Estes Park sets a table for its women veterans

The women who served in our military have not always gotten the recognition they earned. On Sunday, November 15, the Estes Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit 119 is setting a table to fix that, at least here in the valley.

The Women Veterans Tea runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 119 in Estes Park. It is an afternoon of refreshments and fellowship, built on the bond only shared service creates. Women veterans attend at no charge. Friends, family members, and community supporters are welcome to join with a $15 ticket.

The featured speaker is Kendra Ryan, Commander, U.S. Navy, retired. She served 21 years in the Navy at assignments around the world, beginning as a nuclear surface warfare officer, then moving into scientific research before concluding her service in operational support. She has spoken about how supportive connections among women in uniform shaped her career, from integrating combatant ships to serving in an engineering wardroom that was 50 percent female.

Kendra is not a stranger to this valley. She lived in Estes Park for 10 years and owned Estes Park Yoga for seven. Her family's connection to the community stretches back to 1965, when they first had a cabin here.

This is the kind of event that says something about a town. A community that takes an afternoon to sit down with the women who served, listen to their stories, and say thank you properly is a community that understands what service costs. If you know a woman veteran in the valley, make sure she knows about this one.

Please RSVP by November 8. Call or text 970-215-6488, or email epalaux@gmail.com.

Read the original reporting at Estes Park News.