Photo By Spc. Travis Terreo | Capt. Kelly Brenenstall and Chief Master Sgt. Tamala Hartz pose for a photo at Al...... read more read more
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AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar - From admission into the military, to becoming fighter pilots, to taking office as the Secretary of the Air Force, women have been an integral part of the Air Force’s history and day-to-day operations.
Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women in every aspect of society and has been an annual occurrence in the United States since 1987.
Though the path has not always been smooth, the contributions of women, past and present to virtually every career field, has made the Air Force what it is today.
Chief Master Sgt. Tamala Hartz, Air Forces Central Command Security Forces manager, has served in the Air Force through seven deployments over 25 years.
“I oversee and provide policy, guidance and direction to security forces throughout the AFCENT area of operations,” said Hartz. “That’s about 2,000 people spanning the entire Middle East.”
Hartz is an example of a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated work field, and flourishing.
“I think things are absolutely better for women than when I joined,” said Capt. Kelly Brenenstall, a 15-year veteran and officer in charge of AFCENT Command Support Staff. “The whole atmosphere is much more welcoming.”
Both Brenenstall and Hartz answered the call to service in times of war and chose to remain in the service.
“I joined to get life experience, to be a part of something bigger than myself. I stayed because I loved the people I worked with,” explained Hartz. “I felt like if I stayed, I could always help them and make a difference in their lives.”
Help paying for school was the motivating factor, Brenenstall said. She then gained her commission which, combined with her love for the Air Force, contributed to her decision to stay.
“I would just tell any women looking to join to stay focused,” said Brenenstall. “To keep their eyes on their career and make sure they are always progressing.”
Throughout the two women’s careers they have witnessed many advances in the role of women in the armed forces. During their time in service they have witnessed the swearing in of the first female Secretary of the Air Force, the promotion of the first female four-star general in the history of the Air Force, the steady progression of women into formerly forbidden job fields and many other significant events.
“I absolutely think this is a historic time for women in the service,” said Hartz. “Allowing women across the entire Department of Defense to integrate into combat specialties is a huge, huge opportunity for women. As long as they can keep up with the men in training, fitness and knowledge, there is nothing holding women back.”
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.23.2016 04:01 |
| Story ID: | 193230 |
| Location: | AL UDEID AIR BASE, QA |
| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Women’s History Month: Recognizing valued members of the team, by SPC Travis Terreo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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