Video: Columbus Air Force Base Celebrates Women’s History Month

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – This month we continue to spotlight women who’ve made a difference in honor of Women’s History month. Since 1775, women have been a part of the United States military. Today a special luncheon was held at the Columbus Air Force base to recognize women who serve and their contributions.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the 14th Flying Training Wing at the Columbus Air Force Base celebrated the lives of women who’ve made an impact.

“It’s so empowering to see a lieutenant colonel or chief master sargent in the Air Force as a woman of any nationality. Just showing that power and that they understand their power in the Air Force or any military branch,” says Brittney Odom, a Senior Airman at the base.

Guest speakers included Major Valarie Ferrara, Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Harwood, Chief Master Sergeant Brandi Thomas and Master Sergeant Nesha Willis. Women have served in the United States Air Force since 1942.

“If everybody thought the same way or felt the same way, we would never be looking for a new way to go about business. So it’s just great this month to be able to celebrate the viewpoint that women bring to the Air Force and the military in general and the contributions that they’ve made in supporting roles and combat roles,” says Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Harwood, the 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Commander.

Chief Master Sergeant Rita Felton says they’re all following in the footsteps of brave women who came before them.

“We have seven AFSCs, those are different jobs and positions, that women were not able to be held by women. As of this year, all of those seven will be included. So we’ve come a long way and we still have a long way to go,” says Chief Master Sergeant Rita Felton.

Women make up 19% of all Air Force military personnel and 30% of civilian personnel. Today over 60,000 women are actively serving in the Air Force, including over 700 female pilots.