Sheppard celebrates National Women’s History Month

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brittany Curry
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

The Sheppard community took part in National Women’s History Month throughout the month of March honoring women who have shaped America through public service and government leadership.

A panel of public service and government representatives met with Sheppard community members March 25 to honor National Women’s History Month.

The panel was comprised of six people from both the Sheppard and Wichita Falls communities: Elizabeth Yeager, Valarie Cook, Kathleen Hedden, Master Sgt. Rickie Jones II, Tech. Sgt. Michele Klein and Tech. Sgt. Bethany Tolley.

Through the various upbringings and areas of expertise of the panel members, the panelists shared their first-hand experiences and challenges that women face in the public service and government career fields.

"The unique backgrounds and experiences of the panel members highlighted the skill and determination that women bring to the table in public service and government roles,” said Col. Timothy Gillaspie, 82nd Training Wing vice commander. “With more and more opportunities opening up to women, specifically in the military, it is important to remember and recognize how much value they add to the force."

Along with their unique, personal background stories of the panelists discussed labor and workforce effects. Following the panel, audience members were invited to a luncheon to encourage further conversation.

The panel was the second of two events for National Women’s History Month at Sheppard. The first event was a 5K run and walk that took place March 12 and was open to all Sheppard community members. In place of a registration fee, participants were asked to make donations to the Faith Mission Refuge, a local Wichita Falls women’s shelter.

By the end of the 5k run and walk, Ms. Sherrie Phillips, Faith Mission Refuge head coordinator, left Sheppard with monetary, clothing and food donations will help aid the shelter’s services of emergency rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration.

“It was wonderful to see team Sheppard members come together and support the women of our local community,” said Capt. Cassandra Cowher, Air Force Logistics Officer School Instructor and lead for the Women’s History Month events at Sheppard.

 

The U.S. Congress designated March as National Women’s History Month in 1987.