Members of the Hope High School ROTC comprised part of the Honor Guard in the annual Woman Warriors Luncheon. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
WPRO Newsroom
A spotlight shines on women veterans, so-called women warriors on Veteran’s Day, with Rhode Island’s annual Women Warriors luncheon.
The primary aim of the event at the Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown is to benefit female veterans who are transitioning into civilian life.
Proceeds from the event go to the Holly Charrette House in Johnston; the transitional home named in honor of Marine Corporal Holly Charrette, a graduate of Cranston East High School. She was killed in action in 2005 in Falujuah, Iraq. Charrette’s parents, Regina and Ed Roberts, said they were thrilled to take part.
“It’s extremely humbling,” said Ed Roberts.
“Because Holly was a great daughter, sister, aunt, niece; and we’re overwhelmed on the day.”
“The luncheon is a nice, quite time to just reflect and hear the stories, to just know that that’s history,” said her mother, Regina Roberts. She was grateful to learn of her daughter’s service in Iraq.
“Those are the stories that we hear from people that served with her that we just cherish, because those are memories that we don’t have,” she said.
Women veterans shared stories of their time in the service. Carol Rotkin, 91, said she enjoyed her time in the Navy’s WAVES volunteer during World War II.
“When I was a kid I used to watch the sailors on Riverside Drive in New York and I wished I was a boy so I could join the Navy; and when it happened as soon as I turned 20 I went,” said Rotkin, who served 2 1/2 years.
“I always say that I enjoyed it, and I’m so grateful to be here,” said Rotkin.
The event also marked Governor-elect Gina Raimondo’s first official public appearance since winning the election. Raimondo said as governor, she would work to provide every service possible to returning veterans.
“It is really truly the case that because of your sacrifice, and your discipline, and your willingness to serve that America is great,” said Raimondo.
Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Laura Smolinski said the luncheon is helpful in connecting female veterans to other members of their community.
“This event is great because it provides us an opportunity to interface with other women veterans and gives us the opportunity to network with them and maybe find a mentor of some sort,” said Smolinski.
The Holly Charrette House in one of seven homes managed by Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, who also organized and sponsored the luncheon.
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