Do you know of a woman who served?
By: Archive, National Commission On Service
Tags: NASA, Peace Corps, Navy, Military, Government

Every year, March is recognized as Women’s History Month. This is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women in our country. At the Commission, we particularly want to honor and reflect on those who serve our communities and country whether it be in military, national, and/or public service. Today, March 8, we also join those around the world for International Women’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the progress that has been made, but also to acknowledge the work that still must be done.

There are many women that have made remarkable achievements here in America and throughout the world and although we cannot feature them all, we do want to feature a few that come to mind.

Portrait of Katherine Johnson. Source: NASA

Katherine Johnson. Her name might sound familiar and that’s because she was portrayed in the movie “Hidden Figures.” Katherine Johnson is a former NASA research mathematician whose calculations made the first moon landing possible. Last week, NASA renamed the Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, as the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility. While hidden from public view, these public servants are essential to the success of the NASA’s space missions and to the safety of our astronauts.

This team effort was on display when NASA announced that the all-female spacewalk will happen on March 29. This historic event will be led by Astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch — members of the 2013 astronaut class, which was 50 percent women. Reminder: you can be an astronaut, an engineer, a mathematician, a doctor, a researcher, an accountant, a lawyer, a technician, a social media guru, a speechwriter, a photographer, you name the position — that role exists in the government.

“I am thrilled we are honoring Katherine Johnson in this way as she is a true American icon who overcame incredible obstacles and inspired so many,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “It’s a fitting tribute to name the facility that carries on her legacy of mission-critical computations in her honor.”

Lillian Carter works as a nurse in a hospital in India (1968). Source: Peace Corps

Lillian Gordy Carter. You might be wondering if she has a connection to President Jimmy Carter and the answer is yes. Lillian Gordy Carter is the mother of President Carter and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPVC). She served as a health Volunteer in India at the age 68. Yes, you read that right, Miss Lillian was 68 when she applied and after three months was sent to India to help patients with leprosy. As a PCV at 68, a nurse, and a supporter of women’s causes, Miss Lillian stands out among many. Due to her work in India, Emory University established the Lillian Carter Center for International Nursing. Peace Corps named an award after her, the Lillian Carter Award, which recognizes exceptional Volunteers who served at the age of 50 or over and have continued to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Peace Corps is no stranger to supporting women and girls with the work they do all around the world to assure women and girls reach their full potential and are supported. Read eight stories that will inspire you and give you an insight into what Peace Corps Volunteers do across the globe here.

“The Lillian Carter Award is a wonderful celebration of what is best about the Peace Corps — offering up some of America’s best to the world, and bringing the world home to other Americans.” — President Jimmy Carter

Portrait of Grace Hopper. Source: United States Navy.

Grace Hopper. You’re probably thinking “I have heard her name before” and chances are you have or you might have heard the names she most known by: “Amazing Grace” and “Queen of Code.” Rear Admiral Grace Hopper served in the United States Navy and was a computer scientist. In 1943, she joined the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service). During her assignment to the Bureau of Ordinance Computation Project at Harvard University, she coined the word “bug” referencing a computer malfunction and produced Mark 1, an early prototype of the electronic computer.

Reminder: when you think of military service you might be thinking of careers in infantry, but military service also includes 50+ healthcare specialties and careers in logistics, engineering, mechanics, aviation, information technology, human resources, and more. This month, the U.S. Air Force released a new video featuring female pilots in conjunction with the news of the upcoming “Captain Marvel.” Not trying to promote one superhero over another, but this is the first Marvel Studios superhero movie led by a woman who plays Carol Danvers, an Air Force officer who gains superpowers. We recommend you see the video, but also read the origin stories of the women who currently serve in the U.S. Air Force.

We don’t want to end without calling out the remarkable women who sit on the Commission and have made history of their own: Commissioners Janine Davidson, Avril Haines, Jeanette James, and Shawn Skelly and Vice Chair for Military Affairs Debra Wada. Here at the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, we are examining challenges and assessing solutions to the barriers faced when entering service and continuing to serve. We seek to offer a series of recommendations that build a clear and supported path for all Americans for generations to come.

We thank the contributions of many women who that without our military, national, and public service would not be where it is today. Join us in assuring every American is inspired and eager to serve and that there are opportunities for the future Katherine Johnson’s, Miss Lillian’s, and Rear Admiral Hopper’s.

Do you know of a woman who served? They can share their story on our website. Do you have thoughts on how we can inspire more women to join military, national, or public service? Should women register for the Selective Service System? Share your comments with the Commission by December 31, 2019.