Edition 99| September 2024

(Image: DEOMI Website)

DoD celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from 15 September to 15 October, recognizing the rich history, tradition, and cultural diversity of Hispanic/Latino Americans. This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” embodies the innovative and resilient spirit of the Hispanic community. It highlights the unity crucial in paving the way for future generations.

Honoring

1LT Georgia Cervantes, U.S. Army UH-60 Helicopter Pilot

(Photo: SGT Caleb Franklin, U.S. Army) 1LT Georgia Cervantes, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, embodies the toughness and leadership that defines Army Aviation.

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latina Americans who have served in our nation's defense. 1LT Georgia Cervantes, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot assigned to Alpha Company, 2-227 Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade at Fort Cavazos, exemplifies the strength and determination it takes to excel in the Army. As a proud Latina and caring leader, she inspires fellow Soldiers through her commitment and passion for service. 1LT Cervantes represents how Hispanic/Latino Americans contribute to and enrich our Army. 

SFC Elizabeth "Ellie" Marks Wins Five Silver Medals at 2024 Paris Paralympic Games

(Photo: Major Nathaniel Garcia)

Sergeant First Class Elizabeth “Ellie” Marks, a combat medic and decorated Paralympian earned five silver medals in swimming across multiple events at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Assigned to the U.S. Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) in Colorado Springs, Marks won silver medals in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke, 200-meter individual medley, 4 x 50-meter mixed freestyle, and 4 x 50-meter mixed medley. A veteran of three Paralympic Games, SFC Marks has earned ten Paralympic medals.

SFC Marks' leadership and commitment to her military service and the Paralympics led to her selection as one of Team USA’s flag bearers during the closing ceremonies in Paris.

U.S. Army Veteran, Ms. Diedre Windsor Honored with the 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Award

(Photo: Courtesy of Diedre Windsor)

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Women's Presidents Organization, in partnership with Women Elevating Women (WEW), honored 24 incredible women across North America for their outstanding achievements and lasting community impact. U.S. Army Veteran, Ms. Diedre Windsor, was among the elite 24 to be recognized for this prestigious recognition. The 2024 Entrepreneur Women of Impact Awards highlights the power of women's leadership and the effect they create in industries and communities. Ms. Windsor is the Founder and CEO of Windsor Group, LLC and a Philanthropist.

COL (Retired) Edna Cummings Receives SGT Sanders H. Matthews Veteran Award

Colonel (Retired) Edna W. Cummings has been named the recipient of the 2024 Sergeant Sanders H. Matthews Veteran Award, an honor recognizing veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian life while making significant contributions to their fellow servicemembers.

Sergeant Matthews, the last known living West Point Buffalo Soldier, embodied resilience and service, and this award carries on his legacy. Congratulations to Colonel Cummings for her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to assisting other veterans.

Announcing September's FMMP

Join us next Thursday, 26 September, 6:00-7:30 Eastern, for the Female Mentoring and Morale Program! It's the perfect opportunity to widen your circle, build your community, and meet new allies who will support and uplift you. Together, we can grow stronger and make lasting connections. Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow, and expand your network. Register for the Zoom Link.

 AUSA Women's Leadership Symposium

Monday, October 14, 2024 | 1:30-3:30 | Room 202B

Panel Discussion

"Enhancing U.S. Army Women's Health through Knowledge and Care"

Moderators

Lieutenant General Patricia "Patty" Horoho

United States Army, Retired

Chief, Strategy, Innovation and Transformation Officer, Optum Health and Strategic Oversight for Optum Serve, 43rd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army

Brigadier General Anne Macdonald

United States Army, Retired

President, U.S.Army Women's Foundation

Panelists

 Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre

46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, and

Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command 

Brigadier General Deydre Teyhen

Director, Defense Health Network National Capital Region

for the Defense Health Agency, 20th Chief, U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps

 Ms. Lourdes Tiglao

Director, Center for Women Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  Colonel Clydea Prichard-Brown

Chief of Staff, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army

Founder, Female Mentoring and Morale Program

Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks

68W, Combat Medic, World Class Athlete Program

Paralympian - 10 Time Medalist

Visit our Booth At AUSA

The Army Women’s Foundation and the FMMP will have an exhibit booth set up at AUSA in the Veterans Pavilion from 14-16 October. Please come by and see us at Booth #367!

Thank you to our Sponsor and Partner at AUSA

Thank you to our Sponsor Optum Serve! Your commitment to us is essential to fulfilling the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation mission. We are very grateful for your support in recognizing the value of all servicemembers.

Optum Serve provides health services and proven expertise to help federal agencies tackle some of the biggest challenges in health care. They partner with the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and other organizations to help modernize the U.S. health system and improve the health and well-being of the people they serve.



https://www.optum.com/en/business/federal-government/military-veteran-health.html