Hon. Duckworth and Brig. Gen. Vaught, USAF (Ret.) to Be Inducted Into the U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame

Panel Topics Announced for the 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army Women's Foundation today announced its Hall of Fame inductees for 2010: The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; and, Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, USAF (Ret.), President of Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc.

Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran, former U.S. Army helicopter pilot, and recipient of many distinguished service awards, including a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.

Vaught, one of the most highly decorated women to serve in the U.S. military, achieved many "firsts" that helped pave the way for thousands of army women to be judged based on their abilities -- not gender.  

The Hall of Fame awards are presented to women who have contributed extraordinary service to the Army and any individual who has made exceptional contributions to women in the Army.   Duckworth and Vaught will be formally inducted and honored at the Foundation's 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2010.  Last year, the Foundation launched its Hall of Fame on March 24, 2009, with the first two inductees: Brig. Gen. Evelyn "Pat" Foote (Ret.) and Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Pritchett.  

"Assistant Secretary Duckworth and Brigadier General Vaught have shown extraordinary dedication, valor, and patriotism through their service careers," said retired Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams, president of the U.S. Army Women's Foundation.  "Their sacrifices have not only contributed greatly to our country, but also have paved the way as leaders and role models to the army women following their service."

The Foundation's Symposium will be held on Capitol Hill in Cannon Caucus Room 345 in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  It will assess the programs assisting servicewomen in transition by analyzing three key areas:

• Combat to Classroom, will address the relevant needs to assuring a successful transition from the battlefield to the academic sector.
• Combat to Career, will analyze issues and needs of service women considering transitioning into a new career path within the civilian workforce.
• Combat to Corporate, will focus on soldiers transitioning to the business world.

The three panels will be moderated by Brig. Gen. Foote, USA (Ret.) and will cultivate dialogue among federal legislators, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate leaders, and non-profit organizations.  Last year's inaugural Symposium, focused on the often unique roles, abilities and needs of Army women as they leave the service.

Following the Symposium, The Hall of Fame Luncheon will occur in Cannon Caucus Room.  Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, USA, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, will keynote.  During the Luncheon, the Foundation will induct Duckworth and Vaught into its Hall of Fame, and will present five Legacy Scholarships, including three Fort Hood Scholarships.  The Fort Hood scholarships will commemorate fallen soldiers Sgt. Amy Krueger of Kiel, Wis.; Pfc. Francheska Velez of Chicago, Ill.; and Lieut. Col. Juanita Warman of Havre De Grace, Md.

The Foundation Legacy Scholarship program recognizes the importance of education and helps recipients to achieve their educational goals. The program offers financial support toward undergraduate degrees to Army women and their lineal descendents. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, and need.

For sponsor opportunities of the 2nd Annual Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon, please contact Stephanie Murillo at 703-288-8686.

ABOUT THE U.S. ARMY WOMEN'S FOUNDATION

The U.S. Army Women's Foundation is the premier center for educational excellence, the national network for today's Army women, and a dynamic advocate for telling the history of Army women. Through its programs, research and scholarships, the Foundation honors the service of Army women and supports the U.S. Army Women's Museum.  Originally established in 1969, the Foundation is headquartered in Fort Lee, Va.  For more information, visit www.awfdn.org.

SOURCE U.S. Army Women's Foundation