Luke Air Force Base Thunderbolts celebrated women’s history by attending a Women’s History Month observance luncheon March 9 at Club Five Six.
This year’s theme is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”
“The theme is meaningful because it acknowledges barriers are being broken and women are holding more positions of power,” said Senior Airman Kelli Lemons, 56th Aerospace Medical Squadron public health technician. “Women in positions of power are inspirational and offer other women a different perspective.”
The event began with the singing of the national anthem by Senior Airmen Tatiana Short, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions inspector, and Moriah Farnam, 56th Communications Squadron administrative specialist.
The attendees answered woman’s history trivia questions and observed a tribute to the achievements of women around the world. Luncheons usually feature a guest speaker, but the Women’s History Month committee put on a performance showcasing influential and powerful women of the past.
Four female Thunderbolts, dressed as historic figures, re-enacted influential moments in history of the character they were playing.
“The four historic figures were Mary Edwards Walker played by Tech. Sgt. Anna Garza, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Sacajawea played by Emily Kay, 56th EMS; Malala Yousafzai played by Col. Ida McDonald, 56th Medical Group, and Rosa Parks played by Staff Sgt. Shana Adams, 56th MDG,” Lemons said. “Each of the figures had a musical intro, making it a unique experience. I thought they did really well, and it was an important event to showcase each individual’s history and importance to American society.”
The Thunderbolt performers said they enjoyed the experience and learned something new about each person portrayed.
“Playing Sacajawea was a huge learning experience for me,” said Senior Airman Emily Akay, 56th EMS metals technology journeyman. “I knew the basics that she was a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark, but I had no idea how much she had endured before the journey even began. I believe woman’s history is important to acknowledge, because without the accomplishments of these women, I probably wouldn’t have become a welder and machinist in the military.”
For more than 30 years, the U.S. government has declared the month of March as Women’s History Month.