The Flagpole Newsletter Edition 119 | June 2026 | | |
The U.S. Army Women's Foundation
Honor ~ Empower ~ Connect
| | (Photo credit: Brandun Schweizer) | | On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched a massive invasion of German occupied France, landing along the coast of Normandy. The assault, part of Operation Overlord, combined airborne drops, naval bombardment, and amphibious landings across five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. By nightfall, 156,000 troops had landed under heavy fire, securing a fragile foothold. D-Day marked a turning point in World War II, opening a Western front that would ultimately lead to the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany. | | NOW Accepting AWF-Trident University International Scholarship Applications | | Eligibility for the scholarships is determined by factors such as merit, academic potential, community service, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated financial need. Trident University International's grants and scholarships follow established guidelines found in the University’s Catalog or on its website, and awards are given once eligibility requirements are confirmed. For more information on the scholarship, visit https://www.awfdn.org/scholarships/awf-trident/ or contact our office at info@awfdn.org. | | 2027 Hall of Fame Nominations NOW Open | | |
The 2027 U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame and Champion nomination forms are now available. Annually the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation honors the service and sacrifices of U.S. Army women through our Hall of Fame Induction and Champion Awards program. A woman Soldier whose service reflects extraordinary contributions, dedication, valor, and patriotism, and has had a direct and exceptional impact on the Army and our nation, both while serving in the Army and post-service are eligible for induction into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame. Our Champion Awards are presented to any individual who has made exceptional contributions to women in the Army or the Armed Forces. We are now accepting nominations through August 10, 2026.
For program information and nomination forms, visit our website.
| | Women's Veterans Recognition Day | | (Photo credit: Women Veterans Alliance) | | Women's Veterans Recognition Day is observed each year on June 12, which marks the anniversary of the 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act that was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman and granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the U. S. Armed Forces. The day serves as a reminder that women's military contributions were often overlooked in earlier generations, and to recognize their service and sacrifices. | | (Photo credit: Calendarr) | | June 14, 2026 marks the Army's 251st birthday, a day which marks the Army's official creation in 1775 when the Continental Congress formed the original force during the early days of the Revolutionary War. | |
In Memoriam: Diane Carlson Evans | |
AWF Class of 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee, Diane Althea Carlson Evans, 79, of Helena, Mont., passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, after a long and courageous battle against cancer.
The daughter of a dairy farmer and a nurse, Diane was born in Buffalo, Minn., in 1946 to Newell and Dorothy Carlson. She attended the Carlson Country School for eight years near the farm where she grew up, graduated from Buffalo High School, and studied nursing at St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota for her Registered Nurse degree. She joined the Army Nurse Corps Student Program in 1966. Upon graduation in 1967, she was commissioned a second lieutenant and completed officer basic training. While serving as a medical-surgical nurse at Fort Lee, Va., she volunteered for service in Vietnam.
| | (Photo credit: National Today) | PTSD Awareness Day, observed on June 27, is a day devoted to raising awareness of PTSD and providing support to those impacted by the condition. Anybody who has gone through trauma can be affected by PTSD, a mental health illness that affects many veterans and active military personnel. It's critical to identify the warning signs, which include anxiety, emotional distress, and flashbacks, and to provide support to those who might be experiencing difficulties. | | |
COL (Ret) Debra A. Thedford is a recognized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) expert with over 40 years of experience in her military and civilian careers. A native of Meridian, MS, she received her commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at Jackson State University as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in 1981. Her distinguished military career was marked by leadership, innovation, and dedication. She demonstrated extraordinary service and contributions to the U.S. Army and retired as a Colonel after over 27 years.
Read more about COL Thedford
| | | Fluor Corporation salutes our military and continues to support the US Army Women’s Foundation and our scholarship programs. Fluor Corporation is building a better future by applying world‑class expertise to solve its clients’ greatest challenges. Fluor’s 44,000 employees provide professional and technical solutions that deliver safe, well‑executed, capital‑efficient projects to clients around the world. Fluor is ranked 181 among the Fortune 500 companies. With headquarters in Irving, Texas, Fluor has provided engineering, procurement, and construction services for more than 100 years. | | Share the e-Flagpole newsletter link with your friends! | | | Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy |
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