Minnesota National Guard Celebrates International Women’s Day
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
March 6, 2024
ST PAUL, Minn. – Friday, the Minnesota National Guard will host an International Women’s
Day event, shared globally, in St. Paul to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of the females serving in its ranks.
“I am proud to be a member of the Minnesota National Guard because I am part of an organization that celebrates women’s achievements and increases the visibility of the opportunities for women leaders across the organization,” said Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson, the Minnesota National Guard’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader. “Women wear military uniforms across the globe, and now more than ever, women are achieving things never thought possible.”
The Guard continues to grow and change since its inception in 1856. Nearly 13,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen serve in the Minnesota National Guard, and 22 percent are females. Females are making strides and working in positions never previously done before. Most recently, the Minnesota National Guard had their first female staff judge advocate, the first female infantry officer and enlisted Soldier, the first all-female command team for the 34th Military Police Company, and so many more. In the Air Guard, there have been 11 female pilots; nine are currently serving. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women and drive gender parity.
Attendees will have a chance to meet the following women:
Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson is the first-ever Air Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Minnesota National Guard since its inception in 1856. She is the second female to hold this position.
Army Col. Jennifer Beck-Brown is the first Native American and female to serve as the Minnesota National Guard’s Staff Judge Advocate.
Air Force Col. Dana Novinskie is a C130 pilot and was the first female commander of the 133rd Airlift Wing’s 109th Airlift Squadron. Last Friday, she was promoted to colonel and currently serves as the first female director of operations for the 133rd Airlift Wing.
Army 2nd Lt. Dearest Welwolie is a first-generation Liberian-American to join the military.
Army 1st Sgt. Beth Dedic is the first female first sergeant for the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company. Additionally, she was part of this unit’s first all-female command team.
Army Staff Sgt. Anhtuyet Phung is a first-generation American and the first female in her family to join the military.
Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to attend the event on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., located at the St. Paul Armory, 600 Cedar St, St. Paul, Minn., 55101. Media can RSVP to Maj. Jodine Eells at 952-237-3136 or jodine.l.eells.mil@army.mil.
– About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
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