More than 200 Attend the U.S. Army Women Foundation’s 3rd Annual Symposium & Hall of Fame Luncheon

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation today hosted its 3^rd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium & Hall of Fame Luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with more than 200 people attending.

“Army women, past and presently serving, have sacrificed so much to safeguard our country, and the Foundation’s Army Women in Transition in Symposium helps to focus on our Army women as they venture from the Army to civilian life”

The Foundation’s Symposium analyzed current programs assisting servicewomen in transition by analyzing two key areas: workforce development, including jobs, skills and employment opportunities; and, education, including academic coursework and professional development during service and in transition.

The panels were moderated by Anne Gearan of the Associated Press and cultivated dialogue among federal legislators, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate leaders, and non-profit organizations. U.S. Representatives Bob Filner (D-Calif.), Betty Sutton (D-Ohio), Laura Richardson (D-Calif.), and John Shimkus (D-Ill.) attended. Laura Herrera, MD MPH, Veterans Health Administration, provided a health care keynote speech.

“Army women, past and presently serving, have sacrificed so much to safeguard our country, and the Foundation’s Army Women in Transition in Symposium helps to focus on our Army women as they venture 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 recognize their capabilities and leadership skills better.”

Following the Symposium, the Foundation inducted two servicewomen heroes into its Hall of Fame for 2011: the First Women Graduates of West Point, Class of 1980; and Sergeant Major Grace L. Mueller, U.S. Army (Ret). The Hall of Fame awards are presented to women who have contributed extraordinary service to the Army and especially to women in the Army.

Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, USA, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, keynoted, and Leon Harris, ABC7/WJLA-TV News Anchor, emceed the ceremony. Congressman Shimkus, a West Point Graduate of 1980, added some personal anecdotes about his courageous women classmates.

“Through their extraordinary dedication, valor, patriotism, and service, the first women graduates of West Point and Sergeant Major Grace Mueller have paved the way as leaders and role models for generations of Army women to come,” said retired Maj. Gen. McWilliams.

Mueller, one of the youngest women who enlisted in the newly created Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in the summer of 1942, gave a lifetime of service to both her country and generations of servicewomen—both current and former.

The First Women Graduates of West Point, Class of 1980, changed history when entering the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1976. They played a critical role in opening new avenues for women to serve in the Army and to the United States.

Following the inductions, the Foundation presented seven Legacy Scholarships. 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 a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which fosters education excellence through its scholarship program, serves as a national network for today’s Army women, and is a dynamic advocate for recording the history of Army women. It is dedicated to women who serve or have served in the U.S. Army. Originally established in 1969, the Foundation is headquartered in Fort Lee, Va. For more information, visit www.awfdn.org.