Being a female in the military has its unique challenges. Our servicewomen represent strength in many ways. There are many skewed perceptions and unknown journeys - local Hampton Roads veteran, Isaura Ramirez, shares her story.

From 1973 to 2010 the number of active-duty enlisted women in the military has grown from about 42,000 to 167,000.  However, while a smaller number of women than men serve overall, a slightly greater proportion among the ranks of women are commissioned officers, compared with the share of men who are officers (17% vs. 15%). Additionally,  the current active-duty female force is more racially diverse than the male force.