The Flagpole e-Newsletter |
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U.S. Army Women's Foundation
Honor ~ Empower ~ Connect
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April is the Month of the Military Child |
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April is designated the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for their daily sacrifices and overcoming challenges. Each year, the Department of Defense joins national, state, and local governments, schools, military-serving organizations, companies, and private citizens to celebrate military children and their sacrifices.
The Army Women's Foundation recognizes Army children through our Legacy Scholarship Program. Since the AWF Legacy Scholarship program's inception, we have awarded scholarships to 131 lineal descendants of Army Women.
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AWF-Trident University Scholarship Applications are OPEN! |
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The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Scholarship Program in partnership with Trident University International provides full-ride scholarships to women soldiers, past and present, to help them attain their educational goals. Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The Trident University Scholarship Program will provide up to six full-ride scholarships for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Scholarships are awarded only for coursework from Trident University International. |
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Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, letters of recommendation, and need. Trident University International grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website, and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met. For more information on the scholarship, visit https://www.awfdn.org/scholarships/awf-trident/ or contact Beth Spitzley at bspitsley@awfdn.org.
The deadline for applications is July 25, 2024.
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During Women's History Month, the U.S. Army Women's Foundation celebrated the 2024 Annual Scholarship Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The Keynote Speaker was Major General Hope C. Rampy, Director, Military Personnel Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. The Foundation awarded scholarships to Army women and their lineal descendants and inducted the 2024 class of Army Women into the U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame. We are grateful to our donors and corporate sponsors who helped ensure a remarkable event! |
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The Army Women's Foundation Class of 2024 Hall of Fame gathered together during their March 21, 2024 Induction Ceremony. From left bottom row: LTG(R) Kathleen M. Gainey, MG Janeen L. Birckhead, MG(R) Tammy S. Smith, BG(R) Maureen K. LeBoeuf, BG(R) Belinda H. Pinkney, LTC(R) Patricia Jackson-Kelley. From left top row: CW5 Yolondria Dixon-Carter, CSM(R) Donna A. Brock, Ms. Lucy C. Del Gaudio, SFC Latoya Greene, Ms. Phyllis Abbott. |
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Keynote Speaker BG Hope C. Rampy, Director, Military Personnel Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, provides uplifting remarks to the audience during the 16th Annual Scholarship Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
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Scholarship award recipients and the Class of 2024 Hall of Fame Members participate in a cake-cutting ceremony with the Foundation's First Vice President, CSM (Ret) Cindy Pritchett, and Programs Chair, COL (Ret) Walt Gunning. |
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Meet the Class of 2024
Hall of Fame and Champions
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Lieutenant General Kathleen M. Gainey
U.S. Army, Retired
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Lieutenant General Kathleen Gainey is a distinguished Army leader, mentor, and role model. Throughout her 35-year career in the Army, General Gainey helped break barriers in positions previously not held by women. She was the first woman to command a Transportation Heavy Boat Company in the 45th Support Group. She was the third woman to be promoted to lieutenant general in the U.S. Army and the first female to be selected to serve as the J4 on the Chairman’s Joint Staff where she streamlined guidance for the departure of forces from Iraq and established an Interagency Logistics Council. She served as Deputy Commander, United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Kathleen Gainey continues to serve and mentor the military, civilian, and veteran community in her role as the Senior Mentor for the Female Mentoring and Morale Program.
