In commemoration of Women’s History Month, making up this collage are female leaders and pioneers in their field and Service and many are also NNOA members.
Above is the Answer Key for the Women’s History Month Collage. I implore you to take the time to research these remarkable and inspiring leaders. Don’t know where you are going if you don’t know the people who opened these doors that you now walk through.
On March 24, 2023, the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and the President of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation presented medals to its 2023 Distinguished Graduate Awardees (DGA) at Alumni Hall at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Notably, three of the five awardees are longtime NNOA members whose servant leadership continues to strengthen our Nation, our Naval Services, and our Association. NNOA DGAs for this year are:
Other awardees include:
On behalf of NNOA, congratulations to each of you and may God continue to bless all that you do!
Cedric E. Pringle
RDML USN (Retired)
President NNOA
The past 50 years has seen a great many firsts for women in the U.S. Military, with many more barriers and ceilings to be pushed through and eclipsed. All Services, except the Marine Corps, have promoted a woman to 4-Stars, with the Coast Guard being the first of the Services to have a female Service Chief, Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan.
Since this nation’s infancy, women have played vital roles in shaping this nation and the U.S. military. During this month, we ask for a moment to reflect upon the contributions women have made and celebrate their many accomplishments.
At the infancy of this nation, though not able to openly serve in the US Military, numerous women served on the battlefield, in supporting roles, like carrying water. During the Revolutionary
War, inspired by different combat actions of these water bearers, they became a composite folk hero, infamously referred to as “Molly Pitcher”. Some, like Margaret Corbin and Deborah Sampson served as soldiers in the Continental Army, on the front lines, by disguising themselves as men.
Over the next 240 years, civil and equal rights for women opened the doors and expanded opportunities for women in the military. WWI, would be the first time women (who still could not vote), were allowed to serve openly in the U.S. Military. The Navy enlisted approximately 12,000
“Yeomanettes”, to fill non-combatant personnel gaps. WWII saw more of the same roles for women, but was the first time enlisted women served in all U.S. military branches.
During the Korean War positive change continued, when the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act officially allowed women to serve as full and permanent members of the U.S. military. Not truly a full equality statute, it also limited women to 2% for each service; they could not command men; nor serve in combat roles; and required automatic discharge for pregnancy. This 2% limitation was finally repealed in 1967, during the Vietnam War, along with breaking the promotion glass ceiling, by allowing women to be promoted to General and Flag Officer ranks. The first women flag and general officers of the Sea Services:
The next major battlefront for equality was to open all jobs to women, including combat arms. During the Gulf War, more than 40,000 women served in combat zones, although still not able to serve in direct combat. Inching closer in 1994, all positions, except for direct ground combat were opened to women. In 2015, all restrictions to women in combat were finally lifted, as well.
Women have served this nation’s military, officially and unofficially, since its humble beginnings. Their service and contributions remain an essential element of this nation’s success. The National Naval Officers Association, Inc. proudly salutes the military service and sacrifice of these outstanding and pioneering women.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Currently in the Christian faith, we are in a season known as Lent. Lent is historically a mourning period as we anticipate the death of Jesus. It begins 46 days prior to Easter on a Wednesday known as Ash Wednesday because during Biblical times wearing ashes was a sign of mourning. Ash Wednesday is preceded by Shrove Tuesday, which is known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras represents the final party and indulgence of our flesh before we enter the mourning and self-denial period of Lent.
During Lent we are encouraged to fast and pray as we prepare for the death of Jesus. Christians are also encouraged to be more intentional in our studies and devotions. Lent ends on or around Easter, depending on your tradition. Most people give up certain foods, television, social media, or music. While others commit to reading the Bible faithfully or volunteering more during Lent.
While Lent may be a traditionally Christian observation, the principles of fasting and self-denial can be applied to anyone. We can all benefit from a period of abstaining from unhealthy habits, addictions, and distractions to focus and gain clarity on our life’s direction. During this time of Lent, I encourage all to stop and think about the things distracting us and use this period to refrain from them. Take the next 40 days to focus on an area that needs improvement and see how much you have changed by the end. The results will amaze you!