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Tag: Women in Combat

A Sea of Women

Published on March 17, 2011

This week I witnessed something I hope my own daughter will see one day—a sea of women in military uniform. More than 1,300 U.S. servicewomen, and a few servicemen, gathered in San Diego, CA this week for the 24th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium.

The two-day event centered on leadership and professional development.

Focusing on the achievements of women on the frontlines worldwide and the role of women involvement in building global security and stability, Melanne Verveer, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues remarked that the symposium’s theme of “Connect, Empower, Succeed,” Is applicable to women worldwide.

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Women and War: Stories Make a Difference

Published on October 6, 2010

The United States has been engaged in combat in Afghanistan longer than in any previous war. As a Nation at war for more than nine years, women are serving in new roles and in larger numbers than previous battles. More than 220,000 women have been deployed, nearly 12 percent of the force. Similar to their male contemporaries, women are demonstrating selfless service, courage and dedication to the mission.

With increasing numbers of women returning from the war zone, these veterans are of great interest to the mainstream media. Three of the hot topics regarding these service members are women in combat, sexual assault, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All deserve attention, broad perspective and action.

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Honored Role (part 21): Col. (ret.) Debra Lewis — Actions Matter Most

Published on August 27, 2010

This is the 21st installment in the Honored Role Series.

Not one to rest idly, less than six months after retiring from the Army, Colonel Debra Lewis is taking action on another mission. This one, accompanied by Lt. Col. (ret.) Doug Adams, her spouse, is a 16,000-mile yearlong cycling tour of the United States to help educate and inspire Americans on how to truly help service members and military veterans. Set to deploy on October 8, 2010 with Doug cycling, Debra will be driving the couple’s 34-foot motor coach, Simba, as the “Duty, Honor, America” tour mission’s CEO—Chief Everything Officer.

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

Published on 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 a family of mid-western educators, Candice planned on attending Drake University in her home state and studying journalism. When she learned of West Point, the challenge and scholarship it offered, she applied.

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