TAAC-E Soldiers observe Women’s History Month in Afghanistan

Photo By Sean Dath | Command Sgt. Maj. Anissa Jones, the Battalion command sergeant major of the 25th Signal Battalion at Bagram Air Field speaks at the TAAC-E Women’s History Month observance held at Tactical Base Gamberi, March 28, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sean Dath)  

TACTICAL BASE GAMBERI, AFGHANISTAN

03.28.2015

Courtesy Story

Resolute Support Headquarters

TACTICAL BASE GAMBERI, Afghanistan - Troops assigned to Train Advise Assist Command - East held a Women’s History Month observance ceremony at Tactical Base Gamberi, March 28, 2015.

The theme of Women’s History Month for 2015 is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives“. The ceremony provided an opportunity for the troops to celebrate women throughout history who overcame gender barriers and highlight their contributions.

“Recognizing Women’s History Month is important because we were able to highlight the past and current women who have paved the way for current leaders such as myself and future female leaders,” said Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Henry, the TAAC-E and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Equal Opportunity Advisor and organizer of the observance. “There was a large group in attendance which included leaders of the Afghan Army as well as our Polish partners here at Gamberi.”

The guest speaker for the event was Command Sgt. Maj. Anissa Jones, the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of the 25th Signal Battalion at Bagram Airfield. During her speech, Jones reflected back on how her mother’s guidance started her on the path that led to a successful Army career and enabled her to foster and encourage the development of the next generation of women Soldiers and leaders.

“My mother was a very hardworking woman who always gave me the confidence and encouragement to succeed at whatever I put my mind to,” said Jones. “It wasn’t clear to me what I wanted to do with my life, but my mother assured that I was going to do something with my life.”

Jones also noted that the roles for women in the armed forces have changed throughout America’s various wars and conflicts, and that those roles continue to evolve today.

“Women have breached the walls of the Army’s all-male elite training course, or gender integrated Ranger Training Assessment Course,” said Jones. “The Army continues to open more positions, approximately 33,000 positions in units that were previously closed off to women.”

Following Jones speech, several troops came to the podium to reflect on the efforts of a few women that have made great contributions to the military. The event closed with a cutting of the ceremonial cake by Jones and Pfc. William Barnes of Company B, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), who was the youngest and lowest ranking Soldier in attendance.

“This observance as well as the many other observances we hold show that everyone is a valued member of the team regardless of gender, race, religion or national origin,” Henry said. “TB Gamberi has an outstanding group of leadership that supports and encourages the Equal opportunity program.”

• Date Taken: 03.28.2015
• Date Posted: 03.31.2015 11:31
• Story ID: 158639
• Location: TACTICAL BASE GAMBERI, AF
• Hometown: FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US
• Hometown: FORT CAMPBELL, TN, US
• Hometown: FORT STEWART, GA, US