For almost a century, Rosie the Riveter, an icon of American pop culture, has represented the strength, determination and resilience of not only women in uniform, but women from all walks of life.
On March 21, VFW Department of Texas District 20 launched the inaugural Rosie the Riveter Commemoration Event, where 82 participants gathered at VFW Post 76 in San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate and honor the long history of women veterans.
FROM LEFT: Air Force veteran Edie Davis, Air Force veteran and founder of Women Veteran Calander Mae Saucedo, Navy veteran Sandra Escobedo and Army veteran and Friendship is the New Pretty 2 founder Lori Julian dress as Rosie the Riveter for an inaugural commemorative women veteran's event honoring the American pop culture icon and all women who served. Photo by Melissa Doussard.Attendees dressed up in blue-collared shirts, blue denim jeans rolled up at the ankle and the classic red bandana with white polka dots, resembling the image of Rosie, to participate in a best-dressed contest. The winner was crowned “Ms. Rosie the Riveter 2026.”
“Rosie’s message continues to be relevant and resonates with women veterans, especially with women in VFW who have answered the call to serve during our nation’s wars,” said VFW Department of Texas District 20 Adjutant Ann Rebollar. “She represents the millions of women who stepped into roles traditionally held by men to support the war effort.”
Along with highlights such as silent auctions and a guided painting session, the event also included Texas State Rep. (124th district) and Air Force veteran Josey Garcia receiving the Texas VFW District 20 Woman Veteran of the Year award, which was presented to her by Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark. Garcia is the first active-duty woman veteran to serve in the Texas House of Representatives.
Many of Texas VFW District 20’s initiatives involve supporting women veterans.
“We’re leading the way in supporting and empowering women veterans across Bexar, Wilson and Atascosa counties,” Rebollar said. “Our commitment begins within our membership and the leadership we harvest in our organization.”
This fall, District 20 will host a women veterans leadership summit alongside VFW Department of Texas Jr. Vice Commander Marcey Phillips.
“This summit is designed to mentor and develop women veterans currently serving in leadership positions within VFW,” Rebollar said. “While also encouraging and preparing future leaders who may be considering elected positions at the Post, district or department level.”
This article is featured in the 2026 June issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.