SAVANNAH, Ga. — As the 79th annual Veterans Day Parade unfolds in Savannah, the spotlight is on women veterans, with a local group eagerly participating in the event.

“Our aim is to educate everyone on the significant contributions of women in the military and to ensure their efforts are duly acknowledged,” stated Suzy Suttle Willis, co-founder of Women Veterans of the Coastal Empire.

This organization provides a community for female service members, offering a platform for them to connect and support one another. It’s a celebration of the mothers, daughters, friends, and family members who have dedicated themselves to serving the nation.

The group regularly organizes retreats, luncheons, and various community service activities, creating opportunities for women to share their unique military and post-military experiences.

“Although we are all veterans, women face distinct challenges and responsibilities,” Willis explained. “Many women juggle roles as mothers or caregivers alongside their professional duties or military service.”

Willis said that through her experience, she knows the military is very male-dominated. Therefore, this organization is so important for women to feel supported.

“You really need to prove yourself that you’re not just going to need help and are innocence, but that you’re smart enough, you’re capable enough,” Willis said.

Willis spoke about her own military experience. She said she felt called to enlist during college, after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Through the group, she has heard stories about how the guild women feel while being in the military. In particular, when they are also balancing motherhood.

“Mom’s going to go do drill weekend, going to do all fun stuff, maybe not so much fun stuff, and the kids see that they are going to go, oh, my gosh, how cool is my mom?”

Women Veterans of the Coastal Empire has more planned events in 2026.