From the very beginning of our country, women had to confront numerous barriers, both on the battlefield and on the home front. For women who chose to serve, their job was never easy. They pushed through the many barriers that stood in their way. They were leaders. They were visionaries. They were the trailblazers who transformed the face of our American veteran today.As we explore the women throughout history who served, we see women who carved out their place in the United States Armed Forces. Our nation's history of military women is one continuous story of empowerment. It is the story of women, who through struggles, hard work and perseverance, showed society who they were...and who they could be.The stories you will read about in this book chronicle the steps to empowerment for women in the military. These stories highlight the vast accomplishments of women over time, many of whom were made by women from Ohio.What you will see in these stories are many historic firsts for the armed services. We see women who forged the path for generations of women to follow.However, they haven't only forged the path for other women; rather they have forged the path for anyone to follow--male or female. Any person who has a dream and who has to confront challenges can learn from what these women accomplished.