It was exactly 88 years ago that the long battle for women suffrage ended. On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution became law and women were granted the right to vote.
To commemorate the occasion at the Tank Rebuild Center of the World, one of Army Materiel Command's top female leaders addressed an audience of more than 105 Anniston Army Depot employees at the Women's Equality Day luncheon.
Citing one of her favorite passages, Kathryn Condon, executive deputy to the commanding general, spoke about change.
"Be the change you want to see in your world," she said. For Susan B. Anthony, who bravely fought to get women the right to vote, it wasn't easy. Her bold, unconventional techniques were persistent and helped bring about change. Condon reiterated the importance of being a registered voter and actually going to the polls.
"You can be the change in your community," she said, noting census data in Anniston, where women have outnumbered men. "Focus on the positive changes you want to see."
In response to a question asked by a member of the audience who wanted to know who served as role models in Condon's life, the keynote speaker responded: "I've had a great support system --- from my mother who came here as an immigrant, to many male officers in the Army. I've never looked at my mentors in terms of gender."
Similar sentiments were echoed by Col. S. B. Keller, depot commander, when asked about overcoming obstacles: "The Army trains us to be Soldiers, to compete with anyone."
In closing, Condon thanked the depot family for "what you're doing in support of the Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who are in harm's way."
"I thank you for what you do for the Army Materiel Command and this great country. Never lose sight of the freedoms we have."
Held under the Equal Employment Opportunity auspices, other program participants were: Gilda Knighton (DMPO), Addie Kirksey (DP), Cynthia Woodward (SMO), Kathy Harvey (DOC), and Everett Kelley (AFGE).
Windshield tour
Following the luncheon, Condon received the command briefing and a windshield tour of the five-acre Stanley Maintenance Facility, where combat and tracked vehicles are completely overhauled; the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant; and the Reciprocating Engine and Turbine Engine facilities.
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