Hundreds of women in dress uniforms and evening gowns gathered at the Bowery Hotel in New York City on Thursday for a gala hosted by ALLTRU, the only fraternal organization for women special operations veterans. Founded five years ago by two female veterans, ALLTRU now counts roughly 375 members spanning special operations, law enforcement, and the intelligence community. The event marked 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks that propelled many into military service and coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the Pentagon lifting combat restrictions on women — a policy now under review by Defense Department officials.

The celebration occurred amid declining high-ranking officer nominations for women, at their lowest level in over two decades, and the removal of senior women officers from promotion lists by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Yet the gala avoided politics, focusing instead on community and recognition. "Popular culture portrays special operations usually as Navy SEALs kicking in doors," said former Army major Shelane Etchison. "ALLTRU is a place for us to be able to still feel in community with one another."

Etchison, commissioned in 2008, joined Cultural Support Teams supporting Army Rangers, Green Berets, and SEALs in Afghanistan after combat roles opened to women in 2011. The organization now extends support internationally, funding internet access for girls in countries where education has been driven underground. A memorial honored fallen service women at the event.