U.S. KFOR observes Women's History Month

By Sgt. Jesica Geffre, 116th Public Affairs DetachmentMarch 9, 2010

U.S. KFOR observes Women's History Month
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U.S. KFOR observes Women's History Month
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CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. KFOR Servicemembers here marked the start of Women's History Month March 5 with an event highlighted by a speech given by North Dakota Army National Guard Col. Giselle Wilz.

Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D., commander of Multi-National Battle Group-East, gave his remarks and said that it is important to recognize the contributions made by females in the military to include those in his Battle Group.

Dohrmann said he was originally told that MNBG-E maneuver units would not be allowed to have females. He asked for an exception to that policyand deployed with all his female Soldiers.

Dohrmann said, initially, Soldiers from other countries tended to be surprised by females holding some of the jobs that they do in MNBG-E - particularly Wilz's G-3 Operations Officer-in-charge position, which is commonly held by a male. Dohrmann believes that the females of this battle group are succeeding and excelling at their jobs in Kosovo.

Dohrmann also cited the number of females in government positions and with the security forces here in Kosovo as a sign of advancement for women.

"I want to thank the women of this command for their contributions and service," Dohrmann said.

Maj. Tracy Bridwell, Bismarck, N.D., gave the introduction for Wilz and said that she has been a role model and really set the example for women by her accomplishments.

Wilz, Bismarck, N.D., started out her remarks with many historical "firsts" for women and accomplishments throughout history in areas ranging from sports to science. Among her citations was the woman who struck out Babe Ruth (referring to 17-year-old female pitcher Virnett Mitchell in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1931), Stephanie Kwolek - whose discovery of a liquid crystalline polymer solution eventually gave us Kevlar, and Ruth Wakefield for her invention of the chocolate chip cookie.

Wilz said that she was lucky to come through the ranks when she did in the sense that many barriers had already been broken.

"I didn't know any limitations growing up," Wilz said. "I believed the only limits we had were the ones we put on ourselves, but I did realize that in addition to making my own opportunities, I had to take full advantage of those opportunity's that presented themselves."

Wilz gave advice to both men and women alike when she said "If you want the opportunity, fight for it, then give it everything you have to be successful. If you have been given an opportunity because of someone else's hard work or risk, then give it everything you have to be successful."

Maj. Davina French, Bismarck, N.D., followed Wilz with an informative and entertaining presentation of women throughout our military history. She went on to discuss the Lecture Series that will be given throughout the month of March for women-related issues.

Wilz ended with the following quote from Ashley Rice: "There are women who make things better... simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference. And women who make us smile. There are women of wit and wisdom who- through strength and courage- make it through. There are women who change the world everyday... Women like you."