USARJ on Okinawa celebrates Women’s Equality Day

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Sonie L. Munson, public affairs officer, 10th Regional Support Group, native of Kearney, Neb., speaks during the Army’s Women’s Equality Observance hosted by the Okinawa Veterinary Treatment Facility, Aug. 28, at Kadena Air Base. This observance was held to recognize the decades of progress toward gender equality.  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.26.2013

Story by Charles Steitz 

10th Regional Support Group

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Capt. Sonie Munson, public affairs officer for the 10th Regional Support Group and native of Kearney, Neb., served as the guest speaker for the Women’s Equality Day presentation at the Schilling Recreation Center here, Aug. 26.

Munson’s presentation underscored the importance of women who have sacrificed so very much making America the beacon of hope for women throughout the world.

“On August 26, 1920, after decades of organizing, agitating, and demonstrating, our country achieved a major victory for women's rights and American democracy. The 19th Amendment was certified, extending the vote to women and advancing our Nation's long journey toward full equality for all Americans,” said Munson, who quoted President Barack Obama’s 2013 Women’s Equality Proclamation. “The ratification of the 19th Amendment paved the way for more women to participate in American politics -- as leaders, candidates, voters, and volunteers.”

Focusing on the life of women who achieved success in the military by overcoming incredible obstacles, Munson talked about inspirational women like Ruth Cowan who became the first accredited female war reporter for the U.S. Army.

“Yet in reporting the work of women, war reporters transformed this second-class assignment into revealing reports that painted a multidimensional picture of the war for America. Indeed, Cowan’s writing is to the nurses and the Women’s Army Corps what Ernie Pyle’s writings were to the foot soldier”

Munson went onto emphasize her grandmother’s commitment and dedication to education, family and friends. Kae Dwiggins was born in 1927 and became a kindergarten teacher in Gibbon, Neb., influencing the lives of thousands of children and parents over the years. She ignored opposition, traveled, lectured and worked very hard to improve the lives of others.

“So my grandmother was probably a hero to more than just me. She is graceful, strong, determined, smart, loving and cares deeply about her family. When my mother passed away she filled that gap in my heart. When it comes to matters of the heart it is the little things in life that count the most or in my case, when she read me almost every Dr. Seuss book ever made, let us build a fort and sled through the fields on the farm, making cookies together, dying Easter eggs, giving me the love of music, encouraging me to make the most of my life and loving me no matter what. I am sure everyone has someone like this in their life. Take a moment to think about that special woman, that hero and remember this one attribute they all have in common, they believe in you.”

“I’m proud to be a woman in the military,” said Munson who finished her address reading another excerpt from President Obama. “While today we took some time to reflect with pride on decades of progress toward gender equality, we must also resolve to make progress in our time. Today, we honor the pioneers of women's equality by doing our part to realize that great American dream - the dream of a nation where all things are possible for all people.”

• Date Taken: 08.26.2013
• Date Posted: 09.24.2013 03:03
• Story ID: 114146
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: KEARNEY, NE, US