ALCOAST 070/22 - MAR 2022 CELEBRATE WOMEN WHO PROVIDE HEALING AND HOPE IN MARCH

R 011349Z MAR 22
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 070/22
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: CELEBRATE WOMEN WHO PROVIDE HEALING AND HOPE IN MARCH
1. Capturing the spirit of the times, the 2022 theme for Women's
History Month, "Providing Healing, Promoting Hope" recognizes the
ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers, and recollects
the innumerable ways that women of all cultures have discovered
and contributed to therapeutics that alleviate despair and solve
world health problems. The annual observance, authorized by
Presidential Proclamation since 1987, encourages activities
throughout the month of March, and spotlights achievements by
women to our Nation.
2. Clara Barton, long before founding the American Red Cross, had
already dedicated her life to healing and hope. One of the first
women to work for the federal government, she was a recording clerk
in the U.S. Patent Office. Shortly after the start of the Civil War,
Barton recognized the need to assist soldiers. What began as
providing supplies to the soldiers of the Sixth Massachusetts
Infantry housed in the unfinished U.S. Capitol, later led to her
being known as the "Angel of the Battlefield" as she treated troops
at other locations including Fairfax Station VA, Chantilly VA,
Fredericksburg VA, Harpers Ferry WV, and Antietam MD. Following
the war, Barton managed the Office of Missing Soldiers and in 1871
founded the American Red Cross, which continues to provide emergency
assistance and disaster relief today.
3. Women in the Coast Guard also act as healers, caregivers, and
providers of hope both on and off duty. Coast Guard Medal recipient
Petty Officer Jolyn Williams responded to victims of a landslide
while hiking in a park in O'ahu, Hawaii in 1999. She established a
makeshift triage area, assisted the injured, and helped prepare them
for transportation. Williams supplied water to victims and rescue
workers and comforted an injured child. Today, RADM Dana Thomas,
Director of Health, Safety, and Work Life, engages our workforce
weekly through the "Wellness Wednesday" series that delivers
impactful conversations on physical, mental, and spiritual topics.
Captain Julie Kuck, Chief, Office of Leadership, and her staff
established the Coast Guard mentoring program to offer expanded
opportunities and connections for our active duty, reserve, and
civilian workforce. Petty Officer Third Class Cassandra Castillo,
Sector Columbia River, followed her dream of working in the medical
field by becoming a Health Services Technician. Like so many others,
the dedication and selfless acts of these women affirm that the
Coast Guard workforce truly is "United in Service".
4. All units and individuals are encouraged to participate in events
commemorating this observance by organizing programs that highlight
the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history and honor
women in all facets of life, particularly those healers and
caregivers. Conducting activities that honor special observances
such as Women's History Month helps us achieve our objectives for
promoting equality, dignity, and respect for all members of our
workforce.
5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Juan Torres, 202-372-4594,
Juan.l.torres@uscg.mil.
6. ADM Karl L. Schultz, Commandant (CCG), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.