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FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) here hosted the 2021 annual Women’s Equality Day observance on Aug. 26 at Fitch Auditorium in Alvarado Hall.
Carolyn Umphrey, Sierra Vista city council member and keynote speaker, discussed how women’s roles have changed throughout the years and the continued importance of breaking down gender norms.
The presentation began with opening remarks from Lt. Col. Marie Carmona, commander, Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center, on the importance of the 19th Amendment and that the fight for equality continues to this day.
“Today we commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the constitution, this amendment changed federal law and the landscape of the American electorate forever,” Carmona said. “While women won the legal recognition as equal citizens, the fight for equality continues.”
Following the opening remarks, Sgt. Tiffany Curiel read the Women’s Equality Day Proclamation signed by Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence & Fort Huachuca; Command Sgt. Maj. Warren K. Robinson; and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Aaron H. Anderson.
The proclamation stated leaders, civilians and Soldiers need to continue to acknowledge the equal voice women have in society and the Army, and to continue to strive for equality.
“Fort Huachuca and the United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence acknowledge the struggles of women and applaud their successes,” Curiel read. “Our Amy cannot progress forward without the progressions and equality of each demographic, women included.”
The proclamation continued saying we need to continue to put people first by respecting women, their struggles and ability to succeed.
“The U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca are proud to honor the history and contributions of women in our community, our Army and our nation,” Curiel read.
After the reading of the proclamation, Umphrey began her speech by talking about all the great work previous men and women did in the fight for equality, but she made sure to point out there is still more work that needs to be done.
“While we’ve accomplished great things on the road to full equality, we know from countless anecdotes and statistics that the fight is not yet over,” Umphrey said. “There’s still so much room for growth that lifts women of all colors and classes.”
One of the ways Umphrey suggested making a change is by noticing the way one thinks, talks and acts with each other. There are subtleties in our everyday lives that all people are responsible for and in some cases do not realize they are doing it, she said.
Umphrey also shared that laws and regulations are not the way to create equality, but it does help create a path to equality. To achieve real equality, people need to demonstrate it through their actions, thoughts and words, she elaborated.
“What might feel like small scale gestures, really add up over time,” Umphrey said. “It’s important as we leave here to take time throughout our day to not only appreciate all the hardworking men and women who made sacrifices to be where we are, but also to acknowledge all of the work that’s still needed to realize full equality.”
The council member concluded her presentation by saying everyone has the power and responsibility to address equality in the subtleties of our everyday lives and in learning how to talk to our children regarding these issues.
“I know all of you here have the courage to recognize and challenge your own assumptions when it comes to gender roles,” Umphrey said.
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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 964 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.
Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.
We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.
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