Halfaker & Associates
News
June 2010
Halfaker and Associates’ CEO Featured on MSNBC Women in Combat Segment
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Halfaker and Associates’ CEO, Dawn Halfaker featured on MSNBC in a segment showcasing the larger role women are playing in combat |
Washington, DC – Over 15% of US troops are women and many have been killed or wounded in today’s war on terrorism despite the US Department of Defense’s policy that limits women to non-combat units. On June 11, 2010 Halfaker and Associates’ CEO, Dawn Halfaker was featured by military analyst, retired Colonel Jack Jacobs, on MSNBC in a video showcasing the larger role women are playing in combat.
Dawn’s injury is an ironic example of the US’s policy that attempts to restrict women from combat. Female US soldiers usually serve in combat support and combat service support units that during a conventional war would be considered safe rear-area tasks. However, there are no conventional front lines in today’s war in Iraq and Afghanistan and everyone is vulnerable. As a result, women are suffering many of the same injuries of men: burns, amputations and traumatic brain injuries. Dawn served as a Military Police Platoon Leader during her 2004 deployment to Baquba, Iraq and was seriously injured after a rocket propelled grenade exploded in her vehicle during a combat patrol. Following her arduous recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center, she was medically retired from the Army and founded the consulting firm Halfaker and Associates in 2006.
With women and men being injured and killed at alarming rates in Iraq and Afghanistan, the reality on the battlefield has surpassed the debate if women should be allowed in combat. Since her injury, Dawn has been a strong advocate for all wounded warriors, serves as the Vice-President for the Wounded Warrior board of directors and is a member of the advisory committee on the readjustment of Veterans. Rather than get wrapped up in a political debate, Dawn chooses to focus her efforts on highlighting the exemplary work women are doing across the military and ensuring all wounded warriors, male and female, have access to the best care and support upon returning home.
To view the MSNBC video please visit: http://tinyurl.com/39oxkfr
