CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
Throughout history, women have driven humanity forward, and fought tirelessly to broaden our democracy’s reach and help perfect our Nation and our State. This is especially true for the talented and dedicated women of the West Virginia National Guard.
Since 1956 when women first became permanent members of the National Guard, each female who has served has brought and offered the very best of themselves to further our mission and have added their unique talents and skill sets to our organization. They have brought strength, valor, passion, grace under fire, vision, and leadership. They have stood shoulder to shoulder through strife and struggle - driving, shooting, and flying their way to success after success, mission after mission. They are our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, and we owe them our gratitude, our respect, and our appreciation.
From before the Revolutionary War when women supported our fledgling Nation and military as nurses, seamstresses, cooks and spies, to today where they proudly serve as lawyers, doctors, pilots, and in every facet of military service, women have left an indelible mark on our heritage and history. More than 1.5 million women veterans live among us today, with more than 200,000 women currently serving on active duty, and more than 151,000 in the Reserve Component and National Guard. More than 900 female Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors have been wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 89 have made the ultimate sacrifice.
As we enter into Women’s History Month, I cannot begin to express how proud I am to serve beside such capable, committed, and courageous women as we have in the West Virginia National Guard. You are the very best of us, and I am honored to stand with you in defense of this great Nation and in service to this great State.