Women's History Month Run

Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Groce | A 5k run was held in Tikrit, Iraq, in celebration of womens history month.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

03.07.2006

Story by Sgt. Cassandra Groce 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

TIKRIT, Iraq (March 4, 2006) - Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Speicher here participated in a 5-kilometer run in celebration of Women's History Month.

"I think events like this are important because we want to celebrate the diversity of not just our unit, and the Army, but there has been a lot of headway made in bringing equality issues into the country," said Lt. Col. Timothy Wall, a Chattanooga, Tenn., native.

"This is one of our first events, one of three that we will have throughout the month in commemoration of Women's History Month."

Numerous Soldiers arrived before 6 a.m. to begin signing in for the race.

The top runner of the race overall and the men's category, was Maj. Jimmy Blackman from Headquarters and Headquarters Company Secretary to the General Staff. The top female runner was Capt. Renee Vigilante from Bravo Company 501st Special Troops Battalion.

"It's a good opportunity to bring everyone together," said Blackman. "You kind of forget about everything over here, and this is something to keep you focused on the things back home. Everyone is out today to pay tribute to something."

"It gives everyone a chance to come out and be together," said Vigilante. "I haven't seen this many people out at six in the morning yet."

The run marks one of three events that the Equal Opportunity Office will be hosting during the month. There will also be a three hour "Aerob-a-thon" and the Staff

Judge Advocate for the division will come and speak.

"There are opportunities for women to succeed in the military and to define their roles within the Army," said Wall. "I think this month helps do that. We remember that women have an important part in history."

• Date Taken: 03.07.2006
• Date Posted: 03.07.2006 11:28
• Story ID: 5635
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