Women’s History Month offers chance to look back, move forward

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As the country celebrates Women's History Month, the most significant change for women in the military comes down to the uniform they wear and the mission that comes with that uniform.

"In my service, it's clearly that women are in the cockpit," said Marine Col. Laura Sampsel, 33rd Maintenance Group commander. "The biggest change is women in flightsuits, and I love it."

More than 1,000 Women's Air Force Service Pilots served in World War II; however, the women were not considered military pilots until 1977 when Congress declared they were veterans, according to an American Forces Press Service article. The Army and Navy's first female military pilots began flying in 1974. The first female pilot in Marine Corps history was Maj. Sarah M. Deal in 1995. The Air Force permitted female pilots to enter pilot training in 1976 and fighter pilot training in 1993.

The 26-year veteran remembers only a few years ago thanking a female captain for being an "inspiration." The young pilot could not understand the reason a then lieutenant colonel would be shaking her hand.

"She couldn't understand why it was so significant because those who've grown up with those rights, don't understand how much of an achievement it is," Colonel Sampsel said. "There have been some significant changes in how women help the Marine Corps."

Included in those changes is the ability of women to progress in the on the ground as well as in the air.

The group the colonel commands is responsible for the bed-down and operational readiness of the three variants of the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 aircraft. The primary mission is to enable the production of pilots and maintainers for future training and combat units.

"Right now, the most significant thing we are doing is building those elements for success, an organizational structure that will transfer into a safe environment for everyone," Colonel Sampsel said.

Colonel Sampsel received her commission in 1983 after graduating from Vanderbilt University and became a Marine for the challenge.

"They offered me nothing and expected everything," said the colonel, who later earned two master's degrees.

Her background reaches into four services. She grew up around Marine aviation, she was embedded with the Navy, graduated from the Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and deployed with the Army.

"I have seen the power of what every service brings to the front," Colonel Sampsel said. "I smile at the rivals, because they are constructive in nature and bring together the power of the nation."

When asked about her idea of leadership, the colonel, who will eventually lead three joint squadrons, said it is far more than inspiring words.

"[Leadership] is simply not to inspire," she said, "but to move people toward that singular objective, unwavered by risks or challenges. Often it is being smart enough to know when to get out of the way of genius!"

Some of the challenges the colonel sees for females in today's military are tougher than those in the past.

"I thought it was tough when I was young, but today's operations tempo makes it even tougher," said the married, mother of two. "In the last eight years, I saw young women getting out. I grow concerned and frustrated that often their male and female leadership didn't fight hard to challenge why they are getting out compared to their male counterparts. Leaders must listen first and then work to enable options. We need to retain quality."

The colonel had some straightforward advice for today's military woman.

"My advice to women today is to go after every single opportunity, swim fast and no matter how challenging, never let them see you sweat," Colonel Sampsel said. "Every single act you do will be watched, so be careful who you befriend. If confronted by passive-aggressive or sexist behavior, do not tolerate and get in their face. I learned this lesson late and regret it. Finally, have fun. There will be many non 'fun' days; yet, always rewarding."

President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation recognizing Women's History Week in 1980, and the week was expanded to the entire month of March seven years later, according to the National Women's History Project Web site. The theme for the 30thNational Women's History Month is "Writing Women Back into History."

"From reaching for the ballot box to breaking barriers on athletic fields and battlefields, American women have stood resolute in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles to realize their full measure of success ," according to the 2010 Presidential Proclamation. "Women's History Month is an opportunity for us to recognize the contributions women have made to our nation, and to honor those who blazed trails for women's empowerment and equality."

Eglin officials plan a variety events to include an art and essay contest at Eglin Elementary, women's mentoring forum, a tea with a guest speaker and more. To sign up for the events or learn more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Jill Shackelford at jill.shackleford@eglin.af.mil.