Officials announce open registration to Air Force symposium

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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) --  Air University officials here recently announced open registration to the 2007 Air Force Heritage to Horizons Women's Training Symposium scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

The symposium at the Waterford Receptions in Springfield, Va., is open to women and men who have served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces and Department of Defense civilians.

"Heritage to Horizons: Earning Our Wings and Reaching the Stars" is the theme of the symposium, which the country's youngest military service is holding in honor of women's contributions to its rich history and heritage. People can register for the event by visiting http://afwomensymposium.afit.edu and clicking "Register."

"We anticipate attendees will gain an understanding of the accomplishments and challenges faced by women in the Air Force, both past and present, and grow an appreciation for the potential women have in our future Air Force," said Col. Kim Bowling, the event organizer and commander of the Air Force Institute of Advanced Distributed Learning at Maxwell Air Force Base.

The symposium strives to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the Air Force, share information and address issues relevant to women, she said.

Scheduled keynote speakers and panelists include Lt. Gen. Terry L. Gabreski, the vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command and currently the highest-ranking female in the Air Force; retired Maj. Gen. Jeanne M. Holm, the first woman the Air Force promoted to brigadier general and the first woman in the armed forces to serve in the grade of major general; and Tech. Sgt. Kathy Shaw, the first female enlisted tactical combat convoy commander.

"What a spectacular opportunity to honor our heritage and experience that heritage through the eyes of actual 'living legends,'" said Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, the Air University commander. "We live in exciting and changing times, but it's important to take time to recognize the accomplishments of Air Force women, past and present, reinforce pride in those who serve and generate excitement for our promising future."

The symposium will also feature "Heritage Panels," where veteran and active-duty panelists will share their experiences from their respective slices of Air Force history; an exhibit hall, featuring heritage displays and experts on hand to discuss women's issues; and several professional development forums, covering topics such as pregnancy and Air Force careers, women's contributions to medical advances on the battlefield and serving overseas in male-dominated cultures. 

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