Honored Role (part 20): Capt. Jana Fajardo – New Starts

July 23, 2010

in Honored Role

This is the 20th installment in the Honored Role Series.

Jana Fajardo grew up wanting to serve in the military, despite the fact that less than two percent of Americans do so.

Both her maternal grandparents served in the Armed Forces. Her grandmother enlisted in the British Navy and her grandfather served 27 years in US Army retiring as a Master Sergeant. Jana’s father enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. Her mother enlisted in the Air Force. Although all had completed their terms prior to her birth, Jana says knowing that history of service influenced her desire to join the military—it was in her blood. [read more…]

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Honored Role (part 19): Lt. Col. (ret.) Angela Lungu – A Leap into the Unknown

July 9, 2010

This is the 19th installment in the Honored Role Series. Like many, Angela Maria Lungu joined the Army to earn a college degree and did not anticipate serving past her initial five-year obligation or remotely consider the possibility of living and working overseas. The retired lieutenant colonel remarked, “I never thought I would stay in. [...]

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Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Stories – Porcelain on Steel Now Available

June 8, 2010

Today is an important day; Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point’s Long Gray Line is officially released. While writing is a solitary act, publishing requires a team effort. Bringing this book to life was a six-year journey during which many supported me. It came to fruition thanks to many friends, family members, mentors and [...]

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Why We Remember–Memorial Day

May 29, 2010

There is a cartoon that circulates annually this time of year. With a picture of a young boy at the table and hands in prayer position and a set of dog tags in the opposite corner, the cloud reads, “Thanksgiving is a day we take pause to give thanks for the things that we have. [...]

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Honored Role (part 18): 2nd Lt. Taneshina Wright – Body & Mind

May 21, 2010

This is the 18th installment in the Honored Role Series. Saturday’s graduation at West Point will mark 30 years since the first women joined “the long gray line” of graduates of the storied Military Academy. During the commencement exercises, Taneshina Wright will take the oath of a commissioned officer and become a Second Lieutenant in [...]

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Honored Role (part 17): Maj. Candice O’Brien – One Step at Time

May 7, 2010

This is the 17th installment in the Honored Role Series. In Kindergarten Candice O’Brien started running the 1/8th of a mile loop around her elementary school in Muscatine, Iowa. Each time she finished ahead of all the other kids—girls and boys. Although she ran for fun, she did not want anyone to beat her. From [...]

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Honored Role (part 16): Col. (ret.) Crissy Gayagas – In Balance

April 26, 2010

This is the 16th installment in the Honored Role Series. More than a word of welcome or parting, “Aloha”, in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy. Often described as the coordination of mind and heart, it also means the extension of warmth in caring with no obligation in return. This would [...]

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Fold of the Bright-Eyed—Athena Explained

April 20, 2010

Pallas Athena, the beautiful Greek goddess of war and wisdom, combines the martial and the feminine. A provocative mating of seemingly opposite yet related attributes highlights the power and grace explored in the myths of Athena. This juxtaposition of strength and femininity makes Athena the choice for the cover of Porcelain on Steel.

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Writing Women Back into History

March 31, 2010

March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Writing Women Back into History.” Honored to be the guest speaker at West Point’s Women’s History month celebration, I had an unique opportunity to share my story and the genius of Porcelain on Steel: Women of West Point’s Long Gray Line with a diverse audience [...]

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Honored Role (part 15): Paula Broadwell – Arc of a Driver

March 19, 2010

This is the 15th installment in the Honored Role Series. Paula Broadwell does her best thinking and reflecting during her daily 6:00AM run with her Iphone and Pandora blasting. She runs at warp speed literally and intellectually. To say she is driven to perform is a precise statement of how discipline and determination have shaped [...]

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