(CNN) -- More than a quarter-million American women served honorably in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. These brave women sacrificed much to keep us safe. Now that they are home, or soon to be home, our country has a solemn obligation to help them transition back to civilian life. Yet there is mounting evidence that America is not fulfilling this obligation. Based on data gathered by the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments, a recent report by Disabled American Veterans finds it clear that our country isn't fully meeting the unique physical, emotional and employment needs of women who served in uniform.A quarter-million U.S. women served in Iraq, Afghanistan and are returning to civilian lifeGarry Augustine: They served in combat like men, but get less support than men doHe says female vets go without health care, many are jobless, many are homelessAugustine: VA and DoD need to strengthen services for women, improve child care options
Twenty percent of female patients in the _ health system have been diagnosed with a condition resulting from military sexual trauma, which can have devastating, long-term consequences. Also, the VA and _ need to develop career guidance programs specially designed for women.