Women’s History Month Celebration at NMLC

Photo By Julius Evans | Capt. Mary S. Seymour, Naval Medical Logistics Command’s Commanding Officer shared a few personal antidotes of the plight of one special woman in her life; her mother. “My mother understood the value of an education. I didn’t get special concessions growing up because I was a girl – my parents were blue-collar and both worked. No job was beneath them. I didn’t get to make excuses because something was too hard - my mom would tell me to try harder. Being lower middle class to living below the poverty line was also not an excuse,” she said.  

FREDERICK, MD, UNITED STATES

03.26.2014

Story by Julius Evans 

Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command, Williamsburg, VA

FREDERICK, Md. - Naval Medical Logistics Command (NMLC) acknowledged unique and distinct accomplishments of women during its Women’s History Month program held March 26, on Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md.

“Celebrating any history month is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and achievements of the trailblazers of the past, thank the trendsetters and innovators of the present and spark a fire in our future leaders,” said Capt. Mary S. Seymour, NMLC’s commanding officer and guest speaker for the event. “It is a reminder to all of us that anything is possible.”

The 2014 theme is, “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment,” which honors the extraordinary and often unrecognized determination and tenacity of women.

In his proclamation, President Barack Obama said, “Throughout our Nation's history, American women have led movements for social and economic justice, made groundbreaking scientific discoveries, enriched our culture with stunning works of art and literature, and charted bold directions in our foreign policy. They have served our country with valor, from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the deserts of Iraq and mountains of Afghanistan. During Women's History Month, we recognize the victories, struggles, and stories of the women who have made our country what it is today."

As guest speaker, Seymour highlighted the accomplishments of various women throughout history and how they persevered and ultimately realized success at some point in their journey. She also shared a few personal antidotes of the plight of one special woman in her life; her mother.

“My mother understood the value of an education. I didn’t get special concessions growing up because I was a girl – my parents were blue-collar and both worked. No job was beneath them. I didn’t get to make excuses because something was too hard - my mom would tell me to try harder. Being lower middle class to living below the poverty line was also not an excuse,” Seymour said. “She would tell me that using my brain didn’t cost anything except time which was free. She pushed because she thought it was wasteful not to go all in if I was capable of doing something. So I learned early – we always told the truth; we finished what we started; we weren’t better than anyone else and luckier than most because we had each other; we always had a choice and there were consequences to every decision.”

That message touched a chord with a number of people in the audience. When asked what resonated with them about Seymour’s speech, a few attendees expressed a noted sense of compassion.

“It was an excellent speech and it came from the heart. The value she gave to the strong woman of her family that push her to succeed and to maintain a balance in life gave me a glimpse into the way I feel about my mother, grandmother and aunties in my own family,” said Efrain Rosario, an NMLC Expeditionary Medical Logistics Health Systems analyst. “It was refreshing and sincere.”

Not only was the presentation well received, others commented why they believed this sort of recognition ceremony is important and why they enjoy attending these sorts of events.

“Women have worked long and hard for the recognition they deserve. It is important to stop and honor the achievements of the women around us -- from the national heroes named in the event to the everyday heroes in our own lives,” said Rachel Pardo, management and program analyst, Research and Services Contract Division. “Without these women, it would be impossible for me to be here today, either as a retired surface warfare officer or as a working mother and wife.”

When asked if there was anything specific that stood out during the Women's History Month celebration that made them feel good about attending, one person shared her thoughts on the ceremony and on women’s suffrage.

“Women have shown, and continue to show, that they can overcome hurdles for the betterment of all women everywhere and prove nothing is impossible,” said Mimi McReal, NMLC’s small business advisor. “You often hear in the media that women continue to face struggles to earn commensurate salaries and wages when compared to their male counterparts performing the same work. In our society today, that seems hard to believe. It is very encouraging and motivating to hear that there are women (both in history and presently) that have sought, and continue to seek, equality and fairness in the workplace and in society.”

Yet, Seymour readily shares the credit of her success with the many people with whom she has had constant contact in her life.

“I’ve certainly had help along the way. My husband and shipmates, women and men, have supported me, stood up for me, coached me, and encouraged me,” she said. “My mom impressed on me the virtues of character, courage and commitment-a set of personal values and beliefs that act as a compass or center; the spirit to accept challenges and opportunities; and the ability to be all in, to own my situation, to own my circumstances, to take control. I am very fortunate to have found a place where these virtues, along with so many others, are valued.”

One audience member agreed whole heartedly with Seymour’s sentiments regarding Naval Medical Logistics Command and its work environment.

“This Command is an outstanding place to work, folks from different backgrounds, religions and ethnicities come together every day with one sole goal in mind and that is to take care of each other and consequently our customers,” Rosario said. “Events such as observations of our diversity are well coordinated and executed. I am very thankful I work here.”

NMLC is the Department of Defense premier medical logistics support activity and its mission is delivering patient centered logistics solutions for military medicine.

• Date Taken: 03.26.2014
• Date Posted: 04.03.2014 09:16
• Story ID: 123928
• Location: FREDERICK, MD, US