Colleagues,

I am sharing a communication below  I received reflecting on the service of women in the US Army on behalf of Women’s History Month. In recognition of all the women who have dedicated and served their communities and advanced the mission of Cooperative Extension we welcome you to share acknowledgments and reflections to the blog and with other colleagues in our organization.

“In March, the Army joins the nation in celebrating Women’s History Month.
Since long before the first settlers arrived, women have played a vital role
in this land’s culture, security and prosperity. From their strength,
perseverance and resourcefulness, today’s national vibrancy rests squarely
on women’s shoulders.

This year’s observance focuses in particular on “writing women back into
history.” Too often, women’s groundbreaking achievements and daily
contributions go unrecognized or are forgotten. We cannot understand
ourselves and reach our full potential, however, when the collective memory
doesn’t reflect our richly diverse reality. The stories of women and the
story of America are thoroughly intertwined.

There is Nanye-hi, a leader and warrior in the powerful Cherokee Wolf clan,
who held an influential position in treaty talks and advocated for peace
until her death in 1822. Jane Addams, social justice and reform advocate,
earned the distinction of first American female recipient of the Nobel Peace
Prize. Jacqueline Cochran, Margaret Phelan Taylor and Mabel Rawlinson, who
gave her life in service to her country, were among the more than 1,100
women who volunteered as Women Airforce Service Pilots, aka WASPs, during
World War II. As then Commanding General of Army Air Forces Hap Arnold
said, by 1944 the WASPs had put it “on the record that women can fly as well
as men.” Nearly 50 years later, physician and astronaut Mae Jemison
followed in their contrail, becoming the first African-American woman to
travel in space as a member of the Space Shuttle Endeavour crew.

These are just a few of the women whose ingenuity, sacrifice and commitment
are woven into the fabric of our nation. American women illustrate what is
possible through determination and grit. Their stories offer inspiration to
all — women and men, girls and boys – and I encourage everyone to take the
time to delve into them. For more information and a list of special events
in the National Capital Region, please visit http://womenshistorymonth.gov/
and http://smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/whm/event_calendar.html.
The National Women’s History Project also has great resources and the
personal stories of its 2015 honorees at
http://www.nwhp.org/womens-history-month/theme/. Additionally, the Army
hosts an excellent website on women in service at
http://www.army.mil/women/history/early.html.

I am extremely proud to serve beside our dedicated and talented team of
military and civilian women. Your contributions are invaluable. Our Army
and nation are in your debt.

Army Strong!”