Women service members unexpectedly honored at Military Women's Memorial

WASHINGTON — Two Honor Flight volunteers and one escort participating in the trip with her father were unexpectedly honored at the Military Women's Memorial Monday, Sept. 21, when their service was recognized. The three women — Nicole Ueckert, Anastacia Hermes and Melissa Woodard — found out upon arrival at the memorial Monday morning that they would be recognized. Ueckert served in the North Dakota National Guard from 2001 to 2011 and currently works as a registered nurse for the Fargo VA. Hermes joined the North Dakota National Guard in 2012 as a junior in college and continues to serve while also working as a Moorhead police officer. Woodard served six years from 1996 to 2002 in the Army National Guard before joining the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, where she continues to serve. All three women were caught off guard to have their service recognized during a trip to honor other American heroes, but were also grateful for the acknowledgment. "It was