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177th Armored Brigade Recognizes Women's Equality Day
By Sgt Sharon Hinklem 177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Camp Shelby, Miss.
Sep 2, 2009 - 7:50:09 PM

Blackanthem Military News
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. - The 177th Armored Brigade Equal Opportunity Team, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center (CSJFTC), Camp Shelby, Miss., commemorated Women's Equality Day with a ceremony honoring the recipient of the 3rd Annual "Strong Woman Award," Sgt. Teresa Westbrook. The award recognizes women who have persevered through adversity, demonstrated definite leadership qualities, and are a positive mentor to others.  Westbrook's fellow nominees included Master Sgt. Lizzie Baker, Staff Sgt. Janice Walker, and Staff Sgt. Shawana Rodriguez.

In 1971, Women's Equality Day was first initiated by Bella Azbug, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and women's rights activist. In 1977, President  Jimmy Carter officially designated Aug. 26 Women's Equality Day, in recognition of the day the 19th Amendment was passed to the U.S. Constitution, giving women full voting rights in 1920.

Westbrook, a native of Yazoo City, Miss., is currently serving as a military pay specialist in the 3rd Battalion, 349th Regiment of the 177th. She transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve in 2008 after serving 10 years with the Mississippi National Guard. She is a single mother of two, son Pierre, 13, and daughter Madison, 6.

"I was completely shocked," said Westbrook of her reaction to hearing her named called as the winner. "I hesitated for a second to make sure it was really my name I heard called."

Westbrook credits her sister's battle with cancer for her own strength and determination. "She took on such a grown up illness," said Westbrook. "I figured if she can go through that, I can take on anything." Unfortunately, 16-year-old Kristal Gower, lost her battle with cancer in June 2009.

When asked of her family's reaction to receiving the award, Westbrook said her mother recalled when her sister won the "Iron Woman" competition as a member of her high school's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). "She was an "Iron Woman" and now you're a "Strong Woman"," she said.

Westbrook is preceded by many military strong women. Annie Fox, for instance, was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for her service during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Also Sgt. Esther Blake, the first woman to enter the Air Force. Blake enlisted the first minute of the first hour of the first day the regular Air Force authorized female enlistments, making her the first WAF, which stood for Women in the Air Force.

When asked how she will uphold her title, Westbrook said she will inspire others to be strong women by encouraging them to live the values of leadership, mentorship and perseverance, and give selflessly without regard for reward, such as giving blood.

Her advice to others is, "pay it forward. If someone does something good for you, in return, do something good for someone else."

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