KMC recognizes Women of year

Four women were recognized recently as the KMC’s women of the year.
Maj. Laurie K. Richter, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Mission Support Directorate Emergency Services Branch chief, won for officer category. Staff Sgt. Jennifer M. Blackmail, 786th Security Forces Squadron Phoenix Raven team leader, won for enlisted. Jo Ann Mason, 435th Mission Support Squadron deputy commander, won for civilian. And Amanda Pope, Red Cross Health and Safety chairperson and wife of 1st Lt. Billy Pope, USAFE Communications Systems Squadron, won for family member.

“The committee looked for well-rounded women who are examples of this year’s theme – ‘Women Change America,’” said Capt. Mia Kreimeier, Women’s History Month committee chair. “We looked for women who have gone into traditionally male-dominated areas and made a difference there, and women who have impacted the lives of others.”

Fourteen women from the KMC were nominated for the award. Any female military member, civilian employee or spouse in the KMC was eligible.

Nominators submitted packages that included a one-page summary on how their nominee contributed to the theme. Volunteer judges rated the packages and selected winners in the four categories.

Brig. Gen. Rosanne Bailey, 435th Air Base Wing and KMC commander, recognized the winners with trophies and certificates at a luncheon March 30 at the Ramstein Officers’ Club.

“You’re courageous, intuitive and selfless individuals who are making your lives examples,” said General Bailey, addressing the winners at the luncheon. “You’re inspiring hope and driving change … adding to the legacy of women contributing to change history in America.”

The luncheon marked the ending of Women’s History Month celebrations in the KMC.
“I think Women’s History Month is an excellent opportunity to reflect upon how far women have come – in the military, workplace and society as a whole,” said Major Richter. “It is a great opportunity to highlight the many great achievements of women across the world.” 
This was the third year for such awards in the KMC.