For many years the Stephentown Veteran’s Organization has held a special ceremony in Veterans Park honoring those who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Those special moments were repeated this Saturday, November 6. Each year, there is a keynote guest speaker. This year, is was Stephentown resident Lt. Col. (Ret) Diana Clark, who provides a unique insight as to the challenges and opportunities women face while in military service.
at the Stephentown Veterans ceremony.
Photo by Amy Modesti.
Lt. Colonel Clark has had a distinguished military career, spending eight years in the Army reserve before transferring to the Air Force Reserve as a Flight Nurse/Medical Crew Director. While serving in the Middle East she completed 16 combat air evacuation missions during the period of intense fighting in Fallujah and Mosul and was award the prestigious Air Medal awarded for singular acts of heroism and/or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
Here is a summation of Colonel Clark’s address: We are quick to recognize Military Women for their accomplishments, however, we do not recognize them for their sacrifices. When a soldier is killed or wounded the military does not distinguish been men or women nor should they. It seems to be always assumed that only men are the victims because that is what we generally see on television.
On March 20, 2003 the 3rd Infantry Division were” First In” in Iraq. March
23, 3 days later a convoy with supplies and armed support personnel, men, and women, found themselves pinned down and under attack in enemy territory. Nine died to include Lori Piestewa, a Native American, and a single mother of a 4yr old boy and a 3 yr old girl. She was among the heroes that day. Two other women were severely injured and taken as POW’s. Shoshana Johnson, born in Panama was shot in both ankles and was rescued 22 days later. Jessica Lynch, a 19 yr old from West Virginia was just 5’ 3” and 100lbs. Her spine was fractured in 2 places, her right arm was shattered, and her left leg broken in several places. Jessica was rescued 9 days after being captured. This was the 1st time since WW 11 that American Military Women were held captive. We all need to be aware that bombs and bullets don’t recognize gender. Women are both killed and wounded the same as men
Flight Nurses – We are trained as soldiers and leaders. As fully trained crew members we were required to carry weapons on operational missions in Iraq. Landing on air strips near field hospitals on forward operating bases.
Most patient care today provided by Military Nurses is not at the bedside but in field hospitals, Navy ships, cargo and refueler aircraft. In addition to wartime operations, we also participate in humanitarian and disaster missions worldwide to include the COVID-19 Pandemic.
