ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Depot Sgt. Maj. Debra Buie feels a strong affinity for Women's History Month, the time set aside to honor and recognize the contributions women made to society.
For her, the month is not merely 31 days long.
"Even though we celebrate Women's History Month each March, women's accomplishments are more than 31 days each year," said Buie.
Throughout the years, she has shown her support for her "sisters" by speaking at public programs, volunteering in the community and with her church, and mentoring.
She mentored numerous female Soldiers throughout the years and the lesson she feels is most important to share is embracing self confidence.
"I am a huge believer in confidence," said Buie. "I always tell the Soldiers I mentor to be confident in what they do and never settle."
For Buie, mentoring is one way she is able to pass the lessons she learned from other women.
"Everywhere I have gone, the successes I've had have been, in part, because of the women I encountered," she said.
She also comes from a family and a community of strong, successful women.
Buie said failure was not an option in her community. Her mother and grandmother were sharecroppers and had to overcome tremendous adversity to support their families.
"They had to learn to budget and overcome racism," said Buie. "Even though they were free, they weren't allowed to live free."
Buie said the strength she witnessed throughout her life in the women of her family paved the way for her to be a Soldier.
She is still the only female in her family who chose a career as a Soldier, but, as a member of the military, she sees herself as a Soldier first and foremost, not a woman.
"A Soldier, in the true sense of the word, isn't recognized as a particular gender," said Buie.
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