DETROIT — A local nonprofit is turning a simple piece of military memorabilia into a fundraiser for women veterans and their families. The Motown Women Veterans Association, founded by former Army personnel specialist Alexis Derriso, is selling military‑style dog tags for $15 each through its website.
Goal and early results
Each tag bears the inscription, “Millions of women have served this country. I am one,” a direct reminder of the often‑overlooked contributions of female service members. Derriso, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1980 and served six years in personnel management and administrative roles, says the organization hopes to sell one million tags. To date, roughly 2,000 tags have been purchased.
Supporting a shelter for women veterans and children
The proceeds go to a homeless shelter that specifically serves female veterans and their children, providing a safe place to live, meals, and access to counseling and job‑training resources. The shelter’s mission aligns with the Association’s broader purpose: to recognize women’s military service and to ensure they receive the support they deserve after leaving the uniform.
Why the focus on women veterans?
Women now make up about 17% of the more than 1.2 million active‑duty service members and over 21% of National Guard and reserve troops. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 2 million women are veterans. Yet many still encounter skepticism about their service. Anitra Grant, a retired Army Reserve master sergeant who served from 1982 to 2007, said she often faces questions about whether women performed the same duties as men.
Personal stories of connection
Susan McCain, a National Guard veteran who served from 1985 to 1993, shared that joining the Association helped her connect with other veterans and feel more comfortable identifying herself as a veteran. “It’s a relief to be part of a community that understands what we went through,” she said.
Production details
The dog tags are manufactured by LogoTags, a division of Ball Chain Manufacturing, and are available with the names of the four main service branches: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Buyers can select the branch that reflects their own service or that of a loved one.
How to purchase
Interested supporters can order tags directly from the Motown Women Veterans Association website. The organization encourages individuals, families, and local businesses to spread the word and help reach the ambitious one‑million‑tag goal.
Broader impact
Beyond fundraising, the campaign serves an educational purpose, raising public awareness of the vital role women have played and continue to play in defending the United States. By wearing the tags, supporters publicly acknowledge that women have always been an integral part of the nation’s defense.
For more information about the Motown Women Veterans Association and to purchase a dog tag, visit their website.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
