POZNAN, Poland -- March may be Women's History Month, but women are making history every day at U.S. Army Garrison Poland. No place in the garrison, is this more evident than in the Family and Morale, Welfare, Recreation directorate, where women make up five of the organization's eleven employees.
We sat down with these women and asked what it meant to be blazing a trail at the 'Army's Home on the Eastern Flank.'
Jasmine Henry, Recreation Specialist
It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s hard, and its crazy busy, but its one of the most rewarding adventures I have been on.
What do you do at USAG Poland, and how long have you been here?
I am the Recreation Specialist for Powidz and Torun garrison support elements.
Why did you join the Poland garrison team?
To be a part of an amazing opportunity, helping stand up a garrison. It’s not very often you get to be a part of making history of this amplitude, while improving the quality of life for the men and women serving our country.
What does it mean to you to be blazing a trail at the Army’s newest garrison?
It’s a huge honor. I feel truly blessed. Its so amazing to watch our garrison and directorates grow.
Are their any women who have inspired/mentored you during your path in government service?
Absolutely, Brooke Haley and Patricia Villarreal have always pushed me to be the very best version of myself. They saw my potential and eagerness to grow both personally and professionally. Through many, and I mean many: talks, motivational speeches, trainings, tears, and stressful events, these two ladies have helped me gain the confidence in myself that I didn’t have before. They take time from their busy schedules to check in on me, and have always been women I reach out to for advice whenever needed.
What would you tell women who are considering joining civil service, USAG Poland
It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s hard, and its crazy busy, but its one of the most rewarding adventures I have been on. Be prepared to wear many hats, be ready to learn new things daily, come ready to work -- as we are literally in the beginning stages of building this garrison. And understand that the traveling is real… USAG Poland is spread out across the entire country. But, with all of that, I truly love it here! It has been one of the best career moves I have made for myself, and I wouldn’t change my decision for anything.
Stephanie Brown, Trips and Tours Coordinator
We are laying the foundation of USAG Poland FMWR.
What do you do at USAG Poland, and how long have you been here?
I am the trips and Tours Coordinator for USAG Poland Family and MWR. I have been at USAG Poland for seven months.
Why did you join the Poland garrison team?
I looked at it a wonderful opportunity to be a part of history, by being one of the first USAG Poland FMWR team members at the Army’s newest garrison.
What does it mean to you to be blazing a trail at the Army’s newest garrison?
It is very important to me. We are laying the foundation of USAG Poland FMWR. As the garrison continues to grow the solid foundation that we're building will benefit future Soldiers, family members and DA civilians at USAG Poland.
What would you tell women who are considering joining civil service, USAG Poland?
I would tell women who are considering joining the government workforce to do it. I have had a very rewarding career working for the government as a civilian. In addition to work at a variety of military installations in the United States, have had the opportunity to live and work in four different countries doing jobs that have made helped improve the quality of life for military service members, family members and civilians. Working as a civilian for the government is a challenging but rewarding career.
Ruth Fuller, Relocation Readiness Program Manager
You can do it!
What do you do at USAG Poland, and how long have you been here?
I’m the Relocation Readiness Program Manager. I’ve been in Poland since Jan 17, 2024.
Why did you join the Poland garrison team?
I looked at the opportunity as a chance to build a program that meets the unique needs of a growing community.
What does it mean to you to be blazing a trail at the Army’s newest garrison?
I’m honored to be the first ACS staff member in Poland.
Are their any women who have inspired/mentored you during your path in government service?
I’ve worked for ACS for over 20 years. I’ve often thought about who I would choose to be part of a “Dream Team.” The lineup would include Jessica Smith, FMWR Director, for modeling outstanding leadership. Krystal Neal, Social Service Assistance, for generating program efficiencies and providing outstanding customer service. Angela Smith, ACS Volunteer, for modeling selfless service. Joanna Rodriguez, ACS Specialist, for loyalty to the mission. Sherry Matheney, Information & Referral Program Manager, for demonstrating personal courage by speaking up if she observes actions that are not in the best interest of the Soldiers she serves.
What would you tell women who are considering joining civil service, USAG Poland?
You can do it!
Becca Yarling, Supervisory Recreation Specialist
I tell this to all women in my life: Have the audacity. Own your expertise. Leave the doubt at the door.
What do you do at USAG Poland, and how long have you been here?
I’m the Supervisory Recreation Specialist for the garrison, and I’ve been here since December 2023.
Why did you join the Poland garrison team?
I moved to Poland after working with the 21st TSC G1 MWR as the Expeditionary Quality of Life lead. During my time there, I came to Poland multiple times both prior to and after the garrison stood up. I moved here to continue making a true impact for the Soldiers, and to challenge myself by being one of the first in the door at MWR. Being a part of something so historical was too big a draw to pass up.
What does it mean to you to be blazing a trail at the Army’s newest garrison?
I joke often that I don’t have boring days at work. Each day the team is working on: Standard operating procedures, establishing new ways forward for unique challenges here in Poland, planning for 5, 10, or 20 years in the future, organizing trips and tours, entertainment with Armed Forces Entertainment, coordinating with our force multipliers (USO and RedCross), or welcoming new soldiers to their first deployments. There is no typical workday and that is invaluable to me.
Are their any women who have inspired/mentored you during your path in government service?
There are a few women who come to mind immediately. I have coworkers from my time with Navy MWR who continue to encourage me to support other women in the workplace, to stand my ground, to speak clearly, to set boundaries, to work diligently, to continue striving for knowledge and growth, to be empathetic to those we serve, and so much more. I remember talking to the departing executive officer from my first rotation in Djibouti and letting her know that she inspired me every day. She was professional and knowledgeable; always willing to listen to the expertise of those around her. She made educated command decisions based on that information, showing compassion and understanding of the needs of the service members, and leading by example. We, as women, have broken through so many barriers in the last 100 years and continue to do so. Supporting each other’s growth only strengthens our progress.
What would you tell women who are considering joining civil service, USAG Poland?
I tell this to all women in my life: Have the audacity. Own your expertise. Leave the doubt at the door. We are here to educate each other, support each other and grow together. Our abilities are amplified when working together. So, any woman thinking of coming in on the ground floor at USAG-P, be bold, let’s build this thing together.
Courtney Cameron, Sports and Fitness Director
If you are in search of a fluid role, enjoy experiencing different cultures and looking for a new quest, do it.
1. What do you do at USAG Poland, and how long have you been here?
I’m the Sports & Fitness Director and I’ve been here for about six months.
2. Why did you join the Poland garrison team?
I decided to join the Poland garrison team because I though it would be a great opportunity to help assist in laying a foundation and shaping a new garrison’s MWR.
3. What does it mean to you to be blazing a trail at the Army’s newest garrison?
It’s an honor but it means being at the forefront of Soldier support and making the way just a little bit easier for others when they join the USAG Poland community.
4. Are their any women who have inspired/mentored you during your path in government service?
Yes, of course. There are currently and have been some great women who have inspired me along my government service career, but the initial would be my first MWR Director Mrs. Irving. She inspired me by being a good leader; committed to the MWR mission, communicated directly yet respectfully, and she cared about the wellbeing of our team.
5. What would you tell women who are considering joining civil service, USAG Poland?
If you are in search of a fluid role, enjoy experiencing different cultures and looking for a new quest, do it.
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