Pennsylvania Commission for Women Honors Female Veterans During Women’s History Month – PennWatch

The Pennsylvania Fee for Ladies honored Pennsylvania’s feminine veterans in celebration of Ladies’s Historical past Month. The Fee acknowledged 22 ladies from throughout the Commonwealth representing each department of the armed providers for his or her courageous service and selfless contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation.

“Pennsylvania’s veterans deserve our biggest thanks and respect for his or her service,” stated Governor Josh Shapiro. “Right this moment, we have a good time the management and accomplishments of ladies throughout Pennsylvania who served our Commonwealth and our nation with distinction. I’m proud to have a good time Pennsylvania’s feminine veterans – and I vow that as Governor, I’ll at all times have our veterans’ backs.”

“This ceremony is a celebration of the ladies who select to serve Pennsylvania within the armed forces,” stated First Girl Lori Shapiro. “Particularly throughout Ladies’s Historical past Month, it’s a privilege to welcome these unimaginable ladies to Harrisburg and provide our gratitude in honor of their many accomplishments in service to Pennsylvania.”

“On behalf of the Pennsylvania Fee for Ladies, we’re honored to acknowledge excellent feminine veterans throughout Ladies’s Historical past Month,” stated Fee Govt Director Moriah Hathaway. “Ladies who serve usually go unnoticed and deserve our limitless gratitude. We’re excited to share the accomplishments of twenty-two ladies who’ve devoted their time and abilities to guard Pennsylvania and our nation.”

“Ladies have performed a major position in American army historical past courting again to the Revolutionary Battle, serving in lots of roles together with as nurses and spies. Their contributions have advanced to now serving in fight as aviators, commanders and even members of the particular forces,” stated Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant normal and appearing head of the Division of Navy and Veterans Affairs. “America wouldn’t be the nation it’s in the present day, with out the contributions of ladies in our army. We’re proud to acknowledge these distinctive honorees in addition to almost 64,000 ladies veterans who stay in Pennsylvania.”

The ladies who have been honored embody:

Alysa Ambrose from Allegheny County started her profession within the United State Navy after graduating from Carnegie Mellon College. She was one of many first teams of ladies to have the ability to serve on combatants and retired with the rank of Captain after serving for 25 years.

Krista Callear from York County enlisted in the USA Military in 1984. She is embellished to incorporate the Legion of Benefit, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Military Commendation Medal (2), Military Achievement Medal (5), and the Good Conduct Medal. She retired from the Pennsylvania Military Nationwide Guard in 2013.

Shanelle Chambers from Allegheny County joined the USA Air Power in October 2008. She at present works on the Division of Veterans Affairs as a Readjustment Counselor offering counseling providers, outreach, referral, and follow-up care coordination to veterans.

Sarah Prepare dinner from York County served her nation in the USA Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008. She was awarded the Military Commendation Medal, Worldwide Safety Help Forces Medal, Afghanistan Marketing campaign Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon.

Nicole David from Allegheny County enlisted within the Pennsylvania Air Nationwide Guard as a Safety Forces Specialist in 1996. Her remaining project was on the Pentagon in Washington, DC, the place she served because the Director, Strategic Initiatives Group for Nationwide Guard Bureau Area Operations. She retired from the USA Air Power after 26 years of service.

Francia Carried out-Henry from Dauphin County served in the USA Military Reserves for over 13 years finishing two fight excursions, one in Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and a second in Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq. In civilian life, she was Deputy Chief of Police-Patrol Commander Lieutenant for 15 years.

Sarah Garcia from Bedford County enlisted as a Fight Medic and attained their coaching as a Nationwide Emergency Medical Technician in 1991. She was deployed to 2 fight excursions in Iraq. She retired from energetic service with the rank of Sergeant First Class in 2014.

Jennifer Grubb from Chester County started her profession in the USA Military in 2000. She was deployed in 2003 the place she served in Afghanistan on the top of the post-9/11 army motion. She was a fight lifesaver and labored safety particulars in a spot the place saving lives was usually not possible, and nobody may afford to really feel safe.

Diana Henry from Adams County joined the USA Marine Corps in 1984. She is a member of the American Legion and was acknowledged in Fall of 2015 because the Veteran of the Quarter for her Publish.

Mary Irvin from Montgomery County served in the USA Military as a Navy Intelligence Analyst and Paratrooper. She was honorably discharged after 5 years of service and reached the rank of Specialist. She has eleven ribbons and awards that embody two Military Achievement Medals and a Nationwide Protection Service Medal.

Joslin Kearse from York County entered the USA Military with Main Navy Occupation Specialty (MOS) 27J Hawk Discipline Mission Upkeep Pulse Acquisition Radar Repairer. She accomplished Superior Particular person Coaching and was stationed at Ft McClelland in Alabama then Vilsec, Germany in 1994. She at present serves because the Supervisor of Range for the York County JCC.

Dr. Karen Kennedy from York County spent 4 years of energetic responsibility in the USA Air Power as a baby psychiatrist. She was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for her efficiency. She at present offers care on the WellSpan York Little one/Adolescent Day Hospital.

Kathleen LaBahn from Clinton County enlisted within the United State Air Power in 2001 and has proudly served her nation over 21 years. Her excursions of responsibility span the Pacific, European, and Asian theaters together with fight operations in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  She is at present the 911th Airlift Wing’s Mission Help Group commander.

Rose McDermott from Allegheny County is a 2nd technology feminine veteran from Pennsylvania. Throughout her time serving as a nurse with the 171st Pennsylvania Air Nationwide Guard, she was activated in help of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her army profession spanned 24 years, starting in 1980 with Air Power fundamental army coaching.

Dr. Susan Morris-Rutledge from Washington County served in the USA Military Reserve from 1992-1998; she re-enlisted once more and served from 2001-2006. She was awarded the Military Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for working exterior her responsibility Navy Occupational Specialty.

Dr. Sally Mounts from Washington County began her army profession as a Second Lieutenant Platoon officer and was liable for the fundamental coaching of feminine officers. Over the course of her 25-year-long army profession, she was awarded 5 Meritorious Service Medals and was additionally awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal, and an Military Achievement Medal.

Pamela Robb type Centre County joined the USA Military in 1976 and served for six years. Her service medals embody the Good Conduct Medal and the Military Occupational Medal. As a civilian, she acquired the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal which instills her army values of honor, fact, and repair.

Jennifer Schlotter from Bucks County entered the USA Military Reserve as an Engineer Officer. She was an Military Reserve officer for over eight years, mobilizing and deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom and achieved the rank of Captain. With 25 years of expertise at Boeing, she has not too long ago transitioned to the Boeing Area and Launch Division.

Roslyn Schroeder from Lehigh County joined the USA Marine Corps in 1977. She acquired the Certificates of Commendation for supporting Operation Desert Storm. She was named Marine of the 12 months in 1981 by the Bethlehem Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

Aryanna Wagner from Westmoreland County enlisted with the USA Military in 2001 and served with the XVIII Airborne Corp on the frontlines throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom. She at present serves as the manager director of the nonprofit group, RISE Veterans.

Louise Walker from Allegheny County joined the USA Navy in 1986 and served for ten years as a part of a firehouse crew and later as a Radioman. She gained the Squad Chief award with the Veterans Management Program in 2020.

Peachie Wimbush-Polk from Allegheny County joined the United State Air Power in 1983 and served her nation for eight years. As a civilian, she works with the No Hero Left Behind group, which seeks to finish homelessness and cut back suicides amongst veterans by offering housing and different sources.