TACOM LCMC recognizes level playing field for women in the military

By Meg DedyneAugust 19, 2016

Women's Equality Day
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WARREN, Mich. -- For Americans across the nation, August is a time to commemorate women's rights. Specifically, Women's Equality Day is celebrated on Aug. 26. According to the National Women's History Project, the U.S. Congress chose this day in 1971 at the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug.

Women's Equality Day and other historical events for women are supported by many events, programs, discussions and more.

TACOM Life Cycle Management Command hosted its own event, "Our country succeeds when everyone can succeed," on Aug. 17, at the Detroit Arsenal Auditorium.

The guest speaker for this event was Barbara McQuade, the first woman to serve as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. President Barack Obama appointed her.

McQuade has sought to use the resources of the U.S. Attorney's Office to improve the quality of life for the people of Michigan. Upon taking office in January 2010, McQuade restructured the office for the first time in more than 35 years to align attorney resources with the priorities of the district: national security, violent crime, public corruption, civil rights and financial fraud.

"I just think it's wonderful recognizing women's right to vote," McQuade said. "Women are an important part of democracy, which makes this celebration very meaningful."

McQuade was an assistant U.S. attorney in Detroit for 12 years. She served as deputy chief of the National Security Unit, where she prosecuted cases involving terrorism financing, foreign agents, export violations and threats. During her career as a federal prosecutor, McQuade has also prosecuted cases involving violent crime, fraud and racketeering.

Before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, McQuade practiced law at the firm of Butzel Long in Detroit, and she served as a law clerk to Hon. Bernard A. Friedman on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

"I had the opportunities that I had because of the women who came before me," McQuade said. "We as women have the opportunity to work hard and be diligent, not only to our organizations but to ourselves as well. With hard work, women are capable of anything."

Paul Lechner, who is in the workforce development division for TACOM LCMC, is passionate about celebrating women's achievements and breakthroughs, as well as celebrating the passage event of the 19th Amendment.

"Women have overcome obstacles in every facet," said Lechner. "Our country succeeds when everyone can succeed."

Lechner said his devotion to history stems from documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He discusses the notion "All men are created equal," and reminds us that Women's Equality Day proves that we have not always treated people this way.

Lechner says TACOM LCMC is extremely grateful for McQuade taking time out of her busy schedule to speak at the event.

"The playing field has become level in the military," Lechner said. "With women completing ranger school, female officers being named combatant commanders and even history being made with the presidential election, we are living in historic times."

Lechner says they try to make all of the observances TACOM LCMC hosts engaging and relevant to their employees and hope for large crowds at these events.

"We have to pay attention to where we have been, where we are going and where we are now," Lechner said.