Gina Pollut is a proud former active-duty United States Marine whose commitment to service extends far beyond her active-duty years. She continues to dedicate her time and leadership to Veteran and community organizations, serving as Service Officer and life member for the Marine Corps League Gooney Bird Detachment. She is also a member of the NJ Commission for Women Veterans.

A passionate advocate for Veterans, Gina sits on the Board of Directors for
Backpacks For Life, serves as Outreach Board Member for Claymore Vets, and is
an active member of the Women Marines Association – Cpl. Valdez Chapter in the Bronx, NY. She also co-chairs the Women Veterans Subcommittee within the NJ SoS Vets Stakeholders group, ensuring women’s voices and experiences are represented at every level.

In 1989, Gina was discharged under “General, Under Honorable” conditions — prior to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — for being gay. That experience became the catalyst for her lifelong dedication to advocacy. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to champion women Veterans, homeless Veterans, and underserved Veteran communities. While serving as an SSVF Outreach worker with Catholic Charities in 2016, she began her formal work in advocacy. Her efforts helped lead to the establishment of Women Veterans Appreciation Day in New Jersey, officially recognized and signed into law on June 12, 2019.

Through every role she holds, Gina’s unwavering sense of service and commitment to justice continue to inspire and uplift those around her.

“I believe there’s healing in connection for all our Veterans, whether forming it out of clay, beating a drum, writing it down, speaking our

truth, or just getting together to play a game of cards. We are our best advocates, and can andnwill accomplish any mission we set out to do.”