Deployed base honors Women's History Month with formation, ceremony

Photo By Master Sgt. Jenifer Calhoun | Master Sgt. Tisha Gilmore, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron first sergeant, salutes Col. Kathleen Concannon, 380th Expeditionary Medical Group commander, during participation in a formation of female Airmen and Soldiers as part of a 380th Air Expeditionary Wing retreat ceremony honoring Women's History Month, March 19, at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. The formation honored women who serve in the military past and present.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.23.2010

Story by Senior Airman Jenifer Calhoun 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Forty-two women led the way in honoring Women's History Month in a special retreat formation and ceremony March 19 at a non-disclosed base here with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Planning for the event began, Feb. 27, said Master Sgt. Tisha Gilmore, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron first sergeant who serves on the 380th AEW Women's History Month Committee. "The planning and organizing for the formation was done with the assistance of group chiefs and fellow first sergeants," she said.

Col. Kathleen Concannon, 380th Expeditionary Medical Group commander, led a formation of 39 female service members while three other military women served as part of the honor guard for the ceremony. Concannon said it's important to remember what women contribute to the military -- both at home station and while deployed.

"In some ways, it's a indication -- or vindication -- of our abilities to contribute to what had for so long been considered solely a man's field," Concannon said. "Women don't have the brute strength of men, so they tend to capitalize on teamwork to achieve their goals. Both attributes are important in the military and women have shown themselves just as dedicated a leader as their male peers.

"I was serious when I said [during the ceremony] I was happy there weren't many more 'firsts' for the Air Force," the colonel said. "We've been accepted, integrated and valued for the unique skills and leadership we bring to the defense of our nation. The work is shoulder-to-shoulder as Airmen -- not as male and female."

The importance of the month is also to Airman Lyndee Bennett, a security forces apprentice with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron who was one of three Airmen on the all-female honor guard.

"The Women's History Month event here was a way for us to bring to light the importance of this month to everyone on base," Airman Bennett said. "It is necessary for all women to understand where they came from and the people who have broken the walls that have gotten us the freedoms and liberties that we as females enjoy today. We women have contributed so much to our American society and it would be a shame for us to forget those accomplishments."

For Senior Master Sgt. Dianne Jones, superintendent of the host nation coordination office who was among the 39 women participating in the formation, the event represented much more than a monthly observance.

"Fortunately, we work in an environment now where women have the ability to serve openly and freely in the armed forces in a variety of skill areas," Jones said. "As such, we tend to forget how far we've come in just a short amount of time as women, and as individuals. While standing in formation, I chose to reflect on how far I've come in my Air Force career.

Jones said she reflected on how she felt while standing in her first retreat formation at basic military training as Airman Basic Abercromby, on that last day of before her BMT graduation.

"At that time, I felt I accomplished something great, just by making it through those six weeks," she said. "Now, 18 years later, I appreciate that along the way I've grown and changed immensely. I've become more confident, independent and educated. I've experienced people, places and opportunities I wouldn't have been able to if the women who came before me hadn't proven themselves capable and competent. Therefore, taking a moment to reflect on all of this, I feel strengthened in my commitment to continue to push forward, be resilient and continue to set the stage for our future female Airmen and leaders."

Master Sgt. Lakisha Pegues, superintendent of the 380th AEW legal office and another of the 39 women in formation, said she was inspired by the entire event.

"Every year I learn something new and am amazed at the accomplishments women have obtained," Pegues said. "This was the first all female formation I've had the honor in participating in and it was absolutely phenomenal."

Gilmore said she was glad the formation and ceremony turned out to be such a great success. Several hundred service members attended and paid tribute along with the women participating.

"I think it is very important to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women not only to our military but to our nation," Gilmore said. "To take a month to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions women have made to our nation is a way to honor and learn from the past as well as inspire women to continue to those career fields that have not been open to women, and to be appointed or elected to positions that we have not held before.

"Women work hard every day to make the mission happen here at the 380th and will continue to do so," Gilmore said. "To be able to represent them, and all women, in the retreat ceremony was an honor."

• Date Taken: 03.23.2010
• Date Posted: 03.23.2010 02:39
• Story ID: 47056
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)