Photo By Staff Sgt. Kirstin Spanu | Marines and sailors of all ranks from 2nd Marine Logistics Group discuss Women’s...... read more read more
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Brig. Gen. David W. Maxwell, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Sgt. Maj. Steven L. Lunsford, sergeant major of 2nd MLG, spent the afternoon with a group of 30 Marines and Sailors, male and female, of all ranks and backgrounds discussing Women’s History Month and the important role women have played in the military, March 24, 2017, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Brig. Gen. Margaret A. Brewer, the first female general, and Capt. Vernice Armour, the first African American female combat pilot were among the names remembered for their pioneering influences. Though the Marine Corps formed in 1775, women first became part of the organization only in the last hundred years or so, beginning with their contributions on the home front, which enabled their male counterparts to fight overseas.
Women’s roles have changed significantly since that time and continue to do so even now, despite any societal barriers or biases they must overcome. The group discussed what some of these obstacles are, and what steps need to be taken to get past them.
“My goal was to [begin] a conversation,” said Maxwell. “I want us to remember where women Marines have come from and how far they’ve gone, while recognizing the progress we still have to make.”
The discussion was an open forum and allowed the Marines and sailors to speak openly about any topic concerning women in the Corps, and highlighted that a simple conversation can spark a change. The discussion was aimed at educating, remembering, empowering, and acknowledging.
“It’s about respect, dignity, and equality. When you raised your right hand you swore to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, even if those domestic enemies end up being ourselves,” said Maxwell, specifically regarding recent social media misbehaviors.
Lunsford noted that the dialogue surrounding Women’s History Month is not one-sided. Both males and females of all ages and ranks need to be educated on the past, present, and future of female Marines, and conversations need to continue if any progress is to be made.
“I sincerely believe that [women] will continue to contribute [to the Marine Corps] for years to come,” said Lunsford. “I challenge you to recognize all that [women Marines] have done and continue to move forward.”
| Date Taken: | 03.24.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2017 16:35 |
| Story ID: | 228226 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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