Photo By Lauren Harrah | Soldiers of 4th Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team,...... read more read more
CAMP CASEY, South Korea – “During my recent TDY (temporary duty), I encountered a former Army air corps pilot who was well into his 90s in a hotel elevator while I was returning from a long day at the pre-command course … during our conversation he called me Army girl,” said Col. Maria P. Eoff, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan. “I was taken aback at first as you can imagine. Being referred to as an Army girl was quite a shock to me. I politely corrected him by saying ‘Sir, I am not an Army girl, I am a Soldier.’ ”
After decades of men and women serving alongside each other in the military, a certain sense of bias or lack of acceptance has remained even if it is unintentional, explained Eoff.
“The purpose of women’s history month is to increase consciousness and knowledge of women’s history and to take one month of the year to honor the importance of that history,” said Capt. Alicia V. Kloehn, squadron intelligence officer, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. “Women’s history is world history, and this month gives us the chance to acknowledge and show our appreciation for the significant contributions of both ordinary and notable women and to recognize their impact on society past, present and future.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, 4-7th Cav. Regt. hosted guest speakers Eoff, and Lori Shoemaker, deputy and chief of the Political-Military Affairs Unit, U.S. Embassy, Seoul, during a symposium on women in the government and the military at Camp Casey, March 20.
Each woman shared insight on the value of empowerment and mentorship and how these tools can be used to overcome adversity.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have served with many military women firsts, who through their personal example and mentorship have woven their threads into my fabric and my being as a military officer,” said Eoff describing the female trailblazers who helped her achieve her professional goals.
Shoemaker also stressed the importance of mentors and serving as a mentor to others in need. There is a certain momentum you should maintain, she said. When someone helps you in your time of need and you are not able to return the favor, pass that help along to the next person in need.
“We all succeed if the officers working for us succeed,” said Shoemaker.
Success is more than the work of an individual and through mentorship it is the product of a whole, explained Eoff.
“… Success isn’t a personal thing, I think it is a community thing,” said Eoff. “I’m sure you’ve heard during promotions, mostly everyone will attribute their success or attaining the rank that they’re wearing to those who have helped them along the way. I truly believe in a global community … we have to do our part.”
By taking on difficult assignments and having the willingness to work in traditionally male-dominated environments, Eoff and Shoemaker each expressed strong encouragement to others striving to achieve regardless of sex.
“You’re future is limitless, particularly in the military,” Eoff said. “I think that the only challenges you need to overcome are the constraints you place on yourself.”
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2015 03:47 |
| Story ID: | 158310 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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