by KORI SCIANDRA, CJ Country Record Editor
Photos courtesy of the Women of Valor Memorial Board of Directors
An idea led by gratitude, patriotism and honor has come to fruition with the support of the community over the last year.
The Women of Valor Memorial and Veterans Center, in Strykersville, is a memorial project honoring all women who served in the United States Military who were killed in action.
The memorial project, led by the Cari Anne Gasiewicz AMVETS Post #637, will become the first national memorial dedicated to honoring women who sacrificed in service. The memorial, at 3624 Route 78, Strykersville, NY, sits on 9 donated acres and is the brainchild of joint efforts between the Cari Anne Gasiewicz AMVETS Post #637 and the American Legion Six Star Post #637.
In addition to honoring and memorializing resilient, tenacious, and brave women, the property will potentially house a new veteran center that will provide invaluable support and resources to veterans and their families.
According to Melissa Weisenburg, Women of Valor Memorial Board of Directors member, at this time, nothing beyond the memorial has been finalized and the board is committed to being thoughtful and collaborative neighbors while discussions continue.
“When we set out to create the Women of Valor Memorial here in Strykersville, we made a promise — that we would do this right. That promise hasn’t changed. If anything, the work over the past year has only deepened our resolve,” said Weisenburg.
The memorial project has been underway since 2025 and despite setbacks the project is in motion. Once the memorial achieves the state-level designation as a non-profit organization serving the public, the project will move into the next phase. This will include site infrastructure, driveway installation, and site preparation.
AMVETS Post #637 was renamed the Cari Anne Gasiewicz Post after the late Army Sgt. Cari Anne Gasiewicz, 28, who served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was KIA in December 2004 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The AMVETS Post #637 is the first post in the U.S. to be named after a female who was KIA. This notion is what led to the idea of honoring more women.
The late Army Sgt. Cari Anne Gasiewicz
“Army Specialist Cari Anne Gasiewicz — because her story, and the stories of so many women like her, deserve to be told in a permanent, dignified way…Her sacrifice is what drives every decision we make,” said Lorne LeMieux of the Cari Anne Gasiewicz AMVETS Post #637.
The memorial is a permanent tribute to women who sacrificed in military service. As plans unfold, an appointed committee has been focused on identifying and researching the broader roster of women who deserve to be honored.
The Women of Valor Board of Directors continue to work toward their goal with support from New York State Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office.
“Having that kind of backing from our congressional representative means a great deal to this project and to our team,” said Weisenburg.
Community support is evident and that validates the importance of this memorial within the region.
“This is a place where service is respected and sacrifice is remembered, and this memorial will reflect that. When it’s complete, it won’t just be a tribute to the women who served — it will be a source of pride for this entire region, a place where families can come to learn, reflect, and connect with something larger than themselves,” said LeMieux
For more information or to get involved, visit womenofvalormemorial.org.