Highway Marker honoring the Women's Army Corps unveiled

FORT LEE — Thursday afternoon saw Fort Lee dedicate a Virginia Highway Historical Marker honoring what was then known as Camp Lee’s role in the training of the Women’s Army Corps, taking the occasion to celebrate both the road sign’s dedication and the role of women in the US Army.

Established shortly after the US entry into World War II, the Women’s Army Corps was created to allow women to perform a number of critical jobs and support roles. Over the course of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, tens of thousands of women would serve in the WAC. Following a Congressional Act in 1978, the WAC was disestablished and women were integrated into the ranks of the US Army.

“Those first few brave women who served our nation received no benefits and little recognition, but the impact they had on our nation was a profound one,” said Dyson. “Throughout my career, I’ve always been able to find strength from stories of the WAC, knowing what they had to overcome serving our Army and our country.”

Fort Lee’s role in the Women’s Army Corps is why the U.S. Army Women’s Museum is located on the base, having been built on post 15 years ago following the closure of Fort McClellan, Alabama.