Photo By Master Sgt. Lynette Hoke | “It’s fitting that we are celebrating here, far from the comforts of home and...... read more read more
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During a very foggy and misty early morning on Al Dhafra Air Base, a small group of military men, women and civilians gathered in honor of Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month, a commemorative month in March the for the United States, grew out of a series of school events in Sonoma, California forty years ago. In 1980, Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the second week of March as National Women’s History Week.
In 1987, that celebration was expanded to the entire month of March, which is the manner we still celebrate 31 years later. Events like these are a tribute to the importance of women to any society, anywhere.
During the invocation that kicked off a small ceremony on ADAB, Chaplain (Maj) Laserian Nwoga, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Chaplain, addressed the crowd with encouragement, “…grant women, everywhere, strength to stand firm in their position and stand tall with pride,” said Nwoga. “May many more women, who are faithful, diligent, and determined, rise up from among us, so that we as a people may be strong and that we as a society may flourish.”
Many key leaders were in attendance, and took the time to reflect on the meaning of the gathering. “It’s fitting that we are celebrating here, far from the comforts of home and family, surrounded by sisters and brothers in arms,” said Col. Mark S. Robinson, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. “The reason it’s fitting is like many of the women we celebrate, their bravery and actions on the skies and fields of battle mirror the same ideals that all of us standing here hold dear. Ideals of service and excellence, of courage and character and commitment, and of duty and honor and country.”
He reminded the crowd of many inspiring female troops, like Staff Sgt. Esther Blake is known for being the first woman in the air force. She famously enlisted on the first minute, of the first hour, of the first day that women were eligible to enlist for active duty.
He also spoke of Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, a graduate of the first Air Force Academy class to include women. And more present day, Army Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, who lead counterattacks against insurgents when her convoy was ambushed in Iraq in 2005. Sgt. Hester became the first woman to earn the Silver Star since World War II.
Following the ceremony, the group collectivity walked together to the dining facility, making jokes, smiling together and enjoying the reason they were brought together; to inspire, motivate and encourage women, and those who are serving in the military.
“Even more inspiring to me are the women in this crowd,” said Col. Robinson, “You are heroes to your service, to your friends, to your family, to your flight, squadron, and to me. Sometimes being a hero simply requests that you stand up for what’s good and honorable, that you speak out, that you embody character and devotion to a great cause, greater than yourself, and that you set the example for others to follow.”
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2018 05:56 |
| Story ID: | 269632 |
| Location: | AE |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Women's History Month at ADAB, by MSgt Lynette Hoke, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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