Fort Belvoir, Va. (Aug 29, 2014) - The Fort Belvoir Equal Opportunity Office celebrated the 94th anniversary of Congress passing the Women's Suffrage Amendment during its Women's Equality Day observance at the Community Center, Tuesday.
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by Congress Aug. 18, 1920, guaranteeing all female citizens the right to vote.
"We are celebrating the anniversary of women's right to vote," said Sgt. 1st Class Ebonie Washington, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, equal opportunity advisor. "It is also important to recognize the struggles that women in America continue to go through."
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Kate Kasun was the guest speaker. Kasun's career spanned more than 30 years and saw her become the first female selected as one of the college commandants for the National Defense University.
Kasun stressed passion during her speech, noting women were agitated by not having the right to vote, go to college or the same employment opportunities as men. Women's passion is what made the Women's Suffrage Movement successful, said Kasun.
"The men and women who fought for women's rights had the passion to go after what they wanted," said Kasun. "Major changes can't happen without passion."
Kasun was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps in 1979 after graduating from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement.
Though a commissioned officer, Kasun said she received resistance from senior male officers which caused her to lose her passion. After transitioning into the Army Reserve in 1982, she regained her passion for being a Soldier.
"I achieved my success from a desire to make change and impact people," said Kasun. "I worked hard at whatever task I was given and always looked out for my Soldiers."
The theme of passion resonated with 1st Sgt. Shana Tinsley, USAG Fort Belvoir Headquarters Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Tinsley is nearing the end of her military career and is considering her post-military options.
"I have other passions like consulting and taking care of others any way I can," said Tinsley. "So, I want to find a job, post-military, that allows me to do that."
Tinsley said she experienced resistance from older Soldiers as a young noncommissioned officer. She worked with infantrymen who were not used to being around women in the work environment. She said she shares these experiences with young female Soldiers today.
"The perception of female NCOs wasn't what it is now, compared to when I was younger," said Tinsley. "However, I do mentor a lot of my Soldiers who may still get backlash and let them know of the challenges they may encounter."
Having pride in being a woman and finding their passion is what Kasun hopes female Soldiers take from her speech.
"You don't have to be in the military but if you want to be, and you have a passion and drive for it, do it," said Kasun. "Believe in yourself and you will go far."
Pushing through tough times is what Washington said females Soldiers should take from Kasun's remarks.
"Don't give up," said Washington. "She started in an all-male unit and look what she rose to. Don't give up. That's it."
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