More Than 200 Attend the U.S. Army Women Foundation's 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium

Hon. Duckworth and Brig. Gen. Vaught, USAF (Ret.) Inducted into Foundation's Hall of Fame

WASHINGTON, March 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army Women's Foundation today hosted its 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon on Capitol Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with more than 200 people attending the two events.

The Symposium included three panels, which analyzed current programs helping servicewomen transition from the frontlines to a civilian career, the corporate world, or the classroom:

• Combat to Classroom addressed the relevant needs to ensuring a successful transition from the battlefield to the academic sector.
• Combat to Career analyzed issues and needs of service women considering transitioning into a new career path within the civilian workforce.
• Combat to Corporate focused on soldiers transitioning to the business world.

The panels were moderated by Brig. Gen. Foote, USA (Ret.) and cultivated dialogue among federal legislators, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate leaders, and non-profit organizations.  U.S. Representatives J. Randy Forbes (R - Va.), Jan Schakowsky (D - Ill.), and Ike Skelton (D - Mont.) all made remarks.  Last year's inaugural Symposium focused on the often unique roles, abilities, and needs of Army women as they leave the service.  

"Army women, past and presently serving, have sacrificed a lot to safeguard our country.  The Foundation's Army Women in Transition in Symposium helps to focus on our Army women as they move from the Army to civilian life," said retired Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams, president of the U.S. Army Women's Foundation.  "Army women have much to offer as they enter civilian life, and we need to better recognize their capabilities and leadership skills."

Following the Symposium, the Foundation inducted two esteemed servicewomen pioneers into its Hall of Fame 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.  The Hall of Fame awards are presented to women who have contributed extraordinary service to the Army and to women in the Army.

"Through their extraordinary dedication, valor, patriotism, and service, Assistant Secretary Duckworth and Brigadier General Vaught have paved the way as leaders and role models for the following generations of Army women," said retired Maj. Gen. McWilliams.

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.  

Kimberly Dozier, CBS News correspondent, emceed the ceremony.  Lieut. Gen. James Lovelace, USA (Ret.), former Commanding General, Third United States Army Central, keynoted. Representatives John Carter (R - Texas), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D - Mich.), and Gene Taylor (D - Miss.) were all present for the ceremony.  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.  

Following the inductions, the Foundation presented 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.

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