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To some people, 70 years may seem like a long time, but is it really? This year is significant because it marks the U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s 70th anniversary. But, few may realize that something much greater happened 70 years ago — the acceptance of women into the Air Corps.
Women have long played vital roles, both in support of the military and by serving in the armed forces. And, in 1942, the U.S. Army Air Corps took an unprecedented step forward by activating two women’s aviation units. The rest, as they say, is history.
Outstanding women leaders of the past, like Sgt. Esther Blake, and the present, like Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, have served as role models and mentors for many people. Additionally, organizations such as the Women’s Army Corps, Women in the Air Force, the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, Womens Air Force Service Pilots, and the Winged Angels, have empowered women to serve in the profession of arms, not just as military members, but also as Department of Defense civilians.
At a KMC Top III sponsored event entitled, “Women Leading through Education and Empowerment,” which was held March 13, ladies and gentlemen from around the KMC came together to celebrate the accomplishments of women. Included with the seminar, Tech. Sgt. Karen Atiles, an instructor at the Kisling NCO Academy, taught John C. Maxwell’s, “Developing the Leader within You.” Additionally, Master Sgt. Shaun Harris facilitated an interview with several women from the KMC. The panel consisted of Lt. Col. Lisa Martinez, 1st Lt. Christin Brodie, Chief Master Sgt. Lola McLeod, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Iott and Dr. Jennifer Beckwith.
The panel fielded several questions and addressed the topic of empowerment and education. Beckwith, principal at Kaiserslautern High School, spoke about how she would like to see women compete in more of the male dominated careers, such as video game programming. She said she encourages her female students to not only become good at playing the games, but also to figure out how they work.
McLeod, superintendent at the 86th Medical Group, spoke about the importance of family and how they have been a major part of her life, keeping her grounded since she first joined the Air Force in 1977. And, Martinez, commander of the 603d Air and Space Communication’s Squadron, addressed the importance of women being treated fairly and with respect.
“Women are smart and have a different approach to situations that sometimes guys haven’t thought about,” said Iott, a C-130J loadmaster at the 37th Airlift Squadron. “Women shouldn’t try to be like men. We’re different and we shouldn’t run from that. We should embrace it and know its worth. A woman trying to be a man is a waste of a woman.”
When asked about leadership, Brodie, officer in charge of requirements at the 603d Air and Space Operations Center, said, “My dad told me that sometimes when things are getting overwhelming, or when you’re frustrated, that it helps if you go outside and take a look at the birds or the clouds, or the moon even, and realize that there are some things in this world that you just cannot control. Take a deep breath, keep moving forward and focus on those things you can change.”
Master Sgt. Sheilah Lucas, the organizer of this year’s event, said, “The Women’s History Month professional development seminar was on time and refreshing for all who attended. We highlighted the significant contributions of women within our community and their everlasting role to accomplish the mission within their respective organizations. To top it off, our Maxwell presentation focused on our own development and the responsibilities we have to develop others. Although the seminar was only four hours, the knowledge bestowed upon us will last many generations.”
Empowerment and education are fundamental principles in the development of people, and, through knowledge and understanding of the accomplishments of women of the past and present, that will no doubt continue to open doors for unlimited possibilities in the future.
