Photo By Senior Airman Ryan Zeski | Staff Sgt. Amanda Turnwald, 127th Civil Engineering Squadron engineering assistant,...... read more read more
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By: Brig. Gen. John D. Slocum
"Yes We Can!" was the iconic call to action from the inspirational "Rosie the Riveter" social movement that began during World War II. Thanks to Rosie's encouragement, the number of American women working in the defense industry during the war rose 57 percent to total more than 20 million. What a perfect historical framework as we celebrate Women's History Month this March - congressionally themed for 2018 as "Nevertheless She Persisted" - focusing on honoring women who fight all forms of discrimination against women.
The Preamble to the U.S. Declaration of Independence begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal". It certainly sounds noble and Thomas Jefferson forged and authored a great objective for humanity. Attaining that declaration in principle has proven a lot tougher in practice. As we celebrate the contribution of women in defense during the month of March, we can see that we have made a lot of progress - but that progress also clearly highlights that we still have a long way to go.
According to the census, women make up 51 percent of our population yet, make up only 15 percent of the U.S. military. The U.S. Air Force currently has the highest percentage of women (18 percent of those wearing the uniform) among the military services. Here at Selfridge we are statistically on par with our active-duty Air Force brethren, with 267 female hometown heroes who call the 127th Wing home. Two hundred sixty seven stories of service that are different than mine. Every female Guardsman in our Wing has faced different challenges and barriers than I have experienced. I know I can't begin to understand or empathize with each individual story, but I can celebrate their contributions as well as the sacrifices and determination it took to get where they are.
Our Wing draws readiness from our diversity. Accurately reflecting and representing our community is the cornerstone to our future viability and success, whether we're discussing gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other identity factor. I have said it before and will foot stomp again in my oft used sports metaphor - in the 127th Wing we all wear the same jersey and play on the same level playing field. We're one team and one team only. We fight together, we overcome obstacles and challenges together, and we win together - as a united and singular Michigan Hometown Air Force.
Our Macomb County and SE Michigan community have a rich depth of diversity that holds the key to empowering Selfridge's future. It's our true Selfridge Advantage. Our great community also brings us an abundance of partners and associations. One example is the awesome Michigan Chapter of a group called Women In Defense, of which I'm proud to be a member. This group engages, cultivates, and advances women in all aspects of national security while providing members a business environment for professional growth through strategic networking, education, and career development. We have joined forces with WID by forming alliances with Wing organizations such as our Diversity Council and the Enlisted Women of the 127th Wing. As a result, we have increasing opportunities for cooperation, mutual support, and mentorship.
As the Wing Commander of one of the premier and acclaimed Wings in the Air National Guard, please know that I stand committed to both celebrating and ardently empowering our past, present, and future women warfighters. To the courageous women who have heroically served at Selfridge and across our military services in the past - we honor your contributions as well as your indomitable determination and resolve. We owe you a debt we cannot repay. To the currently serving women of the 127th Wing - I salute your service, sacrifice, and courage. We're the outstanding and award-winning organization that we are because of you. For the future women of the 127th Wing that will be the ones to carry us to entirely new levels of excellence - you will find amazing wingmanship, support, and opportunities right here in your Michigan Hometown Air Force. Come join us - and lead us – into Selfridge's amazing next 100 years.
With you . . . "Yes We Can"!
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2018 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 269690 |
| Location: | SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 101 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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