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Celebrating women's history

  • Published
  • By Capt. Damon Hobley
  • Special Observance Committee
March is designated as National Women's History Month to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of many amazing women both past and present. 

This year's theme is "Generations of Women Moving History Forward." Moving history forward is a process in which individuals come and confirm the idea that working together can be effective in building a better, more compassionate world. 

Since 1775, when the first American soldiers took up arms to fight for the nation's independence, women have courageously and selflessly served this great country.  Since the inception of the U.S., women have served "unofficially" in many capacities until the opportunity to officially serve could be realized. 

One of the first heroines to serve this country was Deborah Samson. In October 1778 she disguised herself as a young man and volunteered as a soldier in the Continental Army. She served for the rest of the war until her identity was revealed after she became ill. She was also the first such documented Woman Veteran to receive a military pension. 

Civil War nurse and later surgeon Dr. Mary Walker was the first and only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor. 

Today, women serve in almost all specialties in the United States military with women making up approximately 20 percent of the force. Women now serve as wing commanders, doctors, aviators, as well as in combat roles. 

The Andersen Special Observance Committee will be holding several events during the month of March to celebrate the wisdom and tenacity of generations of women. The dates and times of events will be posted in The Pacific Edge.