Women warriors: Eustis WHM celebration

Photo By Staff Sgt. Austin Harvill | Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michele Jones, former command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Reserve and guest speaker, talks about women's roles in the military, both past and present, during the 2014 Women's History Month Commemoration at Fort Eusits, Va., March 28, 2014. She also spoke on how professionalism and drive overcome all obstacles. Jones hails from Baltimore. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Austin Harvill/Released) (photo cropped, contrasted and color corrected to enhance image)  

FORT EUSTIS, VA, UNITED STATES

03.28.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class Austin Harvill  

Joint Base Langley-Eustis

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - Joint Base Langley-Eustis hosted the 2014 Women’s History Month Commemoration at Fort Eustis, March 28.

The event focused on the role of women in the U.S. Army’s history, and how service members, both male and female, can learn from women’s sacrifices made in the past and present. The commemoration featured music from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, two video presentations and two guest speakers.

“Although this [commemoration] focuses on women, the real focus is on [service members],” said retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michele Jones, former command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Reserve and guest speaker. “In this military, gender is not an issue. Everyone has the potential to succeed here, and women and men got us here together.”

Jones spoke about the impact of professionalism for women today, and how their challenges can be overcome by their commitment to serve, courage to fight and strength of character.

“In the military, I know people saw me first as a female and then saw my rank or position,” said Jones. “As women, we don’t need to get defensive, but instead we must show our strength through our professionalism and prove we deserve to be where we are.”

She believes capabilities will always out-shine predispositions, and she encouraged others to see potential and work ethic before anything else.

“Accept others for what they can do, not who they are born as,” said Jones. “Whether you are talking about women, men, Soldiers or Airmen, it doesn’t matter. Those who choose to shine will shine.”

After the event, Jones also spoke about her experience in transitioning out of the Army and offered tips to the audience during a separate seminar.

“The second you join [a military service], start thinking about transitioning,” said Jones. “Eventually, [service members] will retire or separate and they need to know what they’ve accomplished throughout their career in order to put those unique skills forward.”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2014
• Date Posted: 04.02.2014 10:23
• Story ID: 123700
• Location: FORT EUSTIS, VA, US
• Hometown: BALTIMORE, MD, US