Top Story>>Women taking the lead to save our planet

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle R. Clace
19th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

A Women’s History Month Luncheon was held Tuesday at Hangar 1080 to highlight women's contribution in the work force and to show appreciation for their accomplishments.

March is designated each year as National Women’s History Month, a time when events are held around the country to ensure the history of women is recognized and celebrated. Schools, work places and communities throughout the country present the historical achievements and accomplishments of women from all walks of life.

Sharing and gaining knowledge of women’s history provides a more expansive vision of what women can do when given an equal and fair opportunity. This perspective encourages women of all ages to think larger and bolder and can give everyone a fuller understanding and greater appreciation of the female experience.

The luncheon, which was hosted by the Women’s History Committee, was themed “Women taking the lead to save our planet.” It recognized the pioneering and fearless ways women have taken the lead in saving the planet.

It comes at a time when the world is discussing the problems and repercussions of dramatic climate changes and the recognition of diminishing natural resources.

In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote a researched expose, Silent Spring, which acknowledged the disturbing and irreversible hazards of a pesticide, DDT. The National Women’s History Project selected Rachel Carson as the iconic representation for the theme this year because she is often credited for inspiring the modern environmental movement.

“This year's theme "Women taking the lead to save our planet" and Women's History month go hand in hand. For generations women have been taking the lead by fighting for our right to vote,” said Ms. Regena Handley, 19th Medical Support Squadron secretary.

“This fight is being continued by women such as Lisa Perez Jackson, the newly elected administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,” she said.

“Women taking the lead to save our planet is the special observance Department of Defense theme for this year and we decided to embrace it here at Little Rock. In our Air Force there are various ways we can all conserve energy and by getting educated on these steps we are indeed helping the Air Force and our communities,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bionca Lindsey, 19th Medical Group superintendent.

The goal of the luncheon was not only to become more aware of the contributions women have made in history but also to bring the importance of saving the planet to the front of all in attendance’s minds.

Ms. Cecilia Cunningham, First Electric Cooperative marketing representative, was a guest speaker at the luncheon, where she shared ways to promote energy efficiency.

“My passion is energy efficiency education,” said Ms. Cunningham. “I want you to
E.A.T. your way to a better world.”
E.A.T. stands for being educated on what the energy efficiency issues are, being aware of what’s using energy at home and teaching others about energy efficiency, she said.

Through celebrating Women’s History Month with events such as the luncheon, people are able to better understand the accomplishments of the women around them.

“Events like this continue to acknowledge all the contributions that women are constantly making to the Air Force and the world we live in. Without them we would miss the chance to mentor the next generation of young women,” said Ms. Handley.

“These events are centered [on] the diversity which makes up our great nation and the Air Force as an entity of our nation,” said Chief Lindsey. “The observance provides us with an opportunity to recognize the differences of others and what they bring. We are merely seeking acknowledgment that our contributions played a significant role in making this Air Force the greatest Air Force in the world.”

“This luncheon [was] a great opportunity for us to take time out of our schedules to really recognize the strength of our diversity,” said Col. James Johnson, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander.

At the end of the luncheon there was a drawing for a spa gift basket, which was won by Staff Sgt. Rachel Schultz, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics craftsman.