Seymour Johnson teams up for Women’s equality

In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, members of Team Seymour hosted a 5k walk, August 25, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The 19th Amendment was successfully passed with the help of the Women’s Suffrage movement as well as the Women’s rights convention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Boyton)

Seymour Johnson teams up for Women’s equality

Members of Team Seymour prepare for the start of a 5k walk for Women’s Equality Day, August 25, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Women’s Equality Day was established to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Boyton)

Seymour Johnson teams up for Women’s equality

Tech Sgt. Jason White, 4th Communication Squadron quality assurance NCO in charge, reads a poster during the Women’s Equality Day 5k walk, August 25, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The walk helps educate participants on the history of inequality of women. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Boyton)

Seymour Johnson teams up for Women’s equality

Published Aug. 25, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Miranda A. Loera
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --

There was once a time when women could not participate in a basic act of freedom … being heard.

Health care, decent work, education and representation in economic and political decision making was not tangible for women as well. Wanting a change, women banned together for the Women’s Suffrage movement.

Leading them were Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth. This began in the first women’s right convention in 1848. By allowing their voices to be heard, the 19th Amendment was adopted on August 26, 1920, and a major milestone was overcome as a nation. With Women’s Equality Day being on a Saturday, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base celebrated the historical time a day early with a 5K run/walk.

Tech. Sgt. Stacey Carpenter, 4th Logistic Readiness Squadron individual protective equipment NCO in charge, was part of the committee who assembled the event.

“The day before, we were passing out flyers,” said Carpenter. “We made about 200 flyers and passed them out at our main gate. On the flyers was information about women’s suffrage, passing of the 19th Amendment, and educating patrons around base about this special occasion.”

The run/walk was created so at each quarter mile, posters with educational information along with different stories on women overcoming inequality were posted.

“I ran this 5K because I feel it is important to spread awareness on Women’s Equality,” said Airman Basic Charles Boner, 4th Communication Squadron cyber security technician. “This run is important, and I know that if [Women’s Equality] was not the reason I came out, I would not be as motivated as I was.”

This day is not just an opportunity to honor a major breakthrough for our nation, it’s also a day to honor the women of Seymour Johnson who continue to be successful. From airmen to chief master sergeants and commanders, this base strives with diversity.

“As an Airman and a Squadron commander, I recognize my responsibility to value, encourage, and prepare ALL of my Airman regardless of gender, race, color and religious background for the challenges ahead and to become better versions of themselves,” said Major Christina Perez, 4th Communications Squadron commander. “I’m truly blessed to be a part of this Air Force team who values equality, dignity and respect.”