FORT CAVAZOS, Texas –
First Army Division West hosted an event at the NCO Academy Museum that brought together military personnel, community leaders, and influential speakers in support of breast cancer awareness and the empowerment of women, on Oct. 26. The event, organized by the members of III Core and 120th Infantry Brigade, aimed to combat biases, navigate the confidence gap, and provide a platform for open discussions about women's health and career options.
The event saw an impressive lineup of guest speakers, each with unique experiences and insights to share. One of the standout speakers, Councilwoman Lynda Nash from the city of Harker Heights, addressed the audience with her inspirational journey of overcoming negative biases and obstacles in her path. Her story resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Sergeant first class Marjorie G. Smith emphasized the importance of women's mentorship forums in breaking down traditional barriers and promoting diversity by offering support for women to reach their full potential. She stated, "I feel it is important that women mentorship forums facilitate unlimited advancements in life learning tools that can help overcome traditional barriers and diversity by providing support to reach our full potential."
Service members from throughout Fort Cavazos had the opportunity to engage in open and honest conversations about their lives and health with the Division West
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) command team, as well as Major Cheyenne Patel, a Physician Assistant at the 120th Infantry Brigade. These discussions covered a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on breast cancer awareness, and a noteworthy mention was made of male-type cancers as well.
Specialist Kashar Claire, a female member of the Army, expressed her thoughts on the event, saying, "As a female in the army, I feel it's good to come and experience things like this where we participate in open discussions."
A resounding message echoed throughout the event: everyone should be proactive in seeking knowledge and conducting regular self-checks to detect health issues before it's too late. With the emphasis on breast cancer awareness during this event, it became evident that early detection is a key factor in saving lives.
Julie Moser, the founder of Pink Warrior Angels, also took the stage and stressed the significance of this event during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said, "This event is important so that we can advocate for all those we've lost and share knowledge with those who have not been impacted by cancer. Moreover, we need to learn to be present for somebody going through difficult times, whether it's cancer, deployments, or welcoming a new baby. Being present is important."
The "Sisters In Arms" mentorship event was a resounding success, fostering awareness of breast cancer and promoting unity, mentorship, and empowerment among the women in Fort Cavazos and the broader community. The event's messages of early detection, breaking barriers, and supporting one another will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, making it an essential milestone in the fight against breast cancer and gender biases.