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Women’s Equality Day on Columbus Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Liz Easterling
  • Columbus Air Force Base
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

One of the most thoughtful gestures is to receive bright pink, purple or yellow flowers as a sign of appreciation. Guests were welcomed with such a gift as they arrived at the Women’s Equality Day Panel on August 26, 2024, at Columbus Air Force Base.  

Themed around creating an environment of empowering, elevating and emphasizing equality, female leaders from across the city of Columbus community and Columbus Air Force Base were able to discuss challenges that they overcame as mothers, coworkers, spouses and women. Panelists described how embracing being uncomfortable in their roles helped them grow as Airmen and leaders. Senior Airman Charlie Sweetland, 14th Flying Training Wing command chief executive assistant, provided insight on her own leadership development. 

"Being uncomfortable through tough moments helped me find confidence in myself.  When I got this position, I had just put on Senior Airman less than a month before. Letting myself be uncomfortable and learn from those around me has helped me push myself to grow personally and professionally.”   

Master Sgt. Adrian Washington, 14th Flying Training Wing development advisor and panelist, emphasized the legacy she wanted to leave on the next generation of female leaders.  

“I want you all to live unapologetically you. At all times, no matter what's happening, no matter what's going on, be unapologetically you,” said Washington.  

Women’s Equality Day stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience women have shown through their contributions throughout world history in both civilian and military lifestyles. In 1973, August 26 was selected to commemorate the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote and voice in our nation.  

Ashis S. Vazirani, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, emphasized the importance of bringing equality into the workplace.  

“The legacy of the Nineteenth Amendment is a vision of equality for women and for their right to be heard through their votes. Women's Equality Day allows us to reflect on the contributions women continue to make in the workplace and in our lives,” said Vazirani in the memo. “Women in public service and Government have long served this nation by working to remove barriers, make and enforce laws, implement new ideas, and create positive change.” 

Through the dedication of Women’s Equality Day panelists like Sweetland and Washington, the 14th Flying Training Wing continues to strive towards an environment that helps all personnel reach their full potential.