ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Retired Lt. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, Association of the United States Army vice president for meetings and membership, served as the keynote speaker at the Rock Island Arsenal's Women's Equality Day Observance in Heritage Hall, Aug. 25.
McQuistion served as the commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command from October 2011 to July 2012. She was the first female general officer to serve as the RIA senior commander. She also served as the deputy commander and chief of staff for the U.S. Army Materiel Command in 2012.
Women's Equality Day is observed annually on Aug. 26 to commemorate the signing of the 19th amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote and to hold public office. Congress designated the day in 1971.
The day is also intended to draw "attention to women's continuing efforts towards achieving full equality," according to the website for the National Women's History Project.
"I think it is a great tribute to our Army that we recognize and celebrate this day at installations all around the world," McQuistion said.
McQuistion said it is important to recognize everyone's accomplishments.
"This is not about how women compete with men, this is about how we celebrate each other's strengths, contributions and abilities," she said.
McQuistion talked about the accomplishments of women throughout history, and she praised women for their capabilities and potential. She said that while the world has come a long way in improving women's equality, there is room for improvement.
"We still have a long way to go if we are to fulfill our full potential as individuals and as teams, as an Army and a nation," she said. "There's a lot more we can and must do, because it's also the truth that women in this country and around the world do not have equal value or equal rights."
McQuistion encouraged attendees to vote and to use their influence to support each other.
"It's about claiming your power to contribute, and not giving it away just because you don't think you have any," she said.
McQuistion praised the Army for its steps forward in improving women's equality.
"The Army, in my estimation, has been in the lead for this for many, many years, and they continue to make great progress -- opening up jobs and training based on ability, not gender."
Attendees said the event was empowering.
"As a young woman making my way through my federal career, it's such an inspiration to come and be able to listen to those who kind of paved the way for me, so I appreciate these kinds of events," said Angie Bassier, ombudsman, ASC.
"It's just really empowering, and it's a good reminder that regardless of your gender, we are big contributors of how the Army runs and functions every day," Bassier continued. "We should appreciate each other and all the things we bring to the table."
Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Ferguson provided opening comments. K Krewer, chief counsel, U.S. Materiel Command Legal Center, introduced McQuistion. Carmen Ausborn, equal opportunity employment specialist, ASC, provided the invocation.
The event included a slideshow depicting famous female rights activists throughout history. Everline Barnard, administrative assistant, ASC, and Jereen Phillips Hardin, human resources assistant, ASC, narrated the slideshow while singing about women's suffrage.
The RIA Community Choir sang the national anthem.
Maj. Gen. Edward Daly, commanding general, ASC, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Bryant, ASC, presented McQuistion with a copy of a painting from a local artist as a token of appreciation.
Daly also recognized the RIA Community Choir with glass plaques.
About 120 RIA personnel attended the event.
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