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Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, U.S. Army |
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Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard and former Deputy Commandant for Reserve Affairs at the U.S. Army War College, has made exceptional contributions to empowering Army women. Through scholarships, grants, and educational programs, she has provided access to quality education for girls and women of color. As a mentor, she fosters confidence and leadership skills among aspiring female leaders. Major General Birckhead leads workshops and passionately advocates for policies that promote gender equality and protect women's rights. Her swift response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mobilizing over 1,500 Soldiers for support, demonstrates her operational prowess. Throughout her life, MG Birckhead has demonstrated a profound impact on women and the broader community, on and off duty. |
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Major General Tammy S. Smith, U.S. Army, Retired |
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Major General Tammy S. Smith, D.M., served 35 years, leading and blazing trails in the Army. As the first female Deputy Commanding General of the Eighth Army in Korea, she led with distinction during heightened tensions, orchestrating the operational plan to evacuate U.S. Nationals amidst rising danger from North Korea. Her adept coordination of logistics and interagency efforts exponentially enhanced the potential success of evacuating over 200,000 Americans. Internationally recognized for her advocacy in diversity and inclusion, Major General Smith tirelessly champions these causes through her courageous example and activism, advising, and testifying. Her enduring commitment to advocate for fellow Service Members, together with her leadership, inspires future generations of Soldiers, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the Army. |
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Brigadier General Belinda H. Pinckney, U.S. Army, Retired |
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Brigadier General Belinda H. Pinckney is a trailblazer and role model achieving many firsts during her 34-year career in the Army, including being the first woman to be promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army Finance Corps’ 248-year history, and the first woman to command the Army's Family, Morale, Recreation, and Welfare Command. Brigadier General Pinckney commanded at all levels with distinction, and throughout her service was a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, providing mentorship to all and serving as the epitome of thoughtful, caring, and mission-focused leadership. As the Army's Chief Diversity Officer, she recommended strategies and policies to Army leadership which are still being used today. Her service and commitment to others continue into retirement where she volunteers on various boards for veterans’ organizations honoring service and ensuring fair treatment and a level playing field for all. |
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Lieutenant Colonel Patricia Jackson-Kelley
U.S. Army, Retired
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Lieutenant Colonel Patricia Jackson-Kelley epitomizes extraordinary service and dedication to veterans. As the former national president of the National Association of Black Women Military, she championed the rights of women veterans, leading to unprecedented progress in support systems nationwide. Her leadership resulted in vital programs, increased funds, and comprehensive care guidelines, significantly improving the lives of countless women in the military. Patricia's commitment to collaboration was evident in quarterly meetings with community providers, ensuring evolving needs were met. Her role as a catalyst for positive change was underscored by her appointment to the Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention Task Force by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Patricia Jackson-Kelley's exemplary service stands as a testament to her legacy as a trailblazer in veteran support and advocacy.
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Chief Warrant Officer Five Yolondria Dixon-Carter
U.S. Army
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Chief Warrant Officer Five Yolondria Dixon-Carter is a transformative leader who served five combat deployments and has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as the Senior Warrant Officer Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army. A fierce advocate for women's advancement in the Army, she has long championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, fearlessly speaking truth to power to ensure all voices are heard. Her transparent leadership style inspires trust and confidence among Soldiers and leaders alike. Beyond her military service, she dedicates herself to community service, actively contributing to organizations such as Top Ladies of Distinction and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
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CSM Donna A. Brock, U.S. Army, Retired |
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Command Sergeant Major Donna A. Brock's 35-year Army career exemplifies groundbreaking achievements and unwavering dedication to soldiers and families. Serving as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, and Regimental Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Medical Command, she broke barriers by being part of the first all-woman leadership team at the top of the medical field. Her leadership and advocacy played a crucial role in addressing the complexities of combatting a two-front war while delivering exceptional healthcare to soldiers, families, retirees, and veterans. Donna remains active in leader development, coaching over 700 senior Army and civilian leaders and facilitating 250 seminars. As a Community Coach for Together With Veterans, she assists rural communities in establishing grassroots suicide prevention and education programs. Donna's commitment to service through teaching, coaching, and mentoring serves as a legacy of leadership and advocacy, inspiring countless individuals.
