Courtesy Photo | Maj. Seana Jardin receives a Certificate of Achievement from the 130th Engineer...... read more read more
By Pfc. Jennifer L. Lowes
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq — In honor of Women's History Month, the 130th Engineer Brigade hosted a strongest woman competition, March 27, in the Headquarters Company's Multi-Purpose Room, and a women's history ceremony in the Community Activity Center on COS Marez, March 29.
Fifteen women from the 3rd Infantry Division, 130th Engineer Brigade Headquarters Company, 26th Brigade Support Battalion and the 779th Engineer Battalion competed in the competition. There were three events, sit-ups, push-ups and chin-ups. Each contestant had one minute for each event.
Soldiers who didn't compete in the event still showed their support by cheering on contestants in their unit.
"This event was a chance for female Soldiers to bond together in friendly competition and really show their units what they can do," said Master Sgt. Erika Gordon. Gordon was the main organizer of the competition.
Female competitors felt the same way about the competition.
"I like to be part of fun, athletic competitions. I didn't do anything different to prepare for this though, I just participated in support of Women's History Month and for the fun of it," said 1st Lt. A
anda Fraser, a physician's assistant with the 779 Eng. Bn.
The contest winners were recognized at a women's history ceremony, March 29. First place, 1st Lt. Fanta Mballow of Alpha Company, 26th Brigade Support Battalion; second place, Master Sgt. Cynthia Johnson of Headquarters Company, 26th Brigade Support Battalion; and third place, Staff Sgt. Mae-Lin Ynaca of 109th Military Intelligence Battalion.
The walls of the Community Activity Center on COS Marez, where the ceremony was held, were covered with photos and stories of the most influential women in history.
Staff Sgt. Diane Vondrus opened the ceremony.
"We are striving to honor not only women of today, but also the women who have lifted us up to where we are today," said Vondrus
Four female Soldiers spoke at the event, giving their testimonies about their experiences in the military and the women who have influenced them.
"We can't all be in the history books, but we are all responsible for the legacy we leave behind," said Sgt. Rachel Harris with the 130th Eng. Bde. Harris also competed in the strongest woman competition.
The ceremony included a slide show syncronized to music with photos of women in the military and photos of the strongest woman competition.
The professionalism and speeches given by female Soldiers in the ceremony were recognized by the 130th Eng. Bde. deputy commander, Col. Charles H. Klinge and 130th Eng. Bde. Command Sgt. Major Dale A. Moran, with certificates of achievement and appreciation.
Klinge spoke about his positive experiences while serving alogside female Soldiers. During his career he said he worked with women who have helped him develop personally and professionally, including his wife who served in the Army for 11 years. The highlight of the ceremony was watching the speakers open up and share their experiences, said Klinge.
"The speakers were fantastic and gave a great perspective," he added.
Gordon, who was the non-commissioned officer in charge of the event, said each speaker submitted an outline of their experiences and volunteered to speak at the event.
"Hearing those women open up and say something meaningful meant a lot," said Master Sgt. Gordon.
The committee for the event was energetic and extremely productive, said Gordon. The event could not have gone so smoothly without them, she added.
| Date Taken: | 03.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2010 06:15 |
| Story ID: | 47789 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE MAREZ, IQ |
| Web Views: | 401 |
| Downloads: | 191 |
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