MINEOLA, Texas — The theme for this year's Veteran's Day parade and ceremony in Mineola was 'Women in the Military,' chosen specifically because oftentimes their contributions as service members are overlooked.

"I hate to say, but most men do not feel that women are as competent or as intelligent," Laura Terry, a Marine veteran, said.

Terry served in the Marines from 1992 to 1998, being sent to both Africa and Japan. Part of her time in the military was spent as a heavy equipment mechanic. Due to her gender, it wasn't always easy.

"Males didn't particularly care for women back then in their field," she said. "There were some trying times, but it definitely made me the person that I am today."

Terry says women in the military are often able to add insight and perspective that their mal

See Full Page