Advanced Neurosciences Institute of Franklin, Bob Lamb Exit Realty and Simple Pleasures Boutique, both of Murfreesboro, teamed up April 16 to pamper a group of female veterans, and widows of veterans, residing at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro.

The organizations threw a “Mad Hatter Tea Party” in honor of Maj. Miller “Boots” Payne Warren Jr., who lost his life in the Philippians during WWII after Warren had survived the famed Bataan death march.

Volunteers from the three organizations up-fit Iroquois Steeplechase style hats to give to each of the female veterans living in the home to wear during the party, brought them gifts, provided them with professional, “Andrews Sisters”-style entertainment, during the tea.

Additional hats are available for purchase at the Bob Lamb Exit Realty office in Murfreesboro, where funds will be used to pay for next year’s tea party and provide for any incidental personal care items the female veterans might need throughout the year.

Often, when we think of veterans, we do not think about women who have proudly served our country during a time of war; however, women have formally been a part of the US armed forces since the inception of the Army Nurse Corpse in 1901 and have informally served in some capacity since the official formation of our nation’s military.

At present, there are about 12 women veterans, from all branches of the military, having served in various conflicts, living at Veterans Home. In all, it currently serves 25 female veterans and spouses of veterans.