Kentucky Lt. Gov. Hampton pays homage to women who paved way

By Michael Maddox, U.S. Army Cadet Command PAOMarch 23, 2017

Kentucky Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Members of the Fort Knox community celebrated Women's History month Friday during an observance program at Waybur Theater. The theme for this year was "Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business."

The guest speaker for the event was Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton. Prior to her speaking, Victoria Reibel, from the Frazier history Museum in Louisville, delivered a performance about the story of Sybil Ludington--a girl who rode her horse 40 miles at night to alert American volunteer militia of British troops raiding and burning another town.

Afterward, Hampton addressed the crowd.

"It's truly an honor to be here at Fort Knox around military folks," she said. "I got out of the Air Force in 1992 but I still miss it. I remember when I raised my right hand to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and I took that to heart and I still take that to heart."

She went to share that she never planned to leave military service and become a politician.

"I wanted to do something patriotic and I intended to stay in for 20 years and make a career of it, but then we had the drawdown after Desert Storm," she explained. "I never intended to run for office, so you're probably looking at the only politician you'll ever meet who can admit that. But for me, this position is an extension of my military service."

Hampton went on to share the story of her childhood as an example of the opportunities modern women have over their predecessors.

"I grew up in Detroit, poor and in the inner city, one of four girls raised by a single mom," Hampton said. "Statistically, things could have ended very, very differently for me. She wanted something better for her girls, and because I believed in the American dream and all that it stands for, I knew there was better out there.

"I knew by the time I was 10 years old that I was blessed to live in the United States of America. I knew there were other countries where women and minorities were certainly treated differently. Despite the bleakness I saw in Detroit, I knew I had opportunities. I knew that I had a freedom that my ancestors prayed to have and I was determined not to waste it."

She said opportunity cannot be taken for granted.

"You have to believe that there are better things ahead," she said. "Opportunity is there in America, but sometimes it might pass you by if you aren't looking for it."

Hampton closed her remarks by sharing how honored she feels to be a part of story of women's history.

"The role women have played across the years has been simply amazing. I stand on the shoulders of so many women before me," she said. "I pay tribute to all of the women and men who set the stage for me to be to do what I can do today--not only can I read and write, I can vote, I can run for office and I can hold an office and continue to serve my nation."