Recognizing Female Veterans

Since the Revolutionary War, women have served in the military. For most of history, however, these efforts went unrecognized and undervalued. Even as recently as 2016, there remained gender-based restrictions on female service members, the positions they could hold, and the benefits they could receive. 

 With March being Women’s History Month, it’s critical to create space to recognize the female veterans who gave up everything to serve and protect our country. Emily Klinkenborg is one of the brave women who have answered the call to give her time and talents to the United States. For seven years, U.S. Army Captain Klinkenborg served around the country and the world, from Korea to Kuwait to Hawaii. 

Klinkenborg has an astoundingly long list of military honors, where she has been recognized for achievements both as a veteran and as an active duty service member. These awards  include the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medals, the Air Force Civilian Achievement Award, the Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Gold German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

On Monday, Klinkenborg was recognized by County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency with the Rockland County 2026 Freedom Award, an award presented annually to honor female veterans for outstanding service to our nation. 

Currently, Klinkenborg continues her dedication to her community as she serves as the Head of Public Relations for the Rockland County DA’s office. Emily resides in Rockland with her husband, and is a mother of two.