WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - The 88th Air Base Wing dedicated the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month, highlighting generations of women moving history forward. Events included seminars, museum tours and scavenger hunts presented by the 88 ABW Special Observance Committee for Women’s History Month.
Members of this committee were excited and grateful to be a part of this month-long celebration.
“I worked on the committee for Women’s Equality Day and it just felt like a natural progression to keep learning and spreading awareness about women’s history,” said 1st Lt. Jessica Ojala, 88th Operational Support Squadron.
Four major events highlighted a variety of topics that encouraged women’s inclusion and equality. The event that kicked everything off focused on women’s health. This seminar shined a light on educating Airmen about what kinds of resources they have on base and how to access them. The speakers for this seminar included Dr. Meghan Ozcan, Capt. Shannel Matthews and others from the Women’s Health Clinic, 88th Medical Group.
The speakers highlighted resources available to Airmen such as the Women’s Health Clinic that provides same-day services such as oral contraceptive prescriptions, emergency contraception and more.
On March 13, a seminar with speaker Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle, commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, highlighted the triumphs of female Airmen in the past while encouraging the limitless potential that lies ahead. Attendees also heard Pringle discuss some challenges she has faced in her career.
“Have the courage to be yourself, add your unique style and bring you whole selves to your career,” Pringle said.
On March 21, a professional development seminar took place with speaker Senior Master Sgt. Stephanie Zengerle, development advisor. This seminar highlighted how to lift up fellow female Airmen and change the workforce culture in a positive way.
“It is important to remember that we all have unique talents and strengths,” Zengerle said. “By recognizing and celebrating those qualities in each other, we can build a culture of support and encouragement.”
A leadership panel aimed to empower and uplift women no matter the age, ethnicity, or rank closed out the month observance March 30. The panelists included Chief Master Sgt. Lloyd Morales, command chief, 88 ABW; Lt. Col. Amy Justus, commander, 88th Comptroller Squadron; Master Sgt. Adrian Galcik, 88th Medical Group; and Sgt. Giselle Galarza from the Marine detachment at WPAFB.
“I am honored to have participated in the Women's History Month Leadership Panel as this was a great opportunity to share my experiences and to learn from other leaders,” Justus said. “Women have come a long way and continue to make great strides in leadership roles across all industries. I am expectant to see all that the next generation of leaders will do!”
Throughout March, the Women’s History Month committee teamed up with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to offer ways to see exhibits featuring women in the Air Force. These included guided tours and scavenger hunts that were open to the public to learn and immerse themselves in the history that paved the way for women today.
All the events highlighted the progress made for and by women in history and looked toward even greater advancements in the future.
To view event coverage and Women’s History Month spotlights, visit 88th Air Base Wing’s Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WPAFB.