Ceremony spotlights Air Force women, support for mission

2nd Lt. Rebekah Magness, 88th Security Forces Squadron section commander, leads the flight during the first women-lead retreat at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base March 2. It is the flight commander’s duty to give commands, such as when to salute and when to order arms during the ceremony and to dismiss them when it is completed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Emily Rupert)

2nd Lt. Rebekah Magness, 88th Security Forces Squadron section commander, leads the flight during the first women-lead retreat at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base March 2. It is the flight commander’s duty to give commands, such as when to salute and when to order arms during the ceremony and to dismiss them when it is completed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Emily Rupert)
Local News
By Laura McGowan
March 13, 2020
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Wright-Patterson Air Force Base kicked off Women’s History Month with its first women’s-led retreat ceremony at the Air Force Materiel Command flagpole March 2.

There were about 50 military and civilian employees at the retreat ceremony, including the retreat detail, the Air Force Band of Flight and flag-folding military members. The base chose this opportunity to highlight Air Force women and how they continue to support the Air Force mission every day.

One of the youngest participants in the retreat was Airman Jasmine Whitner.

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“There isn’t anything quite like that moment retreat plays, and the base pauses,” Whitner. “It is a moment you can’t help but reflect in. In that pause, the weight of those that have come before presses. It is a strange mix of excitement, gratitude and many other emotions. The gratitude for those that have come before us is overwhelming and in that same moment I am optimistically excited for what will be accomplished in the future.”

Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, was in attendance and spoke to the flight members immediately following the retreat, letting them know how proud he was for their service and participation in our first women’s-led retreat.

“Our team did a wonderful job [with] honoring our country and kicking off Women’s History Month,” Sherman said. “Proud of you!”

There are several other events during the month where base members can register to participate. All events require advance RSVP.

* There will be a guest speaker, Chief Master Sgt. Tamar Dennis, Air University command chief, at the “Equali-tea” luncheon March 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

* Women’s self-defense class at Wright Field Fitness Center March 27, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

* 3 on 3 basketball tournament March 27 for 18+, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

All events require pre-registration at https://cs2.eis.af.mil/sites/er/0696/SitePages/Home.aspx.

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About the Author

Laura McGowan