Soldiers, family members, and civilians from across the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum participated in the Women Warriors of the Mountain Foot March, hosted by the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, Aug. 10, on Fort Drum, New York. The foot march was designed to encourage Women Warriors serving in the ranks of the 10th Mountain Division and to promote cohesion, mental and physical health, and leader development.
The event covered a four-mile route, and it was open to Soldiers from across the installation, granting them an opportunity to better their physical fitness, learn about a wealth of resources, and show support, acceptance, and pride in female service members who help to make up the 10th Mountain Division.
“Today we got a chance to support all the women that serve in the 10th Mountain Division, and we brought the energy and the excitement,” said Staff Sgt. Trina McCloud, a senior budget analyst for the 10th MDSB. “It’s a good day to be here and to be able to do this sort of thing. The feeling of seeing all these women, especially the moms out here, is a complete morale boost to me.”
However, McCloud’s excitement was not limited to seeing female participants at these types of occasions.
“It’s also just as amazing to see our male counterparts out here supporting us,” she said.
McCloud and her team of fellow budget analysts from 10th MDSB participated in the foot march together. The team also included Capt. Korina Rodriguez, budget analysis officer in charge for the 10th MDSB.
Rodriguez recognized the organizers of the event and the effort that went into making it possible.
“I just want to take the time to thank all the people that came together to put this event on for everyone,” Rodriguez said. “It’s amazing how much is here for us.”
1st Lt. Honor Hoyes was the officer in charge of the Women Warriors of the Mountain Foot March and was largely responsible for establishing and executing the event. Hoyes said that an event of this scale is no small undertaking. It required many determined professionals to make it a reality.
“This event required coordination with the agencies across Fort Drum who came out to support the event,” she said. “Creating event flyers and routine briefings were critical to ensuring word about the event got out, and in the end, we had a great turnout!”
Hoyes designed the event with the agencies and resources available to the Soldiers and families across Fort Drum, in mind. Some of the resources that made the gathering more informative, were the Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention and Equal Opportunity programs, as well as many others across Fort Drum, who Soldiers had the opportunity to hear from before and after the event. She was committed to not only making sure the participants were able to interact with and learn about these resources, but also made clear the networks in place to support the Women Warriors of Fort Drum.
“I believe this event allowed Women Warriors to see the massive support system that is available to them,” Hoyes said. “It was amazing to see so many Soldiers coming together for such a great cause.”
After the event, McCloud expressed deep gratitude on an individual level for the recognition and support that she felt during the foot march, and she appreciated the opportunity to spend time with people from all throughout the post.
“I like seeing the Army and my brigade showing their support for the women that are serving,” she said. “Just being able to see it in a physical way, like people marching alongside you, is awesome.”
Col. Fenicia Jackson, 10th MDSB commander, said she believes that when female Soldiers feel seen, it leads to a more productive and functional Army.
“When women have equal representation, their perspectives, experiences, and concerns are more likely to be addressed,” she said. “This leads to more balanced and effective decisions, policies and procedures.”
Jackson further affirmed the foot march’s success in achieving its goal of fostering support and growth in the Women Warriors of 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum.
“This event represents the significance of women’s equality and the importance of assessing women based on their abilities, talent, and character versus their gender,” she said.
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