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Ms. Lucy C. Del Gaudio, U.S. Army Veteran |
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U.S. Army Veteran Lucy Del Gaudio is an extraordinary leader whose advocacy and unwavering commitment to reforming military policies have left an indelible mark on the armed services. In 2020, she was part of the "grassroots" movement that spearheaded efforts to overhaul Army sexual harassment and misconduct policies, leading the #MeTooMilitaryMovement. Her pivotal testimony before the House Armed Services Committee shed light on systemic sexual harassment and perceived retaliation, resulting in tangible reforms in the armed services. Recognized for her exemplary leadership, she was appointed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murray to the New Jersey Commission for Women Veterans, and by the Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to the Veterans Affairs Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention Workgroup. Lucy has volunteered for the Pink Berets and Minority Veterans of America. Ms Del Gaudio's leadership will continue to impact the future of the Army and the entire defense community. |
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Sergeant First Class Latoya Greend, U.S. Army |
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Sergeant First Class Latoya Greene championed on behalf of Army women and men to change AR 600-9 height, weight, and body composition standards. As an influential figure in the fitness industry and a mentor, Sergeant First Class Greene utilized her substantial social media following to generate awareness regarding the U.S. Army's guidelines on height, weight, and body composition as outlined in AR 600-9. Determined to make a change, she launched a campaign to challenge an outdated policy and to promote diversity within the Army. As a direct result of her unwavering efforts, significant progress has been achieved in the pursuit of fair and inclusive standards to accommodate individuals with higher levels of muscle mass. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, bravery, and steadfast commitment to equality and inclusivity have left an enduring mark on the U.S. Army. |
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Ms. Phyllis Abbot, Veteran Advocate |
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Ms. Phyllis Abbott is the Founder and Board Member of Lady Veterans Connect, a service organization in central Kentucky that assists female veterans in transitional support to prevent homelessness. Her extraordinary leadership and commitment to veterans enabled the opening of two transitional healing homes in Kentucky for female veterans. These homes have been a life-changing event for many homeless women Veterans. Ms. Abbott’s exceptional leadership and selfless service, supporting and assisting women veterans, continues to make an indelible impact on women veterans’ lives and their futures. |
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APRIL's
Female Mentoring and Moral Program (FMMP)
Thursday, April 25, 2024
1800-1930 ET
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The FMMP Executive Board would like to sincerely thank those who joined us for our FMMP 4-Year Anniversary Month Celebration. This 2-part celebration brought together our awesome Army senior leadership, who reminisced about all the positive changes the FMMP has helped Army units and organizations make since it was first launched on 6 Mar 2020.
In Part 1 of our Anniversary Month Celebration, we hosted General Officers, Senior Warrant Officers, NCOs, and Civilian Aides to the SECARMY (CASAs) who shared how they watched the FMMP grow from our very first chapter at Fort Gregg-Adams, to the now over 39+ current and pending FMMP chapters around the Army. In Part 2 of our celebration, we had the honor of learning about the personal journey of our 10th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Hon. Tanya Bradsher. Hearing her story from her days as a combat veteran to becoming the first and most senior female in the Department of Veterans Affairs, captivated us all and motivated the attendees to continue striving to reach their full potential.
The outpouring of program support from this 2-part event was so encouraging that, for the month of April, we will host a special session to bring all our current FMMP chapters together to meet with those currently in the process of launching FMMP chapters and those interested in starting FMMP chapters within your commands and organizations.
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Our next session entitled “Calling All FMMP Chapters”, will be on
Thursday, 25 Apr from 1800-1930 (ET).
This month, we will hear from members of the Executive Board and Directors of successful FMMP chapters, who will provide tips on longevity and how to connect with other FMMP chapters across the Army.
Session Title: “Calling All FMMP Chapters”
When: 25 April 2023 @ 1800-1930 (EST)
Where: ZOOM (Registration Link below - Access to session emailed to registered members)
Registration Link: See below
Before this session, the FMMP Executive Board requests all FMMP chapters and future chapters to fill out the survey below so we can capture your locations and see where we can provide personal guidance and support on successfully starting and operating your chapter.
Please complete the survey at the link below:
Military/Civilian Leaders and Commanders, we encourage you to designate a representative from your command to join us and learn how to start your own FMMP program.
For more information, please email the FMMP Executive Board at one of the below email addresses:
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Since 1969 the Army Women's Foundation has encouraged support for AWF projects, scholarships, and programs. Every gift of any size counts. Each gift makes an impact and sustains our mission for the future. Steady philanthropic support ensures the continuation of key initiatives critical to our mission.
- Donations to AWF Areas of Greatest Need maintain existing initiatives, educational support, and outreach, and help kick-start newer ones.
- Donations to AWF Legacy scholarships support our scholarship program for Army women and their lineal descendants.
- Donations for the U.S. Army Women's Museum support the museum at Fort Gregg-Adams. You can help the Women's Museum with visitor engagement, exhibitions and collections, preservation, and restoration.
Ways to Give
- Mail your gift to the AWF at P.O. Box 5030, Fort Gregg-Adams, VA 23801
- Make your gift online using the Donate link below.
- Become a monthly donor to provide ongoing support we can count on. Your gift adds up, helping the AWF further its mission.
- Consider stock gifts, IRA charitable rollovers, or non-probate assets.
- Make a planned gift to the AWF in your estate plan, trust, or beneficiary designations.
Learn more at info@awfdn.org or email Beth Spitzley at bspitzley@awfdn.org.
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