Soldiers celebrate right to vote

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Col. David G. Cotter, Area Support Group Qatar commander, Lt. Col. Vickie D. Stenfors, from Seattle, Wash., and Command Sgt. Major Michael D. Howard, ASG-QA command sergeant major, cut a cake recognizing the celebration of women's equality day at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Aug. 26, 2008. Stenfors was the events guest speaker.  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

08.26.2008

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group Qatar

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Almost 100 deployed service members gathered to observe women's equality day at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Aug. 26, 2008. The theme focused on the dedication of women who overcame many obstacles in order to secure the right to vote.

After an invocation and the U.S. president's proclamation, the Area Support Group Qatar ethnic observance committee showed "Votes for Women," a video presentation of photography captured during the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States.

"If it wasn't for these women, I wouldn't be standing here today," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Vickie D. Stenfors, from Seattle, the events guest speaker.

Stenfors, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, highlighted the historic milestones that paved the way toward women's presence in top political and military positions.

"It's nice to have a chance to talk about women's equality while overseas. We are all focused on our missions, 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Events like this help us pause and remember why we are here in the first place."

"It's important for us to recognize the rights of all people to vote," said Sgt. 1st Class Tabora Seamster, from Minden, La. He is the ASG-QA and installation equal opportunity advisor. "While deployed, it's easy to disregard voting. This ceremony helps remind everyone how important it is."

The installation voting assistance officer kicks off Armed Forces Voters week Aug. 29, 2008. Through local representatives, the Department of Defense is focusing efforts to ensure service members stationed overseas know their options for voting in the November presidential elections.

• Date Taken: 08.26.2008
• Date Posted: 08.26.2008 10:35
• Story ID: 22888
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA