Press and Testimonials

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Women Veterans of the Coastal Empire educated community members on the impact of women during both world wars.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Women Veterans of the Coastal Empire educated community members on the impact of women during both world wars.

Historians spoke at a luncheon on Wednesday in Savannah about the impactful role women played in war.

“Most women who serve in the armed forces don’t know this history,” said Mel Bloom, an Air Force veteran who spoke at the event.

Bloom said the history of women in the war goes beyond Rosie the Riveter and much of what people assume women did during this time.

Battle of Iwo Jima survivors help open new exhibit at WWII Legacy Foundation in Connecticut

On hand to cut the ribbon Saturday morning are Connecticut's only known Iwo Jima battle survivors - Peter Senick and Joseph Caminiti - as well as local WWII Army Veteran Mario Forte, third from left. Battle reenactors were in attendance dressed in uniforms of the era.

“She knew that women had the capacity to have a formal role within the military, and she fought for it, even if she herself would never have an opportunity to serve in a uniformed capacity,” said Mel Bloom, founder and CEO of 3-5-0 Girls.
“She knew that women had the capacity to have a formal role within the military, and she fought for it, even if she herself would never have an opportunity to serve in a uniformed capacity,” said Mel Bloom, founder and CEO of 3-5-0 Girls.

The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and 3-5-0 Girls, a local veteran-led organization, collaborated to bring history to life with a display of Women’s Army Corps (WAC) uniforms spanning World War II through 1978, when the WAC fully integrated into the U.S. Army. The exhibition highlights the contributions of women stationed at Fort Devens, Bedford Army Air Field (now Hanscom Air Force Base), and Westover Field, and honors Congresswoman Rogers’ leadership in establishing the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), which later became the WAC

3-5-0 Girls Founder Mel Bloom at the 12:00 mark.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Mel Bloom, the Founder and CEO of the 3-5-0 Girls and a U.S. Air Force veteran, brought history to life with a special pop-up exhibit at the VA Bedford Crossroads. The display featured literature, memorabilia, and uniforms from the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), offering a glimpse into the lives of the women who broke barriers during a pivotal time in history.

3-5-0 Girls founder Mel Bloom speaking about the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve at 40:02