, and quite frankly, we should recognize that.”

More than a hundred people gathered at the group's annual banquet honoring female vets, emceed by 13 ON YOUR SIDE’s own Juliet Dragos.

Pat Akins enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in the late 80s, when very few women were in the branch.

She eventually became a Captain.

“For too many years we have been in the background, but we committed our lives to protecting our country, and I think it's long overdue that female veterans are recognized fo

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