Photo By Pfc. Sebastian Johnston | Soldiers assigned to the 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment...... read more read more
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Women who have broken barriers and have succeeded in their field areas can inspire other women to follow in their footsteps. Their presence also promotes diversity, showing younger recruits that the military values the contributions of all its members, regardless of gender.
The commitment to helping younger Soldiers is strongly shown through the “Sisters in Arms” mentorship program hosted by the 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. The program is run by Capts. Kimberly Campbell and Pahola Gonzalez, 1st Lt. Chloe Foster, and Mrs. Elizabeth Kinney, Soldier and Family Readiness Group member.
“When I arrived in Korea, 1st Lt. Madeline Messare had started up the program, so when she PCS’d [permanently changed stations], I felt that it was my duty as a leader and as a woman to continue this program to bring us together,” said Campbell.
The program offers opportunities to get together and build a community for those Soldiers who are moving away from home for the first time and don't know anybody and might rely on more female companionship for friendships and guidance.
“This was my first time joining a mentorship program,” said Staff Sgt. Rosetta Atchinson, the 11th ENG BN property book operations noncommissioned officer in charge, and a member of Sister in Arms. “I joined because in every unit I have been to, it's always been majority male. I wanted to get more information and better myself while helping others.”
Their meetings are held on the last Friday of every month, where an open discussion, guest speaker, or planned event takes place.
Most recently, the program has started to do quarterly trips through the Leadership Development Program with the ministry team. The LPD trips have allowed Soldiers to expand the mentorship program outside the classroom and gain some cultural immersion within South Korea.
“Coming up in April, we'll be doing a guided trip to Incheon Landing again,” said Foster. “We'll go out there and learn about the local area and its culture. These trips have helped us bond more as a community.”
To spread the word about the program, the leaders have taken it upon themselves to post flyers around the battalion, walk around the different motor pools during motor pool Monday and created stickers to pass out to Soldiers during base-wide events or while Soldiers are in-processing into their respective units.
The mentorship program is not closed off to just females. Males are also encouraged to attend meetings and events. The goal of the program is to create a supportive community for females who can support each other and their goals in the Army.
“The importance of this organization is to develop leadership, to gain resources, gain confidence, and gain a better understanding of the Army,” said Atchinson. “Everybody thinks that this is a predominantly male workforce. I feel like this group is to help female Soldiers to get guidance and to know that they are not alone.”
While there is still progress to be made, the accomplishments of military women to date are a testament to their fortitude. Their commitment to excellence has empowered others to stand tall in defense of equality. Their mentoring will ensure the future sisters are battle-ready and equipped to enter the world as equals.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2024 23:00 |
| Story ID: | 466711 |
| Location: | CAMP HUMPHREYS, KR |
| Web Views: | 277 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Sisters in arms, by SPC Alison Strout, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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