ALCOAST 074/19 - Mar 2019 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

R 111541 MAR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05350//
ALCOAST 074/19
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ:  WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
1. The Nation celebrates Women's History Month annually in March. The 2019 theme is
“Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence” in recognition of women who have
led efforts to end wars, violence, and injustice, and have pioneered the use of
nonviolence to change conflicts in their homes, schools, and communities. History
offers numerous examples of women who have rejected violence as counterproductive and
stressed the need to restore respect, establish justice, and reduce the causes of
conflict, as the surest way to peace. In America, from legal defense and public
education to direct action and civil disobedience, women have expanded the American
tradition of using inclusive, democratic and active means to reduce violence, achieve
peace, and promote the common good.
2. From women’s rights to racial justice, the drive for nonviolent change has been
championed by visionary women. These women consciously built supportive, nonviolent
alternatives and loving communities. They gave voice to the unrepresented and hope to
victims of violence and those who dreamt of a peaceful world.
3. In the Coast Guard, women continue to leave indelible marks to enrich our history,
such as LT Holly Harrison, who in 2002, became commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter
Aquidneck, taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom and becoming the first Coast Guard
woman to command a cutter in combat. For her actions and achievements, she became the
first woman in our service history to receive the Bronze Star Medal. Other CG
extraordinary women include: Aviation Survival Tech Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Faulkner,
who was the first woman Coast Guard rescue swimmer, and LT Ronaqua Russell from Air
Station Miami, who recently became the first African-American woman aviator to receive
the Air Medal for her actions in support of Hurricane Harvey.
4. All Coast Guard units and commands are encouraged to take time this month to honor
the accomplishments and contributions that women have made and continue to make to our
Service, our Nation and the world.
5. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Director, Civil Rights Directorate, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.