MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Pacific military installations are honoring women in their midst and those who have made a difference in the world during Women’s History Month in March. The National Women’s History Project has set this year’s theme as “Women Change America,” but some bases are tailoring that message to their own communities.
At Misawa Air Base in northern Japan, the Women Change Misawa Recognition Program is intended to recognize and honor women in the community whose actions, contributions or accomplishments have changed Misawa, according to Maj. Jody Ocker, the base’s Women’s History Month project officer.
The program’s five categories are enlisted, officer, civilian, Japanese-national and — new this year — youth-nominated.
Since the Defense Department’s 2005 theme for all observances and outreach activities is inspiring excellence in youth, “we really would like to encourage our middle- and high-school students to nominate a woman who is particularly inspirational to them or they feel has a big effect on their life or community,” Ocker said. “It can be their mom, their teacher, their babysitter — it really can be anybody.”
Nominations are due by March 9. You can obtain a nomination form by e-mailing either naoko.miura@misawa.af.mil or queena.roberts@misawa.af.mil.
The winners will be recognized at a Women’s History Observance Luncheon on March 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Tohoku Enlisted Club ballroom. The luncheon’s guest speaker will be Maj. Gen. Barbara C. Brannon, the Air Force’s top nurse and the first nurse corps officer to earn two stars, Ocker said.
Women's History Month events
Okinawa
Kadena Air Base:
March 9: Kickoff breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the NCO Club ballroomMarch 17: Brown-bag lunch and women’s health forum at 11:30 a.m. in the Officers’ Club Daedalian RoomMarch 25: 5K fun run beginning at 8 a.m. at Risner GymMarch 30: Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the NCO Club ballroomFor more information, e-mail Capt. Shuree Gillespie at: shuree.gillespie@kadena.af.mil or Lt. Megan Kranenburg at: megan.kranenburg@kadena.af.mil.
Japan
Misawa Air Base
During the first week of March, Chelei Child Development Center and pupils in third through sixth grades will write letters to deployed troops from and to Misawa Air Base.March 9: Cake-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Misawa main base exchange foyer. Col. Don Weckhorst, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, will make a few remarks.March 11: Story time at Sollars and Cummings elementary schools. High-school drama students will research and portray important women in history. For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Tracy Marcinowski at: tracy.marcinowski@ misawa.af.mil.March 16: Observance luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Tohoku Enlisted Club ballroom. Tickets are $11 for club members, $13 for non-club members. Sign up through first sergeants or Women’s History Month committee members by March 11.March 26: 5K run 8 a.m. at Potter Fitness Center. Registration fee of $8 includes T-shirt and post-race snack. Participants may register at the cake-cutting ceremony, the observance luncheon or on race day at 7:30 a.m. at the fitness center. Awards go to top three male and female finishers.March 26: Health, Wellness and Information Fair from 8 a.m. to noon at Potter Fitness Center. Private organizations are invited to set up information or fund-raising booths with primary focus on women’s health and wellness.Camp Zama
March 18: A Women’s History Month Observance will be held at the Camp Zama Community Cultural Center from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call DSN 263-5008 for details.Naval Air Facility Atsugi
March 28: The Fleet Family Support Center is holding a workshop called “Women Going Places-Careers,” with seminars on resume writing, interviewing techniques and dressing for success. Call DSN 264-3628 for information.Yokosuka Naval Base
March 5: Women’s History Month 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. at Negishi All-Hands’ Club. Register by Tuesday. Event is free and open to all regular ID card holders and their guests.March 11: Women’s History Month 3K Run/Walk at 11:30 a.m. in front of Thew Gym. Bring a friend to this free event and both of you receive a free aerobics class. Call DSN 241-4486 for details.March 17: Officers’ Club-sponsored appreciation luncheon.Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
March 29: Second annual International Women’s Day Event from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., ending with a march to Building One.South Korea
Camp Casey
March 8: The USO holds a luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day. The USO is inviting female U.S. and Republic of Korea soldiers to meet and enjoy lunch together. 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the USO. For more information, call DSN 730-4466.Osan Air Base
