Photo By Tech. Sgt. Stefany Leyva | Local veterans, civic leaders, and service members from Moffett Air National Guard...... read more read more
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Mountain View, Calif. – Civic leaders, local veterans, and Airmen assigned to the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Air National Guard Base, commemorate sister service members in the Wing's 2nd Annual Women Veterans Day ceremony in Mountain View, California, June 3, 2023.
Women Veterans Day was first recognized in California on June 12, 2018, and marks the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. Since then, many states have tried to improve gender equity recognition through legislation or proclamation.
The celebration invited female veterans and activism pioneers to speak on the history of selfless service from women all over the United States, honoring those who have served in the past and present with the message of "We Shine Brighter Together."
Distinguished visitor, U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, the Democratic representative for California's 16th District, took the podium to express the respect she has for the 129th Rescue Wing.
"What an honor it is to be here with each of you... I am swimming in emotion," said Eshoo. "Bravo to each and every one of you for your magnificent service to our country and for standing up for the needs of women service members, as it is so important."
Honorable Rose Herrera, President of U.S. Veterans Council of Santa Clara; Virginia Wimmer, State Deputy Secretary of Women Veteran Affairs; Kimberly Ranade, Women's Health Program Manager, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Hospital; and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole Farnham, Joint Women's Initiative Taskforce, all prior service active duty, took the stand to share their stories and outpours of gratitude, which accentuated female empowerment and the importance of standing together.
Attendees were invited to a panel discussion led by U.S. Air Force Col. Dorothy Hinkley, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Janette Villalobos, and U.S. Army Col. Barbara Beegles.
Emotions filled the room as vulnerable conversations flowed between panel speakers.
"I served in a time where there were a lot of changes, physically, and as women, we were never going to be enough, so we really had to step up and be there for each other," said Villalobos. "It's an honor to be here in this room with so many veterans, reservists, and service members who share stories like mine."
As each panel member shared their personal narrative, the underlying message emphasized finding significance in recognizing the inevitable shortfalls women endure in the service and how standing together can help them adapt and overcome.
"Every one of you showing up here today shows me why this is important, and it changes me and my perspective," said Hinkley. "Allyship is where a person gets to stand on the sidelines and say, 'I support you but from afar,' and I realize we need more than that...we need you, especially those at the beginning of their careers, to step up and pick up the torch."
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2023 15:53 |
| Story ID: | 446275 |
| Location: | MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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