Laughlin recognizes Women’s History Month Published March 5, 2020 By Senior Airman Anne McCready 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, signed a Women’s History Month proclamation, here on March 4, 2020. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. According to Staff Sgt. Rylynn Paz, 47th Force Support Squadron resource advisor, signing the proclamation ensures women at Laughlin are recognized for their daily contributions to train lethal Airmen, cultivate leaders and produce combat-ready pilots. “Women’s History Month means recognizing those who came before us,” Paz said. “They paved the way for women to be able to contribute and have a voice to make changes.” Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Green, 47th Force Support Squadron career assistant advisor, sees the signing of the proclamation at Laughlin as a symbol of leadership’s commitment to a united workforce. She appreciates how it recognizes the many sacrifices female Airmen make every day. “Having Col. Gentile sign the Women’s History Month proclamation shows it truly is one team, one fight,” Green said. “Being at Laughlin AFB, every member is critical to our mission of producing combat-ready Airmen, leaders and pilots. Knowing leadership is recognizing this month for the service and sacrifice of female Airmen makes me feel like a vital part of this team.” One thing Paz finds valuable about Women’s History Month is it shows the dedication of women in the military who continue to break barriers. She remembers a mentor of hers who instilled in her what being a female in her own career field means. “Chief Master Sgt. Mary Trent, operations and training superintendent from the 509th Security Forces Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, led me to understand what it takes to continue to be a female defender,” Paz said. “I want to be a role model for other females who want to join security forces. I’m proud to be a defender, and I owe my career and success to her for not letting me give up. She believed I could make a difference as a leader.” Women’s History Month at Laughlin means taking a moment to think of and thank the female Airmen—enlisted, officer or civilian—who make the mission happen.