Lifeliners host Women’s Equality Day luncheon

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, UNITED STATES

08.24.2017

Courtesy Story

101st Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

Story by Pfc. Alexes Anderson

Maj. Julie Austin, battalion operations officer for 716th Military Police Battalion, joined the Army in 2006 to serve her country.

More than a decade later, the battalion’s equal opportunity representative, Staff Sgt. Abbey Tappenback, also with 716th MP Bn., assigned to 16th Military Police Brigade and attached to 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, chose Austin to be the guest speaker Aug. 24 during the installation’s Women’s Equality Day luncheon at Cole Park Commons.

Tappenbeck said she chose Austin to showcase that women can be strong, high-ranking officers in the Army.

For Austin, women’s equality means not seeing gender at all.

“Whether you’re a male or female, we each possess unique skill sets that set us apart and by working together as a team, we are able to make the U.S. Army successful,” she said.

As a military police officer, Austin said she has been afforded many opportunities to excel and push herself in ways she never imagined.

“Since my days as a second lieutenant in 716th MP. Bn., and at other duty locations, I have never felt as if I wasn’t treated equally to my peers,” Austin said. “I believe that to be the case because of so many amazing military police officers before me.”

In her speech, Austin said even though America has come a long way since allowing women to vote in 1920, there is still more to be done.

“Today should remind us to support women’s struggles for equality throughout everyday life,” Austin said.

Austin is grateful for the women who came before her.

“So many women before me paved the way for me to be in the position that I am in today,” Austin said. “Without their hard work and dedication, I would not be able to serve this great country.”

• Date Taken: 08.24.2017
• Date Posted: 09.20.2017 15:10
• Story ID: 248986
• Location: FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US