Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold | Guest speaker retired Col. Deb Lewis speaks with the crowd about some of her...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas— A Women’s History Day observance was held March 18 at Club Hood, hosted by the 11th Signal Brigade and put together by the Equal Opportunity advisers from III Corps and around Fort Hood.
Since 1987, March has been officially designated as Women’s History Month with various events held to highlight some of the great moments in women’s history.
Women in the military and communities around the world have fought to achieve the same rights and opportunities as their male counterparts.
“Women’s History Month highlights the diversity and progress within the Army and United States as a whole,” said Capt. Jacquie Bjorlin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 11th Sig. Bde. “The examples set by women such as Gen. Anne Dunwoody, Brig. Gen. Anna Mae Hays and Madeline Albright serve as constant reminders to fight through every challenge and pursue your goals.”
Throughout the history of great accomplishments in women’s rights, both in and out of the military, there have been many key figures. This year, the 11th Sig. Bde. was able to find a pioneer for women in the military, retired Col. Deb Lewis, as their guest speaker.
On July 7, 1976, Lewis and 118 other female cadets attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. West Point was founded in 1802, and it has been the cornerstone for training cadets into the officers that have led Soldiers throughout history, but it had not allowed female cadets to that point.
“When I entered the military academy, we faced tremendous opposition and very low expectations of what we women could accomplish,” Lewis said.
It was a tough task, not only adapting from being a civilian going into the military lifestyle, but also overcoming the challenges of being the first female class in the 174 year history of the academy.
“Early on my classmates and I learned the cost of important social change and how unpopular it can be,” Lewis said.
Although it was a tough journey, Lewis was one of the women that graduated in May 1980.
“Our training activities were tough but mostly fair,” Lewis said. “Thankfully, 62 tenacious women out of the 119 original women did graduate.”
As Lewis shared her early experiences in the military and overcoming the barriers that existed back then, it gave those in attendance time to reflect on the same issues as they relate today.
“I entered West Point nine years ago,” Bjorlin said. “At the time, it was unthinkable for women to join combat arms and I was advised against entering any of the more male-dominated branches. Now, women routinely tab Sapper School, excel in every branch open to females and are preparing for Ranger School.”
During observations such as Women’s History Month, it is beneficial for leaders, Soldiers and their Family members to take the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the people that have been through some remarkable and thought provoking times.
Staff Sgt. Frederick Ciccione, HHC, 11th Sig. Bde., brought his daughter Daniella to the event, and he was glad he did.
“I feel it is important for young ladies who are approaching adulthood to see positive, influential women in our history who are worthy of emulating,” Ciccione said.
Another leader that used this opportunity to inspire his daughter was Lt. Col. Ricardo Bravo, Equal Opportunity Office, III Corps.
“It is a true testimony to share with my daughter, Angelina, who is only 9 years young,” Bravo said. “It allows her to see such a wide array of accomplishments that women have achieved through very difficult times not only in our nation, but across international boundaries.”
The theme of this year’s Women’s History is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives,” and Lewis thought about the theme as she reflected on her life and Women’s History Month as a whole.
“I was blessed to be born in a time when doors were just being cracked open to allow women to serve our nation in military uniform side by side with men,” Lewis said. “I faced many challenges because of what I was, and allowed to do many extraordinary jobs and go to amazing places because of who I was.”
The concept of making equal treatment a complete team effort is something that is becoming more prevalent the more people look back at achievements in Women’s History and make a commitment to keep improving it every day.
“As men, it is my deep belief that we need to continue to open the doors of opportunities for women,” Bravo said. “Their achievements have greatly contributed to the quality of life for both men and women, and will continue to bring positive changes to the human race.”
Although there have been many strides made in respect to gender equality and equal rights, there is always more that can be accomplished.
“We must not waiver in our efforts as much work still remains,” Lewis said. “We must find better ways to consistently create high-trust and high-respect environments that include absolutely everyone.”
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2015 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 158161 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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