Photos by Nick Spinelli Stephanie Staples, a singer/songwriter, performed several original selections during the show. Bright lights, clicks and flicks of the cameras captured the "Ladies of Elegance and Distinguished Gentlemen," of joint armed services as they posed on the runway for the 116th Military Intelligence Group Women's History Month Social and Fashion Show, on March 12 at the Gordon Club.

The 116th MI hosted a fun filled night with music, poetry, vendors, food, and clothes.

Master Sgt. Sylvia Whorley, event commentator and equal opportunity advisor/diversity chairperson says, "The purpose of the event was to bring more awareness and education on contributions that women have made in our nation. Women's History is one of eight observances that the military celebrates and one of the many the Department of Defense and other organizations celebrate."

"We are already successful by showing up to recognize Women's History Month," said Col. John Owens, 116th Military Intelligence Group commander, in his remarks to the crowd.

(Right) Master Sgt. Sylvia Whorley, 116th Military Intelligence Equal Opportunity Diversity advisor, pauses from her duties as event coordinator to show off her style. (Below) Audience member Zoey Burns demonstrates that she has the skills to be a model. Photo by Tai Doick "We should recognize the accomplishments of women throughout the year and not just this month," said Owens, as he read a long list of women who he said have accomplished so much in the world and in the military. Among the names on the list was the first female four star general in the U.S. Army, Gen. Ann Dunwoody.

Owens concluded his remarks saying, "I encourage [everyone] to take a step forward and learn more on Women's History Month."

Throughout armed service history, women have served in multiple roles enhancing the nation's national security with many incomparable skills, talents and abilities. In a letter on celebrating women's contributions to the Army, Dunwoody says, "I have never considered myself anything but a Soldier. I recognize that with this selection, some will view me as a trailblazer, but it's important that we remember the generations of women whose dedication, commitment and quality of service helped open the doors of opportunity for us today."

"Gen. Dunwoody is indeed a role model for me in the military," said model Pfc. Amy Maldonado, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 116th MI. Maldonado walked down the runway during the casual segment of the program in white knee shorts and an oxford sweater.

The fashion show featured fun and entertainment, but the seriousness of women's contributions were displayed, expressed, and illustrated throughout the night.

As the show continued there was a generous interspersion of the role women play today and in the history of the military.

Model and 1st Lt. Sheronda Booker of Company C, 551st Signal Battalion, said, "Women's History Month means bringing together civil rights and women's actions; celebrating women's strength in power; and contributions to the military and society as a whole."

As the night continued, Stephanie Staples, a Christian music recording artist, performed a song called "Anointing," from her album Journey Home, which she produced. She said, "I am just glad to be here." The audience sat captivated as she sung and ministered to their souls.

Sisters Kayla (left) and Shelby Berns entertained the audience with several acapella performances during the show. The entertainment did not stop there. Sisters Kayla and Shelby Berns did a duet by Christina Aguilera that got the audience clapping and rocking in their seats.

As the models continued to prepare for the runway, one word reverberated throughout the night.

"Excited…I am so excited to do this event," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Cuevas, 31st Intelligence Squadron linguist. Cuevas, a model and author, said she participated in this same event last year and to her Women's History Month "celebrates how far we have come as women."

All of the participants echoed the sentiment that women have come a long way by placing the needs of others and the nation above their own, serving not only as mothers, sisters, daughters and wives, but as Soldiers, Army Civilians, Family members and models too.

In addition to reciting a poem during the show, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Cuevas also did double duty as a model. Women's first in the military

Throughout the U.S. Armed service history, women have served in multiple roles enhancing the nation's national security with many incomparable skills, talents and abilities. Women in the U.S. military have always had tough roads to pave and we owe a lot to those women who literally broke ground, opened doors, and made the choice of a military career easier for those who followed.

Just to name a few . . . .

·The first and only, woman to receive The Medal of Honor was Dr. Mary Walker, a contract surgeon during the Civil War.

·Barbara Olive Barnwell was the first woman awarded the Navy- Marine Corps Medal for heroism in 1953.

·In 1995 Air Force Academy graduate Lt. Kelly Flinn became the first woman B-52 Bomber Pilot.

1st Lt. Sheronda Booker from the 551st Signal Battalion is one of several service members and civilians participating in the Women's History Month fashion show March 12 at the Gordon Club. She is the first model who walked down the runway. ·In 1990 Cmdr. Darlene Iskra became the first woman to command a U.S. Navy ship the U.S.S. Opportune.

·2008 Lt. Gen. Ann Dunwoody is appointed to the grade of general and assignment as commander, Army Materiel Command.

·1st Lt. Vernice Armour, of US Marine Corps is the first African- American female combat pilot.

The list goes on and on . .