Lightning Support hosts Women's History Month observance

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii-- Members of the 25th Infantry Division showed their support for fellow female Soldiers on International Women's Day, March 9, at the Sgt. E. R. Smith Theater.

An official holiday held every March 8, Women's Day, is recognized in 23 countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia, to commemorate the economic political and social struggles, and achievements of women worldwide.

25th Sustainment Brigade, 25th Inf. Div., hosted the Women's History Month observance event to showcase the accomplishments of military women.

This year's theme for International Women's Day was 'Step It Up,' encouraging men and women to make a pledge to take a solid step towards helping females in this and future generations to achieve their ambitions.

The observance began with a speech from the guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Gwendolyn Bingham, the Commanding General for the U.S Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. Bingham played a video during the event that highlighted the achievements that military women have made throughout U.S. history.

"During my 34 years of active duty service, I've seen the progress the Army has made in recognizing the importance of equality and diversity regardless of gender, race, religion, or creed," said Bingham.

Bingham referred to women's first big step into the military; the Women's Army Corps during World War II. She spoke of it being the day when women were directly integrated into all branches of military service and that this was when women had made their first big mark.

"Women's History Month stands as a shining example and a reminder of the strength the military has gained and will continue to sustain through having a high quality, diverse volunteer force. Women play pivotal and vital roles in the Army and our military," said Bingham.

Lt. Col. Octavia Coleman, 402nd Army Field Support Battalion Commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Sonya Mallory 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Command Sergeant Major; and 1st Sgt. Vanessa Sun, 259th Human Resource Company, 25th Special Troops Battalion; came to the stage and answered questions from the Soldiers attending the event.

As questions were asked, each panel member had the chance to respond to the question at hand.

"The opportunities for service women in the future are unlimited,' said Mallory. "No longer do we have to look at Soldiers and say, 'she is a female; there is no way she can accomplish that.'"

Sun gave an account to the audience of a personal experience while in training to become a drill sergeant. She explained to the crowd that on her first day, she had a sit down with the first sergeant at the U. S. Drill Sergeant Course.

He looked me up and down for about five minutes without saying a word, said Sun. "The first thing out of his mouth was, 'I hope you're not lazy like all those other female drill sergeants.' I didn't know what to say at that point; I was shocked when he said that. I have never heard anything like that before. But it made me want to work harder and push myself."

As the event concluded, the powerful words spoken by Bingham during her speech lingered throughout the room.

"I am confident that our sisters-in-arms will indeed excel and sustain readiness to accomplish to the full range of military operations and occupations," said Bingham.