Today is Women Veterans Day. It's celebrated each year on June 12 in recognition of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act signing back in 1948.

Tina Hopper is one of 5 female veterans to be honored by the Veteran's Affinity Network at Erie Insurance later today.

Hopper always wanted to be in the military. She joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and was stationed at MCAS Miramar as military police.

Hopper grew up in a military family. Both of her parents were in the Air Force. She tells us it's gratifying to have been able to continue that tradition.

"My parents were very supportive. My mother sent me a letter every day I was in boot camp," said Hopper.

Now, Hopper hopes all women that want to enlist have the courage to do so.

"If they want to, go out and try it," said Hopper. "If my story can help anybody, that's what I want."

Hopper is just one of many female veterans in our region. There's an event coming up later today at the Zem Zem Shrine Club that's open to all women veterans here at home. 

The Erie VA Women's Mental Health Program is hosting a Women Veterans Day Celebration at 1pm today. The reception is expected to include informational material as well as a gift card raffle.

Organizers of the event say Chaplain Antoinette Stewart is set to speak on some sensitive topics that they believe the women in attendance can relate to.