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Women's Equality Day, keeping history alive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Team Sheppard held a special retreat ceremony Aug. 26 to commemorate Women's Equality Day, recognizing the 90th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Sherry Murray-Garrett said this year marked the 162nd anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement. She said it's not just about celebrating women but celebrating diversity.

"Margaret Mead said 'never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has,'" Ms. Murray-Garrett said. "This quote applies to the power of change many diverse groups have shown in history."

Ms. Murray-Garrett, 82nd Training Wing Equal Opportunity chief, said it is important to support Women's Equality Day and American history.

"I believe it is our duty to pass on our history and the stories of our slowly fading generation," she said. "If we don't keep our history alive, who will?"

Master Sgt. Veronica Younger, 82nd Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Flight chief, said this event was the first time she has taken part in a Women's Equality Day event.
"This is a day that supports all of my rights as a woman," she said. "I have a great appreciation for the strides that were taken. If it weren't for the women in our history I wouldn't have been given the privilege to support and participate in the Air Force."

Airman 1st Class Briouna Quinn, 82nd Training Group knowledge operations manager, said it was an honor to participate in the event.

"I am here to commemorate and recognize the women who have worked so hard to give me the honor to be in the military and have the opportunities I have today," she said.

Ms. Murray-Garrett said she appreciates the support she was given with the event.

"I am passionate about all observances and will continue to work with all of the diverse groups at Sheppard (AFB)," she said. "The diversity at Sheppard is so impressive and it is always a pleasure to participate and celebrate our unique family."