Freedom Sisters Magazine Premiere Issue

It’s becoming more common to hear about strong women and the achievements women collectively have accomplished, women are still eagerly seeking to accept new challenges, adventures, and responsibilities. Women have rapidly proven to be valuable to the US Military but the military has been slow to adjust policies and procedures.

Women were confined to working as cooks, seamstresses, and nurses in the US Military duringthe 18th and 19th centuries. In 1941, their roles expanded with the formation of the Women’sArmy Corps.

It wasn’t until 1978 when women became integrated into the US Military, except they weren’tallowed to serve in combat. However, as of 2015, there are no longer any restrictions for whatposition women can or cannot hold in the Army.

There are so many amazing women warriors to discover that have served throughout HERstory, yet I want to focus on two I have personally known and served within my 18-year Army career. Women continue to be strong, lead by example, and overcome struggles while serving in predominantly male institutions.

There are so many different articles, books, and stories about different female veteran HERoes; I personally am fascinated with their reason they joined the military and their struggles they endured to fight for a place in the ranks. It’s a battle us women who serve continue to fight every single day. It might not be in the same manner and might not feel like it’s a big deal, but trust me ladies even the smallest fight and struggle is a step toward a better future for tomorrow's women who will serve.

This is my personal account of HERoes I got to serve with throughout my time in themilitary. I carry their legacy in my heart.

The reality is, some of these women don’t even know the impact they made on my life orhelped me make different decisions throughout my career.

When I first enlisted in the Army my very first noncommissioned officer deeply impacted myjourney. Upon first meeting her, I was intimated. She was a strong, serious-looking Sergeantbut turned out to be so caring and understanding.

She made me go to the education center, complete my correspondence course, and learnthe ropes of becoming a great leader.

She also helped me on a more personal level, I was always able to talk to her and confinedher no matter what.

We both had little girls, who were the same age and she understood the struggles ofparenting. Being so far away from family and friends, was a great blessing.

Sgt. First Class (now retired) Constance Simmons’ guidance and direction prepared me forupward mobility.

Thanks to her I am where I am today and I always hope I would have that kind of positiveinfluence on any of my Soldiers.

During a promotion ceremony for a female lieutenant from my unit, I decided that I toowanted to become an officer. She was being promoted to captain and her beret was lyingthere with captain bars stood out to me and made a big impression.

The female colonel promoting the young captain made an even bigger impression on me.Later on, I worked for her in the same office during one of my deployments.

She was surrounded by mostly male leadership but not once did she let anyone intimidateher or change her attitude.

Photo. Finance Team poise for Christmas photo while deployed. Col. Christine Gayagas in santa hat.

Photo provided by Rosy Velez.

We all have our struggles so I know shehad hers too but she never showed it.Always smiling, always nice, alwayshelpful, full bird Colonel (now retired)Christine Gayagas.

I know even today if I had any questions or concerns, she would be there.

One of her favorite quotes is “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” by Jonathan Martin and she adds P.S make sure you know how to swim.

It reminds her to set a vision, take initiative, and be competent. Those words she truly embodies and inspired so many. She is My SHEro.

Like the women before me, who foughtbattles to succeed and prove theirbelonging in the military,

I had my personal and professionalbattles but fought hard to achieve mygoals.

I reflect back to that time as a specialistat that promotion ceremony often asfuel for my fight.

Even though I was a single mother of three I earned my degree and I reached my goal. I commissioned as an officer and now have raised to the rank of Major.

It required determination, focus, sleepless nights, and long days at work and at home taking care of kids. But at the end all worth it.

My goal as a leader is to make the same impression on other females in the military. Ibelieve in your abilities and want to see you achieve success in the ranks with me. Iwant to push you to believe in yourself like I was pushed and supported by so many.

We need each other, we have to stop believing we are in competition against one another and know the strength we have togetHER.

Past generations didn't have female mentHERship while they served, now that 16.9% of the Army is female, there is a better chance that you can be a strong role model for our junior enlisted sisters.

Photo. Spc. Rosy Velez on the day she was inspired to become an officer in the US Army. Photo provided by Rosy Velez.

They need support when they are struggling, they need encouragement, and needto see other women leading the way, so they can aspire to greater things.

Our HERstory is rich, yet still evolving and you can make a difference in how it iswritten.

Let’s make a pledge to commit to one anothHER and make the force strongHER,more positive, supportive, and most importantly a safe place all women who serve.

I challenge you to start today, what is one thing you can do right now to make ourHERstory worth remembering?

Rosy Velez

US Army

Rosy has served in the US Army for the past 18-years, she is a Major currently serving at the Pentagon as an Inspector General. She is a mother to four amazing kids, two fur babies, loves running, cooking for others, and making a positive impact on her soldiers to thrive while serving.