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Arkansas Guard's first female general speaks at 188th Women's History Month program

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Holli Snyder
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  Women's History Month was celebrated at the 188th Fighter Wing March 2, 2013, with a program outlining the achievements of women throughout history. The program was highlighted by Brig. Gen. Patricia M. Anslow, assistant adjutant general for the Arkansas Army National Guard.

Since the Presidential proclamation in 1987 that created Women's History Month, the achievements and accomplishments of women have been celebrated throughout the month of March each year. Statistics provided during the program highlighted women's roles in military service.

More than 250,000 women have serviced in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Currently in the Air National Guard, women comprise more than 17 percent of the officer corps and boast more than 17,000 enlisted female members.

This year's theme, presented by Anslow, focused on innovation and imagination, honoring the women in the sciences and technology fields. Anslow brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to these subjects, having serving in many high-level engineering roles within the Army Corps of Engineers and currently serving as commander of the Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters . She is also the first woman to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Arkansas National Guard

Anslow highlighted specific revolutionary changes women have faced throughout the years. During the 1970s, women's roles in the military experienced major evolutionary changes to include the promotion of the first female to brigadier general, the ability for women to enter service academies and women entering into pilot training. One significant, revolutionary change happened recently, involving the lifting of the ban on women serving in combat across the Department of Defense.

"We've come a long way," Anslow said. "We've truly changed and transitioned in history as seen by these evolutionary and revolutionary changes."

Shifting focus onto progress and transition for women of the 188th, Anslow said a woman's ability to embrace uncertainty, have a vision and work at the edges of their specific job or career field are key attributes that lead to success.

"Everyone is critical to the goal," Anslow said. "Whether male or female and regardless of race or color of skin."

Anslow said all members can contribute to mission effectiveness and accomplishment.

"By knowing your job and excelling at it, earning respect and seeking and providing good mentoring will lead to successes in one's career," Anslow said.

Highlighting each key, Anslow stopped to bring attention to a 188th female unit member who embodied these statements.

Coins were presented to Airman Ashley Bailey, an Operations personnelist, who stood out among her peers as an honor graduate of her technical school training and Thunderbolt fitness award recipient; Capt. Kim Sosebee, a maintenance officer, who was given the outstanding prenatal care award at her civilian occupation; and Capt. Bridgette Scott, who was awarded the Bronze Star during a recent Operation Enduring Freedom deployment.

Anslow completed her presentation with points discussing transitions and progressions from where we are now to where we want to be in the future.

"I hope we never stop talking about women's firsts or the great things women have done throughout history," Anslow said. "High hopes were offered to members of the 188th because of their resiliency, adaptation and commitment to excellence."

Arkansas Guard's first female general speaks at 188th Women's History Month program

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Holli Snyder
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  Women's History Month was celebrated at the 188th Fighter Wing March 2, 2013, with a program outlining the achievements of women throughout history. The program was highlighted by Brig. Gen. Patricia M. Anslow, assistant adjutant general for the Arkansas Army National Guard.

Since the Presidential proclamation in 1987 that created Women's History Month, the achievements and accomplishments of women have been celebrated throughout the month of March each year. Statistics provided during the program highlighted women's roles in military service.

More than 250,000 women have serviced in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Currently in the Air National Guard, women comprise more than 17 percent of the officer corps and boast more than 17,000 enlisted female members.

This year's theme, presented by Anslow, focused on innovation and imagination, honoring the women in the sciences and technology fields. Anslow brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to these subjects, having serving in many high-level engineering roles within the Army Corps of Engineers and currently serving as commander of the Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters . She is also the first woman to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Arkansas National Guard

Anslow highlighted specific revolutionary changes women have faced throughout the years. During the 1970s, women's roles in the military experienced major evolutionary changes to include the promotion of the first female to brigadier general, the ability for women to enter service academies and women entering into pilot training. One significant, revolutionary change happened recently, involving the lifting of the ban on women serving in combat across the Department of Defense.

"We've come a long way," Anslow said. "We've truly changed and transitioned in history as seen by these evolutionary and revolutionary changes."

Shifting focus onto progress and transition for women of the 188th, Anslow said a woman's ability to embrace uncertainty, have a vision and work at the edges of their specific job or career field are key attributes that lead to success.

"Everyone is critical to the goal," Anslow said. "Whether male or female and regardless of race or color of skin."

Anslow said all members can contribute to mission effectiveness and accomplishment.

"By knowing your job and excelling at it, earning respect and seeking and providing good mentoring will lead to successes in one's career," Anslow said.

Highlighting each key, Anslow stopped to bring attention to a 188th female unit member who embodied these statements.

Coins were presented to Airman Ashley Bailey, an Operations personnelist, who stood out among her peers as an honor graduate of her technical school training and Thunderbolt fitness award recipient; Capt. Kim Sosebee, a maintenance officer, who was given the outstanding prenatal care award at her civilian occupation; and Capt. Bridgette Scott, who was awarded the Bronze Star during a recent Operation Enduring Freedom deployment.

Anslow completed her presentation with points discussing transitions and progressions from where we are now to where we want to be in the future.

"I hope we never stop talking about women's firsts or the great things women have done throughout history," Anslow said. "High hopes were offered to members of the 188th because of their resiliency, adaptation and commitment to excellence."