Celebrating Women’s History Month

by Senior Airman Chelsea Smith, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs,

March signifies the commemoration of Women's History Month, in which Americans pay tribute to the historical contributions of women in the endeavers of arts, social equality, politics, military and numerous other fields.

Many decades passed before the inauguration of the month-long recognition, which began in 1987, after the National Women's History Project or the NWHP made a petition to Congress.

"It's important to celebrate history as a whole," said Master Sgt. Elena Lund from the 94th Airlift Wing legal office. "So women's history should be celebrated by males and females alike."

The goal of the NWHP was to establish a month to recognize the achievement of women who've impacted the role of women in society.

Honorees range from Amelia Earhart, who surpassed expectations for women in aviation, to Eleanor Roosevelt, our nation's former first lady who left a dynamic legacy for succeeding first ladies to follow, to groups such as the influential women who marched in Washington for suffrage in the early 20th century, and musical legends such as Madonna, who is still making waves in the music industry today.

Master Sgt. Paula Stokeling, 94th AW Mission Support Group career advisor, has a prominent history of her own, as she's been serving the Dobbins community for more than 26 years and currently serves as co-chair on the Human Resource Development Council.

Enlisting shortly after high school, Stokeling said she's proud to have worn three different uniforms over the years in a heavily male-dominated military.

"It's been a journey," she said. "When I was a young Airman, you would see more males filling higher ranking positions, but today, top positions are opening up to provide more and more opportunities for our female population."

Lund, also a member of HRDC, said she served the Air Force completing both active duty and reserve time. She eventually cross-trained from a male dominated work scene to the complete opposite.

"The JAG Corps is unique in that the attorneys are mostly male while the paralegals are mostly female," said Lund. "Cross-training from a personnelist in a maintenance squadron into the paralegal field provided the opportunity for me to see females in leadership."

Lund said she has always sought the guidance of mentors for help with making big decisions, for leadership models and for support in career advancement.

"My current mentor is Chief Master Sgt. Imelda Johnson, Air Force Reserve Command paralegal manager," said Lund. "I haven't followed her exact footsteps however, I frequently filter my thoughts through her which, in turn, I now have a better sense of leadership."

Likewise, Stokeling said she is inspired to work alongside female chiefs and officers who have reached respectable heights in their military career; however she draws the most inspiration from the woman who raised her.

"My mother raised eight kids and made sure we were provided for," she said. "She instilled in me that hard work pays off and I celebrate her every day of the year."

Stokeling and Lund, along with the Dobbins community, salute history's most influential and progressive women in honor of Women's History month.