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Women Leading Through Education and Empowerment
Posted 4/2/2012 Updated 4/2/2012
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by Master Sgt. Bryan Daniel
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Noncommissioned Officer Academy
4/2/2012 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- To some people 70 years may seem
like a long time, but is it really? This year is significant because it
marks the United States Air Forces in Europe's 70th anniversary. But, few
may realize that something much greater happened 70 years ago; and that was
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; and 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 WAACs, WAFs, WAFS,
WASPs, 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," held on March 13, 2012, ladies and gentlemen from around
the Kaiserslautern Military Community 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. Dr. Beckwith, Principle 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. Chief Master Sgt. McLeod, Superintendent at the 86th
Medical Group, spoke about the importance of family and how they have been a
major part of her life and keeping her grounded since she first joined the
Air Force in 1977. And, Lt. Col. 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 Staff Sgt. Chelsea 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, 1st Lt. Christin 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, keeping moving
forward, and focus on those things you can change."
Master Sgt. Sheilah Lucas, 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.
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