Photo By Jennifer Cragg | 160525-N-PN306-004 NEW YORK (May 25, 2016) - Female officers and enlisted serving in...... read more read more
Story Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs
NEW YORK – Female officers and enlisted serving in the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard discussed their military service during a Women’s Initiative Panel hosted by New York University’s (NYU) Wasserman Center for Career Development during 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 25.
Nearly 100 guests of NYU’s Women’s Initiative attended the panel discussing a variety of topics from policy changes to serving in the sea services in the Department of Defense.
“The policy changes have been phenomenal over the past 29 years,” said Brig. Gen. Helen Pratt, Commanding General of Marine Corps University in Quantico, Va. “Serving in the U.S. military is not about gender, but what skills you bring to the table.”
Other panelists answered a variety of questions clearing up misconceptions about women who serve in the military.
U.S. Navy Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Stephanie Inge, a native of New York, and assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) took part in the event and reflected on her reasons to join the Navy and her role as an ordnanceman.
Inge, who hails from the Bronx and enjoys the opportunity to return to her hometown during FWNY, joined the Navy in August 1999. Her first deployment was eight days after 9/11.
“While 9/11 really impacted my decision to serve,” said Inge, who added she informed her mother of her decision to enlist into the Navy the day she was scheduled to report to Navy Basic Training. “At the end of the day, my mother was really proud of me for serving my country.”
The female panelists discussed how serving in the military provides growth opportunities for leadership throughout the rank structure.
1st Lt. Danielle Phillips, assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force joined in the discussion by praising the men and women of the sea services and the trust they are bestowed to defend our nation.
“There is so much trust and responsibility that is placed on young men and women,” said Phillips, who added she enjoyed being invited to participate in the panel to discuss the important value of our defense forces for our nation’s defense. “I’m excited to be here with you all tonight, just as much an experience for us, and look forward to your questions.”
Paul Timothy Valentine, who helped coordinate the event, appreciated the collective voices of a variety of female service members who discussed their experiences serving in the military.
“Tonight was an amazing opportunity to bring together such talented and well-spoken women leaders of the military with NYU alumni for an evening of storytelling, empowerment, and misconception busting,” said Valentine. “We were honored to host these inspiring women on campus during Fleet Week New York.”
Lt. Cmdr. Jen Cline, USS Bataan’s metrologist added that female service members chose to serve and wear the cloth of their nation proudly. “We are here because we want to be here.”
Chief Mary Dixon and Lt. Yvonne Yang, both assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard also took part in the panel discussion.
New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Loree Sutton, who retired as a brigadier general from the U.S. Army served as the moderator for the event and thanked the attendees for taking time out of their schedules to learn more about women who serve in today’s military.
“You had a chance to see and visit with women serving in the U.S. military,” said Sutton. “Thanks to each of you who are here this afternoon to join in the discussion.”
The NYU Women’s Initiative is a volunteer lead alumni organization part of the NYU Alumni Association consisting of nearly 70,000 alumni who live in the New York City metro area.
FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity to for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, and "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc and Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwynpao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2016 18:30 |
| Story ID: | 199438 |
| Location: | NEW YORK, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 200 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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