FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- Medical Department Activity -- Alaska and the Ft. Wainwright Equal Opportunity Office hosted the annual Women's History Observance March 23 at the Northern Lights Chapel; an event that brought soldiers and community members together for a chance to celebrate the many contributions of women to the Army and the United States.
"This month we recognize the contributions made by women in American culture and history," said master of ceremony, Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Degraf. "It was not the vision of one woman but the effort of many that made this nation what it is today; a country continually working toward equality for all."
Guest speaker, Dr. Karen Gaborik, Superintendent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, addressed the packed chapel to share her story of leadership and her perspective as a female leader in her field of expertise.
Gaborik also offered advice on being successful in both life and career.
"Don't chase success," Gaborik said. "Do excellent work right where you are at, and success will find you. For me being fully present in and committed to the job I was in and embracing all of the challenges that came with it have resulted in a career track that's led me to be standing here today."
Following Gaborik's comments, she was joined by a panel of women from the community who have displayed greatness in their chosen career. Lt. Col. Jerremie Siegfried, officer in charge of hospital education at MEDDAC-AK, Trooper Christine Joslin with Alaska State Troopers, and Master Sgt. Vanessa Sun, equal opportunity adviser filled out the panel with Gaborik and answered questions from the audience.
One audience member asked Trooper Joslin what kept her going when her job got difficult; especially in her line of work.
"For me, in the tough times I think you have to finding a sense of humor," said Joslin. "Everyone's job has negatives and if I asked anyone here what is it that is hard about your job, I'd get a laundry lists of answers. You have to find the humor in it, finding your friends - your battle buddies to help you through the hard times and keeping your eye on the goal. By asking yourself what you want and knowing what you need to get there will help you get through difficult times."
Col. Christopher Jarvis, commander of MEDDAC-AK closed out the ceremony thanking those who served on the panel for their dedication to their community and for sharing their perspective on leadership.
"What I think you've all shared here to today is not just what women do to be successful," said Jarvis, "but what everyone needs to do to be successful. And each of you has stepped up to the challenge in your own ways to not only be successful, but to overachieve."
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