The Erie VA Medical Center held a "Beyond the Basics" Awareness Fair to inform women veterans about the services that they are provided at the VA. 

"The fact is that women veterans are wonderfully busy, complex people," said Nadean Sitter, Women Veterans Program Manager.

"And we owe them the best care that they get... They're way beyond cervical screenings, way beyond paps, way beyond mams. We can help them if they need plastic surgery, we can help them if they want to get pregnant and they're having a hard time. This is all part of the VA medical package that they're eligible for just for being patients here."

It's something that Marine veteran, and VA employee Teresa Wingerter appreciates, and is glad to see the VA become more welcoming to women veterans like herself.

"I've been working here just about five years and I recently just changed all of my own care to here, to the VA because I'd have to go to four or five different doctors specifically for female issue appointments," said Wingerter. "And they're really trying to push to make it a comfortable place for the female veterans to come to receive their care."

Air Force member and Staff Sergeant for the International Guard, Shelby Bailey, hopes the inclusive VA services will entice more women to join the military.

"I think a lot of women are currently entering or getting out of the military," said Bailey. "And it's really important for younger veterans and women specifically to understand what kind of services are offered. And to have the option available to come to the VA for all of their care instead of just general primary care visits."

The VA also wants to let veterans know, even if they didn't participate in active combat, they're likely still eligible for coverage at the VA Medical Center. They encourage veterans to make an appointment and check for themselves.