Airmen commemorate women's history

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Women have helped shape the history of the United States for many generations and have led the way for women of today's generation to have equal opportunities and empowerment throughout their lives.

"In 1987, at the request of the National Women's History Project, Congress declared March National Women's History Month," said Capt. Betty Dintelman, 19th Airlift Wing judge advocate. "From every year since then, the president of the United States signs a proclamation, designating March as Women's History Month."

"Countless women have steered the course of our history, and their stories are ones of steadfast determination. From reaching for the ballot box to breaking barriers on athletic fields and battlefields, American women have stood resolute in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles to realize their full measure of success. Women's History Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the contributions women have made to our Nation, and to honor those who blazed trails for women's empowerment and equality," according to the 2010 Women's History Month proclamation signed by President Barack Obama.

On March 29, Team Little Rock gathered at the base's Annual Women's History Month luncheon at the base conference center to commemorate these women.

The theme of this year's luncheon was Writing Women Back into History.

"This year's theme highlights the achievements of women who have made great strides in their chosen field, but all too often go without historical note," said Captain Dintelman.

In the early 1980s, less than 3 percent of the content of teacher training textbooks mentioned the contributions of women and when included, women were usually written in as mere footnotes.

"This limited inclusion of women's accomplishments deprived students of viable female role models," said Captain Dintelman.

Today, when people search the Internet with the words "women's + history + month," they'll find more than 40,500,000 citations.

"These extraordinary numbers give testimony to the tireless work of thousands of individuals, organizations, and institutions to write women back into history," she said.

During the luncheon, attendees were able to view displays of women's history items provided from the Jacksonville Museum of History. The attendees also discussed significant women who made their mark in various ways upon the nation's history.

"It is our hope that as you learn of their accomplishments, you'll be inspired not only to honor their achievements but to make some of your own," said Captain Dintelman.

The women discussed were First Lady Abigail Adams, Deborah Sampson, Carla Barton, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Alice Paul, Coretta Scott King, Amelia Earhart, Jacqueline Cochran and Nicole Ellingwood.

"Today we had a rare opportunity to hear about some of the angels in the background who helped lay the foundation of America today," said Col. Michael Zick, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander. "These women from the past helped pave the way for our sisters, our daughters, our granddaughters to accomplish great things. Without their sacrifice, spirit and vision, life would not be the same in America today."