Command chief discusses Women's History Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (AFNS) --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe command chief talked to Royal Air Force Lakenheath Airmen about how women have played a large part in history, which is especially true in the military.

Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow visited RAF Lakenheath and spoke to base Airmen about the significance of Women's History Month.

"Women's History Month is very important because it recognizes and celebrates the historic achievements of women," Chief Derrow said. "I think that in the past, the role of American women was consistently overlooked and probably undervalued sometimes in literature, teachings and history prior to the 1980s. Since then, I think we have done a much better job educating people on the significant role women play in American history and contemporary society." 

Women's History Month has a notable significance for the military in particular because of the important job the military has, she said.

Chief Derrow also took a moment to discuss this year's Women's History Month theme, "Women taking the lead to save our planet." The goal of this year's campaign is to focus on the wonders of the earth and the role women can play in saving it. 

"It is upon us to make our world safer," the chief said. "We also have to balance that with taking care of our environment. It is important that we get together to try to solve the problems and issues.

"This year's theme was very timely considering that we are facing the repercussions of climate change and diminishing natural resources," Chief Derrow said. "When I was an Airman growing up, I never really thought about the conservation of energy. Now that I have a son who is in the Air Force, I think, "Will the environment be there for him? Will he have the same things that I had growing up? Will the parks, nature reserves, lakes and wilderness be there for him and hopefully my grandchildren in the future?'"

Chief Derrow went on to explain that Women's History month is not just a celebration for women.

"I always think 'Airmen first,' and in the military, I don't really consider myself a woman, I consider myself an Airman," Chief Derrow said. "That being said, Women's History Month is an excellent opportunity to bring not just women, but men together to celebrate what women bring to the fight. Only by working together, will we be able to come up with solutions to common problems such as the environment." 

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