opinion
I generally refuse to participate in any Women's History Month, International Women's Day, or “You Go Girl!” Activities and have my whole life. Growing up, I never understood why women should get some special treatment or appreciation for doing the same things that men do.
I grew up in the late 80s and 90s when it became very common for women to be told that they could do anything they wanted and should aspire to be everything and more. All I knew was that I wanted to be more than what I was economically destined to be, so as quickly as I could and with a lot of push from my father, I enlisted in the United States Air Force.
Being a woman in the military, especially in the Air Force, was not groundbreaking when I joined; I would not feel the pressure to be a figurehead and inspiration for my species until much later, when I had risen through the ranks and become a senior leader. These women I'm going to tell you about have been an inspiration to me.
Captain Linda Bray
Captain Linda Bray, a U.S. Army ROTC graduate, is the reason women like me served in combat alongside our brothers in uniform during Afghanistan's Last Forever War. In 1989, Captain Bray led the 988th Military Police Company during Operation Just Cause in Panama.
RELATED: Book reveals President Biden rejects any responsibility for disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan
She became the first American woman to lead soldiers in battle. Her unique combat role at the time eventually led to an end to the ban on women serving in combat by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in 2013.
Colonel Martha McSally
Colonel Martha McSally was the first female fighter pilot to fly combat missions. An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, she became the first woman to command a fighter squadron in combat.
While attending the Air War College before commenting on the Colonel, Martha McSally said:
“I hope to be a role model for both men and women because we are a fighting force and should not care about our differences.”
Sadly, Colonel McSally is also one of many survivors of military sexual assault, as she publicly revealed during a congressional hearing in 2019.
Major Lauren Edwards
Marine Corps Major Lauren Edwards is the epitome of strength and cool. During the invasion of Iraq, Major Edwards led more than 150 soldiers and countless military vehicles across the country of Iraq while under heavy fire.
In addition to her amazing leadership skills, at one point, she could complete a US Marine Corps physical fitness test to perfection, a feat that many men find difficult. For reference, this means Major Edwards could run three miles in 18 minutes and complete 20 pull-ups and 100 sit-ups in two minutes.
After assuming command of the 8th Engineer Support Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 2015, Lt. Col. Edwards said:
“My mission now is to be a positive example of leadership and professionalism for men and women alike. I am extremely proud to assume command of the 8th ESB today, and I hope that all the Marines and Sailors in this battalion realize that if they work hard and care about each other, they can achieve everything they set their mind to.” Achieve it.
RELATED: VA Secretary Reverses Removal of Iconic WWII Photo from Facilities Thanks to Elon Musk's Twitter/X
Sergeant Lee Ann Hester
We rarely hear of women in combat roles engaging in what is known as close-range combat. However, this is exactly what earned Sergeant Hester the Silver Star.
While deployed to Iraq, Sergeant Hester entered directly into the line of fire, killing three Iraqi insurgents at close range. When her supply convoy was ambushed, she directed her team with deadly precision.
Her leadership that day resulted in 33 rebels being killed or wounded, without the loss of a single teammate. Service runs deep for this girl as she later separates from the National Guard to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a police officer.
Later, duty called again when she donned her uniform to serve her nation in Afghanistan and again in the Virgin Islands for a humanitarian mission.
He left early
Some of us never get the chance to perform pioneering actions or save our fellow soldiers through movie-worthy acts of bravery. Sergeant Nicole Gee is one of too many service members whose full heroism has never been allowed to flourish.
Sergeant G was one of 13 people taken from us during the suicide attacks at Kabul International Airport during the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This uniformed woman has been immortalized in photographs holding an Afghan child in an attempt to protect and comfort him. She was a heroine who was taken from us too soon and forgotten just as quickly by the administration that condemned her and her fellow service members to an untimely death.
RELATED: Why This Military Family Will Never Raise Their Right Hands Again
The world was better with her in it, and although her service was short, it did not make her any less military brave than her fellow service members.
Latest thoughts
I was and still am proud to wear the military uniform and serve my country with distinction and honor. I endured many of the same hardships as my female service colleagues.
With each rank I rose, it often became very difficult for my fellow leaders in the room to not view me as the “leader” in the room but to view me as their equal and they had to keep their eyes open because I was often quicker on my feet than most of them. Which makes me no more special than the next service member, as I endured sexual harassment and survived sexual assault during my time in uniform.
While women face different barriers and obstacles than men, what makes us unique is not our genetic makeup but the strength of our character. This trait can be found in anyone, regardless of gender.
It was and probably still is difficult to be a woman in the military. Now imagine how difficult it must be for women in the military when men are allowed to say they are women and belittle the true greats of military history.
To all my fellow women in uniform past, present and future…thank you for your service, give 'em hell, ladies.
It's time to support and share the sources you trust.
The Policy Insider ranks third on Feedspot's “Top 100 Political Blogs and Websites” list.
