WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Throughout the month of March, the 445th Airlift Wing recognized the service and contributions of female Airmen to the wing, to the Air Force Reserve and to the United States of America in honor of Women’s History Month.
Women’s History Month, first declared by congress in 1987, is a dedicated month to reflect on and honor women’s extraordinary achievements and often-overlooked contributions to the history of the United States.
According to current Air Force demographic information, 21.3 percent of those currently serving in the United States Air Force are female. Although those percentages have roughly doubled in the last generation, women still only represent 16 percent of the total military force.
“I think it’s important for women to serve in the military because we can bring an entirely different perspective to problem solving.,” said Capt. Cecilia “CJ” Photinos, C-17 pilot, 445th Operations Support Squadron. “I believe emotional intelligence is a trait that is often overlooked in the military, but something women bring to the table that can pay off tenfold when it comes to collaboration, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking..”
The first 800 women joined the U.S. Army Air Corps’ Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942, meaning that the first female Airmen began serving five years before the Air Force became a separate service on Sept. 18, 1947.
The first woman to enlist in the newly founded branch of the U.S. Air force, when service was authorized for women on July 8, 1948, was Esther McGowin Blake, showing her dedication by enlisting on the first hour of the first day.
“Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed,” said President Jimmy Carter when issuing the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. “But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
“I wouldn’t be in my career field today if it weren’t for women before me breaking barriers and tackling obstacles and stereotypes,” said Photinos. “I think we owe it to future generations of young women to continue growing and progressing into what was previously unknown territory for women in the military.”
Although March is the month designated by the Department of Defense to honor the contributions of women serving in the military and DOD civilian forces, the women of the USAF continue to distinguish themselves and those who came before them, and the richness and diversity of their achievements will continue to be celebrated and recognized throughout the year.