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179th Airlift Wing Women inspire girls in Leader Richland Program

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood
  • 179th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Mansfield, Ohio --  The 179th Airlift Wing and 200th RED HORSE Det. 1, Mansfield, OH, participated in the Richland Community Development Group's program "Leader Richland", which aims to inspire 7th and 8th graders to reach their full potential as future community leaders.
Each year the program rotates between all boys and all girls. This event spanned over 3 separate dates, May 15, 19 and 22. Nine different schools sent busloads of girls from Ontario, Shelby, Colonel Crawford, Mansfield City, Plymouth, Galion, Lucas, Crestline and Richland Academy School of Excellence.
Founder of the program, Marilyn John, said, "When I founded Leader Richland three years ago, I could never have imagined it would grow so quickly. This year, nearly 1,000 young girls from 9 schools will be involved. Thanks to RCDG, OSU-Mansfield, NC State and the 45 volunteer speakers who help make this program what it is and investing in our future."
Each year the program rotates between boys and girls. This event spanned over 3 separate dates, May 15, 19 and 22. Nine different schools sent busloads of girls from Ontario, Shelby, Colonel Crawford, Mansfield City, Plymouth, Galion, Lucas, Crestline and Richland Academy School of Excellence.
The 179th AW and 200th RHS sent women as volunteer speakers from the unit to each of the three events at Ohio State University Mansfield/North Central State College campus. The girls listened to the stories of the airmen who spoke of their experience in the military and the opportunities it has afforded them to create successful careers as women of the Air National Guard. Tech. Sgt. Sheila Pryor said "It was awesome, talk about a rewarding experience. To see the face of a young girl that literally says 'I have never thought about my future' light up after 15 minutes and start getting excited at the thought of being a successful young woman someday and wonder at what her potential could be, it was just priceless. I was honored to have the opportunity to participate!"
The students are separated into smaller groups, and rotated through various stations with volunteer speakers, each offering a unique perspective on ways to set them up for success. Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Neuenschwander the girls, "In 2007, I graduated right here at Ohio State University Mansfield, the Ohio Air National Guard State Tuition Program paid 100% of my tuition. I just got back from helping to build a school for kids in the Dominican Republic with the 200th RED HORSE, I can't begin to express how much the Air National Guard has helped to contribute to my success and you can do it too, you can be anything you want to be and the guard can help you to do it on your own."
While rotating through the Air National Guard portion, each girl had the opportunity to ask questions to the airmen and even try on some of their gear. Staff Sgt. Michelle Roark, 179th Security Forces Squadron, let the girls try on body armor and even heat up an M.R.E (Meal Ready to Eat) that is designed to feed troops in field conditions. Not every girl rushed at the chance to taste the M.R.E, but many found interest in the Air National Guard and everything it has to offer. Staff Sgt. Roark said "We are all part of a male dominated career field, it poses many challenges that we've learned to overcome and we take a lot of pride in being able to do anything that male airman can do. I think it's important to empower these young girls to know what they are capable of doing."
Lt. Col. Patty Barr, 200th RED HORSE Det. 1, encouraged the girls to dream big, "Anything you want to do is at your fingertips, always remember that."

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