Photo By Staff Sgt. Duane Morgan | Women of the 174th Attack Wing pose for a photo during Women's History Month. During...... read more read more
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President Jimmy Carter once said “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
Women’s History Month’s beginning traces back to the early 1900s, where it began as International Women’s Day. In certain parts of the country school districts were participating in what they would call Women’s History Week.
In 1981, with the growing popularity of Women’s History Week, Congress authorized the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week.
In 1987, Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month.
During March, women and their contributions to national defense are celebrated, regardless of different backgrounds, nations or creeds.
Staff Sgt. Esther Blake was the first female to enlist in the newly formed Air Force on July 8, 1948, on the first hour of the first-day women were authorized to join. Since that day, women all over the world have followed in her footsteps becoming the first in a command position that was never previously held by a woman.
Airmen like Col. Catherine Hutson, who serves as the 174th Maintenance Group’s first female commander.
After seeing changes that have positively affected Women in the Air National Guard, Hutson wants to encourage more women to join.
“Quick, join. Embrace the challenge. Raise your hand for every unique opportunity. You will not regret it.”
Women of the 174th Attack Wing (ATKW) serving in command positions, both past and present, have achieved historic milestones.
Airmen like Col. Michele L. Kilgore, who became the 174th ATKW’s first female group commander and the first female from the 174th to ever be promoted to Colonel.
Kilgore is currently in a command position that is another first for her.
She recently became the first female to assume command of the 109th Airlift Wing.
These women represent the caliber of women serving in today’s Air National Guard. They not only serve as officers but also in key enlisted positions, including command chiefs and first sergeants. They continuously work to improve the quality of life for Airmen around the Air National Guard.
Their leadership, courage, and strength will continue to push our Air National Guard forward.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2018 15:18 |
| Story ID: | 268217 |
| Location: | SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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