Photo By Senior Airman William Johnson | Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander, gives closing remarks at the...... read more read more
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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. – The 436th Airlift Wing held its first Women’s Equality Day luncheon Aug. 26, 2014, at the Landings here.
Women’s Equality Day commemorates American women attaining full voting rights under the U.S. Constitution by the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Team Dover members also used the day to recognize how women directly influenced American history, society and culture.
More than 55 women and men attended the luncheon and Col. Lisa Pike, 436th Mission Support Group commander, was the guest speaker. Pike spoke about the history of women’s suffrage and events that led up to the passing of the 19th Amendment and what it meant for women in the United States.
“Women winning the right to vote was indeed a significant event,” said Pike during her speech. “Think about it and reflect on what these bold women and men stood for. They took on the challenge, opportunity and risk to advocate for what they thought was right.”
Pike said she was honored and thankful to be given the opportunity to speak at the event and her message to the attendees was to seize every opportunity that creates more for others.
“We have to remember to use our voice,” said Pike. “Our voice to vote, not necessarily to cast a ballot, but our voice to vote and effect change.”
A change that Pike highlighted in her speech was how America changed during World War II. From 1941 to 1945, more than 200,000 women served in the U.S. military, while more than six million flooded the American workforce. Additional women supported the war effort through civic campaigning and rationing.
Staff Sgt. Crystol Strange, 436th Force Support Squadron personnelist, said she attended the event because she wanted to get a better understanding about women’s suffrage and the history behind it.
“The luncheon was very informative,” said Strange. “I am honored to know there were courageous women who fought to ensure I have these rights and opportunities every day.”
Col. Michael Grismer, 436th AW commander, offered closing remarks.
“The military has always led society in so many areas, and one of those is diversity,” said Grismer. “When you look at the diversity brought to our service and the opportunities that we have opened up for women, it has made us stronger and it has made us the world’s greatest Air Force.”
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2014 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 141019 |
| Location: | DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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