The Whiteman Air Force Base Sisters in Arms hosted the Women’s History Luncheon on March 26, 2019 at the Mission’s End Club on base.
Leah Winchester, the granddaughter of Naomi Parker Fraley, who was the inspiration for Rosie the Riveter, was the guest speaker for the event
and she spoke about a variety of things including the lessons she learned from her grandmother and her current involvement with the 131st Bomb Wing.
Master Sgt. Rayna Scott, a human resources remote with the 131st Force Support Squadron, started the lunch with a short introduction. A video about Fraley played, detailing how she became one of the most recognizable faces in America thanks to the famous World War II-era poster.
Winchester thanked the Sisters in Arms for the invitation to tell her grandmother’s story after the video ended.
She said it was humbling to represent her grandmother and that it was exciting because Fraley left behind a legacy that was bigger than herself.
“In an effort to honor my grandmother’s ‘We Can Do It’ attitude, I have recently become involved in an exciting new initiative meant to bridge the gap between community members and the 2,000 Airmen and Soldiers serving at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Station in St. Louis,” said Winchester.
Winchester will continue to volunteer her time with the 131st Bomb Wing and the Missouri National Guard as her way to support the military as a civilian. Winchester joined members of Team Whiteman for photos, autographs and further discussion after the event.
“The event went really well,” said Scott. “I was pleased with the turnout and the support from both bomb wings.”
Winchester also thanked Team Whiteman and the military.
“I thank you very much for being here, thank you for your service,” said Winchester.