McConnell AFB celebrates International Women’s Day

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Friday is International Women’s Day, and McConnell Air Force Base took the time to highlight women in the ranks and around Wichita at the McConnell AFB Youth Center.

One captain says celebrating women is important because they are not always given credit.

“I think it’s important to celebrate women in history. So, you know, a lot of, unfortunately, women in history get erased. So, it’s nice to have the opportunity to give us a day to not only celebrate, you know, national, but international women that have had an impact on the world, the military, and various areas just around the world,” said Victoria Williams, Captain of the 22nd Medical Group at McConnell AFB.

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Captain Williams said that she was inspired by women in her life to join the military.

“A lot of my mentorship, one of the reasons why I joined, I had some inspirational women in my life that encouraged me, you know, to serve,” she said. “It just seemed obvious for me to join the military to you know, contribute my passion, and my efforts, and all my education to doing something that aligned with my personal goals.”

Being an African American female in the military is no easy task.

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“It can be very difficult. As you know, many things in the world are male-dominated, especially the military. So even being an African American female in the military is not common. So just, you know, navigating different areas, different ranks. So I’m an officer, that’s also another aspect to it,” said Captian Williams. “It’s very important for me to be out there to show people that you can do it, and then also, representation matters.”

McConnell AFB had various speakers, including City Councilmember Maggie Ballard, City Attorney Jennifer Magana, Wichita Fire Chief Elizabeth Snow, and KSN’s Chief Meteorologist Lisa Teachman.

“Don’t let anybody or anything tell you cannot do what you wanna do. I didn’t realize I wanted to be a meteorologist, but I think the universe had plans for me to become that meteorologist,” said Teachman. “I honestly thought that I was going to be an architect. I loved drawing houses. And maybe you love drawing houses. Maybe you love taking care of your pets. Maybe you love taking care of your brother … Start reaching out to those people that do those jobs and say, ‘Hey, can I shadow you, maybe spend the day with you?’ Because that might change your life completely, and that’s what changed my life.”

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