Army supports girls' STEM education, careers

A two-star female general was in familiar territory Saturday when she helped kick off Girls' Science and Engineering Day at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Although she commands the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, Michigan, Maj. Gen. Gwen Bingham is an Alabama native and was a distinguished military graduate of the University of Alabama. TACOM is a subordinate command of the Army Materiel Command.

"If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it," Bingham told the 400 third to fifth grade girls attending the event.

The Redstone Test Center landed a female-piloted Black Hawk helicopter in front of the University's Shelby Center after special welcome messages by Bingham and Dr. Juanita Harris, director for the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center's Weapons Development and Integration (WDI) Directorate.

Now in its seventh year, the daylong program includes workshops and hands-on activities aimed at inspiring them to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM education and careers.

"When our young people see what they can achieve, that's important," Bingham said. "It's also important they follow their passion, really dream and not let anyone derail them. That's an important message to bring to our girls."

Bingham had the opportunity to observe several workshops and worked alongside the girls to assemble a motorized jitterbug, using batteries, a small motor and paperclips.

"I was excited to do some of the science projects," Bingham said. "It takes me back to my youth."

Bingham told the girls that more than 12,000 scientists and engineers work for the AMC, helping develop or provide everything Soldiers drive, fly, wear, communicate with and eat.

"We couldn't do what we do without scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians," Bingham said. "They do some incredibly amazing things."

More than 50 volunteers from AMRDEC participated in the event, lending their expertise to the hands-on tasks.

"The girls are excited about this because it's interesting and fun," said Emily Vandiver, Women's Leadership Council chair and a coordinator of the event. "Having the general here and the Army's support is so special and inspiring for them. It helps them understand that it's cool to be smart."