Honoring trailblazing women - What’s your story?

Photo By Staff Sgt. Candace Mundt | Lt. Col. Jennifer Chapman, 3rd Infantry Division senior intelligence officer, speaks about the contributions of female servicemembers during a Women’s History Month observance March 22, 2017 at Fort Stewart, Ga. This year’s theme was “Honoring trailblazing women.” (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Candace Mundt/Released)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

03.22.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Candace Mundt 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga. – This year’s theme for Women’s History Month, celebrated nationally in March, is “Honoring trailblazing women.”

Often the same names come to mind when remembering women who were pioneers, whether for their respectable causes, fields or women’s rights in general: Harriet Tubman, Margaret Thatcher, and Mother Theresa. Lt. Col. Jennifer Chapman, however, sees the women in military uniforms as her favorite historical female icons.

“It’s a bit cliché in this particular venue today, but it’s true, it’s the American Soldiers, past and present, that I’ve had the pleasure of serving with and for, who inspire me every single day,” Chapman said during Fort Stewart, Georgia’s annual Women’s History Month observance March 22.

“If you take the time to get to know those around you, you will find you’re surrounded by amazing Soldiers who have stories to share about what they stand for and who they stand for,” Chapman continued.

Chapman, the 3rd Infantry Division senior intelligence officer, was the guest speaker for the annual event and has served seventeen years in the Army.

“Today, it is a great pleasure and honor for me to celebrate some of the Soldiers who make up our fighting force,” Chapman said.

This past year, the nation has seen combat military occupational specialties, such as infantryman, combat engineer and cavalry scout, open to females. Although Chapman spent her first five years in the military with cavalry organizations, she said she is not bitter about not having the same opportunities as women today.

“I am so excited for this next generation of young Soldiers who get to lead and be led by anyone qualified, regardless of gender.,” she said.

“Women’s History Month stands as a further important reminder of the strength the Army will continue to gain having a high quality, diverse all-volunteer force made up of men and women of all races and religions,” Chapman added. “We continue to offer more opportunities for women to reach their immeasurable potential.”

In addition to Chapman’s speech, other female Soldiers were chosen to stand in front of the crowd and highlight noteworthy women of service such as the officers who recently attended the U.S. Army Ranger School. Chapman said, what binds them all together is the Army Value of selfless service.

“Service is what you bring to or do for others, for the unit, for the mission,” she said. “It’s making a difference daily. It’s always doing the right thing no matter what. That’s the common theme with all these trailblazing women you’ve heard about today. Service is what they stand for.”

1st Lt. Denesha Wigfall, personnel officer for 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., read the presidential proclamation for this year’s observance at the beginning of the ceremony.

“It was an honor to be asked to participate in such an event,” Wigfall said. “It was wonderful to take the time and honor, not only our military, but women as everyday heroes.”

Even though she is proud to highlight those women who paved the way for her to serve, Wigfall recognizes the team effort required by all men and women, to be successful and continue growing as Soldiers.

“We are all on one team,” Wigfall said. “Look to your left and look to your right. That’s your brother, that’s your sister-in-arms. Don’t count them out. Push them up and continue to move forward.”

• Date Taken: 03.22.2017
• Date Posted: 03.27.2017 21:11
• Story ID: 228250
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US