“Women have more opportunities than ever before in the Armed Forces.”
— Retired Air Force Col. Linda S. Aldrich
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Guest speaker, Retired Air Force Col. Linda S. Aldrich, speaks about women’s history in the military and her experiences in a male-dominated organization during a Women’s History Month observance March 26, 2018, at Elkhorn Conference Center. (Photo by Spc. Heather Crouse)
By 1st Lt. Javier Alcaraz
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Unit Public Affairs Representative
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hosted a Women’s History Month observance at the Elkhorn Conference Center March 26, 2018, to highlight the contributions of women to the nation and the Army.
Women’s History Month is celebrated March 1-31, 2018, and this year’s theme, which was highlighted in a presidential proclamation, is “Nevertheless she persisted: Honoring women who fight all forms of discrimination.” The ceremony opened with the posting of colors and an invocation from Capt. Kimberly Hall, chaplain, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st SBCT.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Col. Miles Brown, chief of staff, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presents a certificate of appreciation to the guest speaker, retired Air Force Col. Linda S. Aldrich, during a Women’s History Month observance March 26, 2018, at Elkhorn Conference Center.(Photo by Spc. Heather Crouse)
The 4th Inf. Div. Equal Opportunity Office coordinated the event, which included a musical ensemble from the 4th Inf. Div. band, and remarks from the guest speaker, Retired Air Force Col. Linda S. Aldrich.
Since the Revolutionary War, women have played vital roles in the Army. Today more than 174,000 women serve in the regular Army, National Guard and Army Reserve. Since the secretary of Defense opened all combat jobs to women in 2016, the Army has more than 600 female Soldiers serving in infantry, armor and field artillery occupations as of December.
“It is important for our new Soldiers to understand change is done by them,” said Aldrich, who entered the Air Force in 1982 through Officer Training School. “Don’t let the naysayers put you down.”
Women have more opportunities than ever before in the Armed Forces. About 17 percent of the Army is female and all positions in the Army are open to women.
“I really connected to what Col. Aldrich (said) about how open doors and opportunities doesn’t mean it will be easy,” said Pvt. George Ortiz, 4th BSB, 1st SBCT. “(More can still be) done for equal rights and we need to make it happen.”