Home Base From the desk of Executive Director Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond: Independence Day 2024
Dear Home Base Nation,
Each Independence Day, I am honored to thank our nation’s past and present Warriors for protecting the certain unalienable Rights our forefathers sought to defend nearly 250 years ago. I am proud to share, on this Fourth of July, Home Base remains dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras and active-duty Service Members, as well as members of Military Families and Families of the Fallen.
This month, we will continue our commitment to celebrate those who have served and are serving at the 15th annual Run to Home Base presented by RTX – our unique 9K run and 5K run/walk through Boston that ends with the unforgettable experience of crossing “home base” at historic Fenway Park. On Saturday, July 27, we will once again gather at “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” for this moving occasion and, special to our 15th year, will honor Women Veterans and Service Members.
The day prior to the Run, we will host an All-Star Forum honoring Women Veterans and Service Members alongside the Red Sox Foundation. This panel discussion, hosted by Emmy-Award winning journalist and former ABC News Chief Health and Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, will highlight the triumphs and challenges; accomplishments and sacrifices; and future of women’s service. Click here to submit a question for the forum and stay tuned for details on how to watch it.
The weekend’s events will culminate with a poignant, on-field pregame ceremony to recognize the service and sacrifice of Women Veterans and Service Members before the hometown Boston Red Sox take on their fiercest rival, the New York Yankees. If you are a Woman Veteran or Service Member interested in joining us for the ceremony, click here for a chance to join us.
Although women were not enlisted during the Revolutionary War, they not only supported our soldiers in traditional roles but also risked life and limb by disguising themselves as men to fight side-by-side with their fellow countrymen. This patriotic spirit, bravery and selflessness have been passed from generation to generation. It should come as no surprise that, today, women are the fastest growing group of Veterans and more than 3 million women have served in the United States Armed Forces since the birth of our nation. Sadly though, the suicide rate among Women Veterans is 166.1% higher than that of non-Veteran adult women, according to the VA’s latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.
At Home Base, we not only staff women Veterans who provide high-level peer support through shared life experiences, but also specifically serve Military-connected women and their families. Women Veterans represent nearly a fifth of our patient population. In response to their growing need for clinical care and support, we now offer year-round programming and a women-exclusive Intensive Clinical Program (ICP) that meets twice annually, along with outpatient groups, that are tailored exclusively for Women Veterans and Service Members – all at no out-of-pocket cost to them.
As you celebrate Independence Day today, I encourage you to reflect upon the sacrifices made by millions of patriots – including Servicewomen of all eras – to protect our Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. To those who have served, we thank you. For those currently serving, we stand with you. And, to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we honor you.
THEIR MISSION IS COMPLETE. OURS HAS JUST BEGUN.
Sincerely,
Jack Hammond
Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army | Executive Director, Home Base