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In honor of Veteran's Day, we thought we'd share this TWM Spring 2008 eNewsletter article where we reviewed our special TWM Signature Panel Series event marking the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq featuring women who had recently served in our armed forces both there and in Afghanistan. You can read about the event itself in more detail as it was featured in Women's eNews, on Divine Caroline and TWM's Inspirer Newsletter.
Tuesday, March
11th, 2008
Our panelists left to right: First Lieutenant Jennifer Karakat (Army), Sergeant Chrissy DeCaprio (Marines), Sergeant Carolyn Schapper (Army); Specialist Petty
Officer Emily Stroia (Navy), Staff
Sergeant Luz Gonzalez (Army) and
our moderator Adaora Udoji, co-host of The Takeaway on WNYC/PRI
On Tuesday, March 11th TWM brought together a diverse panel of
women who have served in the armed forces for an intimate look at the
military culture from a female perspective, exploring the issues that
these women have had to deal with abroad, and how they have been able to
integrate and re-adjust back to their life at home. Thanks to
all who participated in this conversation!
Below you can read some of the responses from those
who attended and link to published articles about it as well.
My Life as a Female
Soldier in Iraq is by far one of the best programs I've ever attended. Not only
was I able to develop a greater appreciation for these women as strong,
competent role models, but the personal tone was much more refreshing than the
usual political one. Even when questions were posed that might at first seem
political were really still about the women's personal experiences and the
thoughts they have about the lives of their fellow soldiers. - Sally M.
This
event was excellent. I thought that it would be anti-American and a lot
of griping - but instead I took away a feeling of admiration and
respect for these women. The format gave both speakers and audience a chance to
participate. It was very enlightening - Great job! - Carol Anne P.
The opportunity to hear women of
such varied backgrounds was really eye-opening. - Linda K.
I just
wanted to send out a small note expressing how touched I was last night. I
found myself reflecting on my grandmother throughout the whole evening -
she served in the military in the
1940's during World War II, where she met and married my grandfather, who was
in the military as well. Last night, I looked at the women who serve
today, and the struggles they encounter and barriers they conquer. It made
me so proud of what my grandmother had accomplished. I look back on what a
strong a women she must have been to serve when
it was extremely uncommon
for women to enlist; I also realized how far women have come in
society, and how much further we still have to go. - Lisette M.
it was extremely uncommon
for women to enlist; I also realized how far women have come in
society, and how much further we still have to go. - Lisette M.
I am honored to be my mother's
child, who served as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army as a nurse. Seeing
her struggles and what she went through to become the success she is today has
influenced me to be the woman I strive to be, or at least half of what my
mother is. That said, having the opportunity to sit on a panel and speak
openly and honestly about my own experiences in the military has made me
realize that sharing our stories allows us to speak of our shining
moments. SSG Luz Gonzalez and I spoke of who and what we would be if it
were not for the military and I felt such a connection with her (and the other
women, who I could not be more in awe of). I knew I was meant to meet her
and relate to her and vice versa. - Jenny K.
While
most of the mainstream media continue to focus on scandals and corruption, it
was a welcome relief to see and hear from some of the women who have lived
un-glamorous and dangerous lives in service to this country. Regardless of how
any of us feel about the War in Iraq, it is important to have events like
"My Life as a Female Soldier in Iraq" to remember and honor that
small, but significant minority of women who continue to change attitudes about
gender in the U.S. military. - Pauline
K.
TO READ MORE
ABOUT THIS EVENT:
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