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188th Fighter Wing to celebrate Women's History Month; State Command Sgt. Major tabbed as unit's guest speaker

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Wilson
  • 188th Fighter Wing
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  This March will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the celebration of Women's History month. The celebration honors women and their diverse and historical accomplishments throughout history.

Many are not aware of when Women's History Month began. In 1980 the Jimmy Carter administration announced the celebration of Women's History Week. The week was so successful that it was lobbied through Congress and passed to become a month-long event. The 188th has chosen to celebrate the month of March with a guest speaker, among other educational activities to celebrate Women's History Month and the achievements of women.

In America's early history, women were considered fragile and many times treated as second-rate citizens. It was believed by many that an education or physical labor could hurt a woman's chance of reproduction. Women were not allowed to own property, vote, sign contracts, travel alone or speak in public.

Through many hardships and protests, women have fought for equal rights and successfully evolved into equal citizens by changing their roles in American society.

Women are holding high offices as well as creating powerhouse businesses. This has created tight competition between men and women in today's workforce.

History is a great reflection on the role women have played in history. The 188th Fighter Wing is not without its women who have made history.

The first female member to join the 188th was 2nd Lt. Kathleen Booth. Booth joined the medical clinic on July 18, 1965.

Capt. Kristin Bass was the first and only female pilot at the 188th. She flew F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" during her stint at the 188th.

In October 2002 Glenda Edwards became the first female Chief Master Sergeant at the 188th. Peggy Frye is the base's first female lieutenant colonel.

Unit members are invited March 6 to celebrate Women's History Month and hear our Guest Speaker, State Command Sergeant Major Deborah Collins of the Arkansas National Guard. Events will start at 9:30 in the 188th's headquarters auditorium. All are invited to attend.

188th Fighter Wing to celebrate Women's History Month; State Command Sgt. Major tabbed as unit's guest speaker

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Wilson
  • 188th Fighter Wing
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  This March will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the celebration of Women's History month. The celebration honors women and their diverse and historical accomplishments throughout history.

Many are not aware of when Women's History Month began. In 1980 the Jimmy Carter administration announced the celebration of Women's History Week. The week was so successful that it was lobbied through Congress and passed to become a month-long event. The 188th has chosen to celebrate the month of March with a guest speaker, among other educational activities to celebrate Women's History Month and the achievements of women.

In America's early history, women were considered fragile and many times treated as second-rate citizens. It was believed by many that an education or physical labor could hurt a woman's chance of reproduction. Women were not allowed to own property, vote, sign contracts, travel alone or speak in public.

Through many hardships and protests, women have fought for equal rights and successfully evolved into equal citizens by changing their roles in American society.

Women are holding high offices as well as creating powerhouse businesses. This has created tight competition between men and women in today's workforce.

History is a great reflection on the role women have played in history. The 188th Fighter Wing is not without its women who have made history.

The first female member to join the 188th was 2nd Lt. Kathleen Booth. Booth joined the medical clinic on July 18, 1965.

Capt. Kristin Bass was the first and only female pilot at the 188th. She flew F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" during her stint at the 188th.

In October 2002 Glenda Edwards became the first female Chief Master Sergeant at the 188th. Peggy Frye is the base's first female lieutenant colonel.

Unit members are invited March 6 to celebrate Women's History Month and hear our Guest Speaker, State Command Sergeant Major Deborah Collins of the Arkansas National Guard. Events will start at 9:30 in the 188th's headquarters auditorium. All are invited to attend.