Airman Samantha Allred peers down the barrel of a M240B machine gun while working patrol on the flightline March 9 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Airman Allred, with her fellow 39th Security Forces Squadron personnel, is responsible for providing security for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe's largest weapon's storage area. Women's History Month is celebrated throughout March to highlight American women of the past, present and future, and their accomplishments throughout the years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson)
Senior Airman Chantel Wallace rinses the teeth of Maya Singh, daughter of Maj. Walter Singh, during a routine examination March 9 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Airman Wallace is one of many dental technicians who help ensure Incirlik AB Airmen are fit to fight. Women's History Month is celebrated throughout March to highlight American women of the past, present and future, and their accomplishments throughout the years. Airman Wallace is assigned to the 39th Medical Operations Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson)
Senior Airman Christa Lewis performs an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test on a vial of blood March 9 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a predetermined amount of fluid. Women's History Month is celebrated throughout March to highlight American women of the past, present and future, and their accomplishments throughout the years. Airman Lewis is assigned to the 39th Medical Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson)
Senior Airman Sandra Sandoval operates a 4,000-pound forklift March 9 in a warehouse at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Airman Sandoval assists in the management of $4.9 million in war reserve material, support agreement reimbursements of $2.3 million, a 21,070 line item stock record account, 7.9 million gallons of fuel storage and 928 vehicles. Airman Sandoval is assigned to the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Benjamin Wilson)
by Senior Airman Heather Stanton
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
3/13/2009 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) -- Incirlik Air Base officials are celebrating Women's History Month to honor American women of the past, present and future, and their tremendous accomplishments throughout the years.
Base members are hosting several events that encompass this year's theme of "Women Empowering Women."
"We celebrate this month with ceremonies and activities to remember the many contributions of courageous women who have made our nation strong," said Master Sgt. Maria Dillingham-Greene, the 39th Medical Operations Squadron and Women's History Month committee chairperson. "We are standing on the shoulders of women who came before us. We must remember their struggle for equality."
The activities began with a 5K fun run March 7.
"Next, we are kicking it up a notch and embracing this year's theme with one of our very own teaching us how to better protect ourselves with a women's self-defense class March 12 at the fitness center," said Tech. Sgt. Krishonda Garcia-Nunez, from the 39th Medical Support Squadron and Women's History Month committee public affairs representative. A self-defense class for ages 12 to 18 is scheduled for March 14 at the fitness center.
A Women's History Month Celebration Breakfast is set for March 18 at the consolidated club featuring singing, dancing and a powerful guest speaker..
"Finally, after celebrating the fabulous women at Incirlik and all over the world, we will wrap up Women's History Month with an Empowerment Symposium focused on the specific needs of women, from financial discussions, to women's panels of various backgrounds to topics of the utmost importance such as hormone replacement therapy and being perimenopausal," Sergeant Garcia-Nunez said. The symposium is scheduled for March 27 at the consolidated club.
"The events and topics were carefully thought out to give women a boost and provide all who attend a positive outlook on challenging situations," Sergeant Dillingham-Greene said. "All may attend: Women, men and children."
Sergeant Garcia-Nunez said she believes the reason for Women's History Month was best explained by Eleanor Roosevelt: "Women are like teabags. We never really know our strength until we find ourselves in hot water."
