Women’s History Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexi Bosarge
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. –The first female recruit, Esther Blake, joined the United States Air Force, July 8, 1948, leading the way for countless women in the future.

The month of March is designated as Women’s History Month in recognition of women like Blake, who have left an everlasting impact on the military and the world.

Women’s History Month commemorates women and the female Airmen who have contributed to the Air Force throughout its history. Women across all military branches have been paving the way for future female members since the first women joined the U.S. military in 1917, before women were even allowed to vote.

“Since the beginning of time, women have always been influencing our world, and Women’s History Month gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of women,” said Col. Emily Farkas, 22nd Maintenance Group commander. “Through the generations, the impacts of women were not told due to societal norms at that time and dedicating the effort to know these women’s stories is just as important as knowing the influences of men.”

Since the beginning of Women’s History Month in 1987, there have been countless achievements and sacrifices of women across all branches of the military. Farkas honored those like Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, Security Forces patrolman, who was the first of many women to give her life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It’s an honor to walk in the footsteps of past female Airmen that have fought the hard battles on our behalf,” said Farkas. “I want to make them proud.”

Highlighting all of the accomplishments and sacrifices of women past and present no matter how small, opens up possibilities for the future generation of female Airmen everywhere.

According to the DOD women only account for 20.9 percent of the Total Air Force, but with recent openings of all Air Force specialty codes, young women now have to opportunity to serve in any career field they see fit.