Kirtland women speak at state capital

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO --  Eight women from Team Kirtland packed into an SUV and drove up to snow-covered Santa Fe on Jan. 23 to be a part of annual tradition at the state capital.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services' annual Military and Veterans Day at the New Mexico State Legislature was themed Supporting Veterans' Legislation and Honoring Women's Service in the Armed Forces this year.

The servicewomen were asked to travel to Santa Fe to help honor and salute women veterans and those serving on active duty. Col. Joanne McPherson, commander of the 377th Medical Group, was asked to speak.

Many of the speeches were historical in nature, pointing out that 15 percent of the active-duty forces are women, and women veterans are the fastest growing segment of the veterans' population. Women served in all of America's 20th century wars, first as nurses and more recently their roles have expanded into the almost limitless opportunities women have in the military today.

Colonel McPherson spoke last and said that while the history of women in the military is very important, she wanted to focus on the personal side of the military and to put faces to the women her predecessors had spoken about.

"I cannot think of a better way to showcase women in the military than by taking a few moments to tell you about the incredible ladies who traveled with me today. I think you'll agree that their experiences and their commitment to their country are the finest testament I could make," Colonel McPherson said.

She introduced each of the other seven women with her, who were dressed in battle dress uniforms, desert camouflage uniforms or flight suits. While each woman came forward, Colonel McPherson talked about their career field, their time of service and what being in the Air Force means to them.

While the event honored women in the military, both past and present, legislation pertinent to military personnel was also discussed. The Department of Veterans Services is supporting a tax exemption bill for the income of those in the armed forces and a second career tax relief for military retirees.

Colonel McPherson said, "I really enjoyed seeing how things happen (at the capitol) and I think the women really did too. We had a great time talking and laughing in the car on the way up, telling stories and sharing experiences."