Posted on Aug 19, 2015
Seriously? Do we really think women are just now on the verge of entering combat roles?
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I saw this post on Face Book, a post from a West Point Soldier I served with (I asked her if I could share this). It is timely, as for some reason many believe women are not already serving in direct combat; they are, and in fact have been for years. This quote is about 1LT Laura Walker, but remember as you wring your hands about women in combat roles... women are a part of our military, and have been answering the call for centuries. When I joined the Army in 1980, the Fort McClellan CG was a female 2 Star General, MG Mary Clarke. I believe all women want, is the opportunity to serve, and to try for whatever they want. Not special treatment, or reduced standards, but the opportunity.
"10 years ago today, 18 August 2005, 1LT Laura Walker was killed in action in Afghanistan. Since the sun came up this morning, I must've sat down 4 different times at my computer, fingers motionless on the keyboard struggling to find the words that I wanted to share today to honor my fallen friend and classmate. With a few hours left in the day, I finally decided to be honest and share that I don't know what to write. I only know that I miss Laura and today was hard. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers. I also know that I was blessed to call Laura a friend; she was a beautiful human being and one of the finest leaders I've known.
Ten years and you still continue to inspire me. Thank you for your friendship, for your service, and for your sacrifice. Well done. Be thou at peace."
http://www.cmrlink.org/content/home/35891/grim_toll_of_military_women_killed_in_war
"10 years ago today, 18 August 2005, 1LT Laura Walker was killed in action in Afghanistan. Since the sun came up this morning, I must've sat down 4 different times at my computer, fingers motionless on the keyboard struggling to find the words that I wanted to share today to honor my fallen friend and classmate. With a few hours left in the day, I finally decided to be honest and share that I don't know what to write. I only know that I miss Laura and today was hard. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers. I also know that I was blessed to call Laura a friend; she was a beautiful human being and one of the finest leaders I've known.
Ten years and you still continue to inspire me. Thank you for your friendship, for your service, and for your sacrifice. Well done. Be thou at peace."
http://www.cmrlink.org/content/home/35891/grim_toll_of_military_women_killed_in_war
Posted in these groups: 
Women in the Military
Fallen Soldiers
Women in the Military Fallen Soldiers
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
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A1C (Join to see)
"not special treatment, or reduced standards, but the opportunity"
Nobody is asking for reduced standards for us to go combat. That would be ludicrous, due to the very nature of combat. Myself… I'm fine where I am. I don't have the guts nor skill (right now) to do what they do. Maybe one day I'll improve through training but I'm very self aware of my current abilities. Combat isn't for me.
Nobody is asking for reduced standards for us to go combat. That would be ludicrous, due to the very nature of combat. Myself… I'm fine where I am. I don't have the guts nor skill (right now) to do what they do. Maybe one day I'll improve through training but I'm very self aware of my current abilities. Combat isn't for me.
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PO3 Sherry Thornburg
I had to answer a question when going up for a new rate years ago. "If you were in the position of having to shoot someone to protect yourself or others, could you do it." I said I could. That was for a support position, not combat, but there had been many women being assigned overseas (1990) who were facing such situations. I would never make a combat soldier and never pretended otherwise, but I would do my duty and protect those around me if the situation required it.
"No special treatment, no reduced standards." The Women's Auxillary Corps has long since been integrated.
"No special treatment, no reduced standards." The Women's Auxillary Corps has long since been integrated.
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A1C (Join to see)
PO3 Sherry Thornburg - I was asked questions like that when joining and a few times in between training. In necessity, Yes I would. It would be us or them.
When asked if I could kill a child I paused. But then thought of the scenario that would be necessary and my conclusion is by that point they lost their childhood and there's probably no turning back for them. They threaten me or mine, I'll treat them as a threat.
Let's hope I never have to test out if I really could... Words are zero, action is all.
When asked if I could kill a child I paused. But then thought of the scenario that would be necessary and my conclusion is by that point they lost their childhood and there's probably no turning back for them. They threaten me or mine, I'll treat them as a threat.
Let's hope I never have to test out if I really could... Words are zero, action is all.
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Thank you for taking the time to share with us this fine leaders story. Please know that we share your grief and we will keep her in our thoughts and prayers.
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