An Event to Honor Women in the Military
Bobbi Brown at the NEX Military Base in Maryland.
I am in awe of the military. It’s impossible not to be inspired by their level of dedication, bravery, and confidence. This past week, I was honored to help celebrate over 150 U.S. service women at NEX, a Military Base Exchange store in Bethesda, Maryland. I gave makeup lessons with my team artist Tia Hebron, signed books, and got to know retirees, Navy wives, military medical staff, and active duty military.
One of the things I love about my job is the instant connection you make with people. There is something about the makeover process that makes people open up and feel more confident. I’ve learned the power of listening, and at the event there were so many moving stories to hear. I listened to young women talk about being caretakers to partners who returned from service with injuries or PTSD. I met women with missing limbs, who arrived to the event in their hospital gowns, taking a break from their healing. I talked to women who spent their careers flying planes, working on ships, and leading troops. One woman told me she had been cleaning out her flooded basement by herself, but took a much-needed break for the camaraderie—and a little lipstick—before heading back. They were funny, strong, and beyond impressive group.
Meeting one of our amazing women in the Military the NEX Military Base in Maryland.
While it is easy to be inspired by the men and women in our military, we also have to support them. In an event for female vets last November, I learned that the unemployment rate for women veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan was 11.2%, 5 points higher than men who served in the same conflicts, and double the rate for civilian women. It’s something that has to change. Meeting these women really puts everything in perspective for me. It was an honor to spend the day with them. It’s my third time working with and meeting with the military, and I hope just one of many more.
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