She noted there are currently 66,000 known women veterans from New York State and females are now serving as members in all branches of the armed forces.
"We have women (here today) who have served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and the War on Terror. Many received recognition and medals as a result of their service," Assemblywoman Russell noted from the floor of the state Assembly.
"Their military specialties include scientists; chemical biologists; radiological, nuclear and explosives operations; transportation specialists; medical technicians; medical surgery nurses and drill instructors, just to name a few," she added.
"All of them have served with honor. They are joining us today in conjunction with Women Veterans Recognition Day, and I just ask, Mr. Speaker, you give these special veterans a very warm welcome to our house today," Assemblywoman Russell said.
Several other members of the assembly also welcomed the women veterans joining them in the chamber on Wednesday.
Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion L. Aubry praised the women for their service.
"We welcome this extraordinary group of veterans here. We know our freedom to be here and speak is built on your shoulders. Thank you very much," he said.
The resolution introduced by Assemblywoman Russell, a member of the assembly's Veterans Affairs Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Women Veterans, pointed out women serving in the military continue to demonstrate their professionalism, dedication, leadership, and skills, as well as the patriotism and love for their country and liberties, freedoms and rights it stands for as they mobilize in record numbers to support Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve and the Global War on Terrorism.
Women make up approximately 15 percent of today's active duty military, and 19.5 percent of the United States National Guard and United States Reserve forces are women.
There have been over 650 women wounded in war over the past 14 years and approximately 137 women have lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait.
The resolution noted the state Assembly was pausing in in its deliberations to pay tribute to the bravery, patriotism and sacrifice made by women, both those still living and those who died in service of the country, and to proudly commemorate the 68th Anniversary of the signing of the Women's Armed Forces Service Act of 1948 by President Harry S. Truman.