Soldiers celebrate Women's History Month

Photo By Sgt. Marcus Gable | The Liberty Gospel Praise Dance Team performs an interpretive dance at the division chapel, March 22 during the Women's History Month Observance.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.22.2007

Story by Pfc. Marcus Gable 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. M. Benjamin Gable
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – "Generations of Women Moving History Forward" was the maxim March 22, at the 1st Cavalry Division chapel here.

Soldiers, both male and female, attended the observance, which celebrated National Women's History Month. The observance was presented by the 2nd "Dagger" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

The theme for this year's ceremony, "Generations of Women Moving History Forward," is an extension of the theme from the National Women's Conference held 30 years ago, in Houston. The National Women's Conference was influential in the Women's Rights Movement on the formation of government policy. The theme acknowledges the strength of women of both the past and the future.

The observance began with a series of performances.

During the ceremony, Spc. Magdalena Coleon, a native of Honolulu, with Co. A., Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, recited the poem, "Phenomenal Woman," by Maya Angelou, as she walked down the center aisle.

The Liberty Gospel Praise Dance Team then performed interpretive dances. Spc. Kimberly Taylor and Sgt. Nicole Headlee, both of the 1st Cavalry Division Band, sang solo songs.

After the presentations, Capt. Paula Brafchak, a personnel officer with Headquarters Co., 1st Cavalry Division, and master of ceremonies, introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Sgt. Maj. Barbara Pettit, 15th Finance Command Sergeant Major.

Pettit, who joined the Army in 1981, then took the stand to speak to those in attendance.

Pettit began her speech with an example of a woman who showed courage while under fire in 1776. Margaret Corbin, Pettit said, took control of her husband's cannon and returned fire after he was killed by enemy gunfire. Corbin became wounded, and eventually lost the use of her left arm for the rest of her life.

Heroes like this, Pettit said, led the way for the female Black Hawk door gunners, doctors, and commanders, among other careers female Soldiers have, at all levels in today's Army.

During her speech, Pettit gave many examples of women in the armed services giving fully of themselves and many examples of selfless sacrifices.

Pettit said that men have seen the strength, the positive attitude efforts and bravery of women in the conflicts in Dessert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. She continued to say that "...if we continue to give everyone an opportunity we will be surprised by the results."

• Date Taken: 03.22.2007
• Date Posted: 03.26.2007 10:02
• Story ID: 9603
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