FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Soldiers and local civilians gathered at the Fort Wainwright Physical Fitness Center to celebrate Women’s History Month, hosted by the U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task force and the Equal Opportunity office.
The observance celebrated and recognized significant women of character, courage and commitment in history.
Guest speaker Lt. Col. Laurel Neff, deputy commander of clinical services, Bassett Army Community Hospital, shared with the audience some of the women in history and her own past that inspired her to be the person she is today.
“It’s amazing for me to think about where I come from to get to this point in my life,” said Neff. And I am truly blessed to actually enjoy my job.”
Even though Neff was raised by a single mother and visited her father every other weekend, she said she felt truly loved. She said her mother was her mentor and encouraged her follow her dreams that set her on the path to enter the military.
Neff encouraged everyone to become a mentor and to be positive role models for each other, not just women, but everyone.
“Our job in the military is about relationship building,” said Neff. “Don’t view colleagues as obstacles or stepping stones.”
Neff enjoys her role as a female leader in the Army and wants everyone achieve all they can as individuals and as a unit.
“Strengthen skills, expand knowledge and build character,” she said. “You cannot expect to succeed as an organization if you do not look to champion everyone.”
She concluded by thanking everyone for the opportunity to share her story and represent the women of history.
Neff and the other observance participants were given tokens of appreciation for their contributions.