Women's History Month: Camp Zama reflects achievement of women past, present

By Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public AffairsMarch 22, 2016

Women's History Month: Camp Zama reflects achievement of women past, present
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen James F. Pasquarette, commanding general of USARJ, receives a prize after answering the quiz correctly on successful women in history during the Women's History Month Observance held March 17 at Camp Zama's Community Activity Center. (U.S. A... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Women's History Month: Camp Zama reflects achievement of women past, present
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Women's History Month: Camp Zama reflects achievement of women past, present
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Women's History Month: Camp Zama reflects achievement of women past, present
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Women's History Month: Camp Zama reflects achievement of women past, present
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan (March 22, 2016) -- Public Health Command Region-Pacific hosted Camp Zama's Women's History Month Observance March 17 at the Community Activity Center, followed by a reception in the Black Box.

Lt. Col. Thomas Sherbert, executive officer assigned to PHRC-Pacific, kicked off the observance by challenging audience members to take a moment to honor women in their lives who made an impact on them, helping to mold the person they are today.

The event included a quiz about successful women in history, video presentation on female Soldiers and Civilian employees who currently work on Camp Zama, and speech by keynote speaker, Command Sgt. Maj. Rosalba Dumont-Carrion, command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan.

Dumont-Carrion shared her personal life stories, including challenges, obstacles and successes, and lessons she learned throughout her 25-year career.

Dumont-Carrion said it was a turning point when she realized "life is too short" and started making changes, removing negative music, photos and images from her life and focusing on her passion for fitness.

"Women's History Month is very important to me," said Dumont-Carrion, "because it highlights all the accomplishments of the women throughout history, but it also focuses on some of their challenges that they've had and obstacles to get to where they are today.

"I hope that the community can see that it is important to share your own story to be able to tell people that it's ok to have sad times in your life - but together we can get through."

Capt. Samuel Sellers, assigned to 78th Signal Battalion, said he was really moved by command sergeant major's speech and ability to connect with the audience by showing how difficult life could be sometimes, especially as female in the military.

Sellers said he will pass on her message of "staying dedicated and focused on achieving your goals will get you great success" to his Soldiers, subordinates, peers and to his daughter.

Capt. Drew Reinbold-Wasson, assigned to PHCR-Pacific, organizer of the observance, said the goal of the event was "to cerebrate and respect our women colleagues within the government and within the Army specifically."

To conclude the ceremony, Reinbold-Wasson invited all the women in the audience, which included military and Civilian personnel, to come forward and be recognized on stage.

"Recognizing our fellow women in government service is very important," said Reinbold-Wasson.

Sgt. 1st Class Felicia Redd, assigned to 78th Sig. Bn., who was one of the women on a stage, said she felt honored and privileged to be recognized.

"It was very uplifting and it was very meaningful," said Redd.

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