BBW & SWR Present Impactful Women: Women in Military

Join the Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Chamber of Commerce (BBW) and the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce (SWR) for another Impactful Women’s Series Event: Women in Military on October 23rd, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Bella Sera.

This inspiring initiative dedicated to sharing the powerful stories of women in the military and those whose lives have been profoundly impacted by military service. This collaboration brings together a diverse group of women, from veterans and active-duty personnel to spouses, mothers, and daughters, offering a platform for their voices to be heard. Through compelling narratives, personal experiences, and insightful discussions, Impactful Women: Women in Military aims to honor the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of these women, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their unique journeys just in time for Veterans Day. Men and Women encouraged to attend.

Key Note Speaker Jessica Lynch: 

Jessica Lynch is a former United States Army Private First Class (PFC) and a former prisoner of war. On March 23, 2003, she was serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed by Iraqi troops. Lynch was seriously injured during the attack and taken prisoner by Iraqi soldiers. Ten U.S. soldiers were killed in the ambush. Seven other soldiers were captured and six subsequently rescued 21 days later. One of the seven, Lynch’s best friend and battle buddy, PFC Lori Piestewa, received a serious head wound and later died in an Iraqi civilian hospital. Lori was posthumously promoted to Specialist and awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medals.

Lynch’s subsequent recovery by U.S. Special Operations Forces on April 1, 2003, was the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman.

On July 22, 2003, Lynch was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Prisoner of War Medal.

Jessica has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Huckabee Show, CNN, MSNBC, David Letterman Show, Fox, Prime Time on ABC with Dianne Sawyer, E News!, CBN, and various local networks throughout the country. She has appeared on numerous magazine covers such as TIME and People. She has been named West Virginian of the Year as well as Glamour Woman of the Year. In 2014, Lynch made her acting debut as specialist Summer L. Gabriel in the 2014 film Virtuous. Her role was loosely based on her own experiences during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Additional Panelists Include:

Jesucita (Jessie) Ferrari

During the Vietnam War Era in 1968, I joined the United States Air Force. My basic training location was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After completing basic training, I was assigned to Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi for my Administrative Specialist Training Course. By November 1968, I had successfully completed my training and graduated with Honors. Shortly thereafter, on 27 December 1968. I arrived at my first base assignment at Headquarters, Headquarters Command, Bolling Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C.  While at Bolling AFB, I was promoted to Sergeant and attended a Medal of Honor ceremony on 9 October 1969 at the White House. The Medal of Honor was awarded to four Army personnel who distinguished themselves while serving in the Republic of Vietnam.  Additionally, at the Pentagon, I had the honor of meeting Colonel Jeanne Holm who was a fierce advocate for enlisting and furthering more women into the military. She did a lot for women and was the first woman in the Armed Forces promoted to the rank of Major General. Not long after, I volunteered for a tour in South East Asia. During my overseas tour, I was assigned to two bases in Thailand. Initially I served with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron known as the “Vampires” at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base. Then, I was assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. I served at both bases as an Administrative Specialist in the Orderly Room and later in the Wing Operations Branch. It was my honor to serve with both in Thailand. Upon my return to the United States, I was assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base from where I separated from service.  I’m proud to say that I’m an Air Force veteran. It was the best decision to have joined the Air Force and love that I’m around all my sisters and brothers from all the branches of service to this day.

Tamara Barber-Kamer

I Joined the army reserve in 1984, I was married with two young children. The first unit I was in, was the 1005th general supply company, where I learned to drive forklifts, deuce and a half, work on engines and field skills. I advanced quickly through the ranks. traveling from one unit to the next. I acquired five MOS’s, military occupational skills. 76V, 76Y, 92A,  71L, 75L, 54B and I was trained as a master fitness trainer. I also was an instructor for ANOC and BNOC courses.  I was able to travel to Germany,  Korea, and Amsterdam for annual training. I was the first sergeant for the 8/64 replacement company when 911 occurred. from there I went to defense logistics agency in Fort Belvar to be the assistant to the command sergeant major. While there, I was called to active duty for a year tour in Iraq, 2010 to 2011. Upon returning home, I spent four months at Fort Benning, Georgia. Then I was told to find a new home. I retired instead.

Sponsored by Musuneggi Financial Group and the Schuermann’s Disease Fund

Vendor Tables Available: Veteran Organizations Receive 15% off Vendor Spaces

Option: Buy a Local Female Veteran or Active Military Woman Lunch

Option: Honor a Veteran or Military Member. Purchase a Flag in Honor of Your Loved One. All proceeds will be split and go to speaker non-profit organizations. Please email info@swrcoc.org with name of honoree, branch of military and dates of service.

• Gift Baskets Appreciated
• Volunteers Appreciated

Bella Sera

October 23rd, 2024

11:00 a.m. Doors Open

11:30 a.m. Lunch Begins

12:15 Speakers Present

 

1:30 p.m. Closing

REGISTER:

https://southwestregionalchamber.org/register/bbw-swrcoc-present-impactful-women-women-in-military/