Many Americans assume that women in the U.S. military are stationed far from the fighting. While it's true they can't train for frontline combat positions, the changing nature of the Iraq war has placed many women at the center of the conflict. Yet the women serving and dying for the U.S. have received very little attention.

Who are they, why did they join, and what are their experiences and points of view?

On this edition, Sarah Olson speaks with veterans of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marines, and to one active duty soldier who served for a year as an Army journalist in Iraq. Each woman has a unique story, but all share an understanding of the power politics of the U.S. military and the price that is paid by women seeking to serve their country.

Featuring::

Anuradha Bhagwati, former Marine captain; Maricela Guzman, former information technician in the U.S. Navy; Linsay Rousseau Burnett, Sergeant U.S. Army, first brigade combat team, 101st Airborne division; Stefani Pelkey, former Army captain. Senior Producer/Host: Tena Rubio. Mixing Engineer: Phillip Babich. Intern: Alexis McCrimmon.

For more information::

Vets for Vets: 520-250-0509; info@vets4vets.us; www.vets4vets.us

Iraq and Afghan Veterans for America: 770 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003; 212-982-9699; info@iava.org; www.iava.org

Iraq Veterans Against the War: P.O. Box 8296, Philadelphia, PA 19101; 215.241.7123; ivaw@ivaw.org; www.ivaw.org

Women of Color Resource Center: 1611 Telegraph Ave. #303, Oakland, CA 94612; 510-444-2700; info@coloredgirls.org; www.coloredgirls.org

Women Veterans of America National Headquarters: P.O. Box 72 Bushkill, PA 18324; 570-588-4674; www.womenveteransofamerica.com

Harlan Douglas Weikle