JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
After being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, an American non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving women’s history, Congress declared March as ‘National Women’s History Month’ in 1987. The goal of celebrating the month is to acknowledge and highlight women’s contributions and importance to society.
Team Charleston hosted a Women’s History Month luncheon at the Charleston Club March 20, 2018, to bring team members together to celebrate. Joan Robinson-Berry, vice president and general manager of Boeing South Carolina, the luncheon guest speaker, gave a heartfelt address about the importance of the month.
“I’ve gone further than most thought I could ever go as a woman,” said Robinson-Berry. “As women and men in today’s society it’s important to remember we’re only human. You have to build up the courage to grab opportunities and never be afraid to ask for help. Many men and women before us have faced obstacles such as harassment, racism, sexism and more. If they allowed those obstacles to shut them down, things wouldn’t be the same as they are today. Refuse to allow challenges to define and have power in your life, always persevere.”
March was designated Women’s History Month because, as Public Law 100-9 states, “The roll of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American history.” The Public Law also requests the president to issue a proclamation every year to honor the extraordinary achievements of women. Women’s History Month is also celebrated during the month of March in the United Kingdom and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8.
“This month is a time to celebrate those who have come before us,” said Capt. Christina Gallo, 628th Aerospace Medical Squadron chief of aerospace and operational physiology. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for great women doing great things every day. This month we recognize and reflect on how those women have shaped the way the world is today.”
Women contribute to the military mission in a variety of ways. They fulfill the same roles as men, ranging from support positions such as maintenance and medical, to contributing directly to combat roles such as tactical air control party and pararescue members.
“It’s important to know being a woman doesn’t mean you’re incapable of things,” said Airman 1st Class Samantha Ferrel, 437th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment apprentice. “It doesn’t matter what anyone says or whether you’re a male or female. What matters is what you believe in and what you’re going to do to create the life you want for yourself.”