25th ID’s Women’s History Month Luncheon Lesson: “Be in the Arena”

By 25ID PAOApril 5, 2022

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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (April, 1, 2022) – Theodore Roosevelt isn’t the first person you expect to see during a women’s history presentation.

Brig. Gen. Jacqueline “Denise” Brown, Indo-Pacific Command J6, acknowledged the first slide highlighting the 26th President of the United States for her remarks at may be a surprising choice. But, fun fact, he was an early advocate for women’s suffrage and a champion for women’s rights. Brown sprinkled this and numerous other “fun facts,” as she addressed the 25th Infantry Division Women’s History Luncheon Thursday, March 31st.

The event, held at the Sustainment Bistro on Schofield Barracks, HI, provided community and Army leaders the opportunity to reflect on the contributions made by past generations of women, recognize their role in the present, and celebrate those in the future who will make a difference.

Brown, who read from Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech, identified other women in history who embodied the spirit of persistence and challenged the attendees to “be in the arena.”

Along with Roosevelt, Brown highlighted Dr. Mary Walker, Amelia Earhart and Madeline Albright as women who embodied resilience.

“Get into the arena, be kind but never ever let anyone mistake your kindness for weakness,” Brown said. “A leader doesn’t become a jerk after 30 years. That leader has been a jerk their whole career. This is important because you [want to] find that person in your life who will keep you honest, humble, and quite frankly from becoming that jerk.”

Brown, originally from Biloxi, Miss., received her commission from Georgia Southern University, where she graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Production and Operations Management. She later earned a master’s degrees in Telecommunication Management from Webster University and in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

From accidentally joining ROTC in college, to serving as the Department of the Army, Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO/G-6) Executive Officer and now the INDOPACOM J6, Brown has served with distinction, thus setting an example for those to come.

“It was an honor to hear Brig. Gen. Brown highlight men and women throughout history who have advocated for women’s rights. She challenged us to see our efforts in the larger context of women’s achievements and the betterment of all society,” said Capt. Maggie Brown, a human resources planner for 25th Infantry Division. “It was special to share this experience with community and local business leaders. As Brig. Gen. Brown pointed out, it is our diversity and willingness to interact with the world that makes us strong."