JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As most U.S. Air Force Airmen dispersed during lunchtime, a small group of female Airmen came together for an afternoon of empowerment and planning during the inaugural Women Warrior Luncheon at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Aug. 12, 2015.
The luncheon, hosted by 633rd Air Base Wing Chapel staff, facilitated communication between junior Airmen and seasoned leaders with the intent to support each other as military women.
"Even though we're all Airmen, women still are in the minority and it is sometimes difficult to find each other and find out that you have commonalities," said Chap. (Lt. Col.) Christine Blice-Baum, 633rd ABW deputy wing chaplain. "There's something about women linked together that offers encouragement and empowerment."
According to Blice-Baum, targeting junior-enlisted Airmen helps build the Wingman Concept and reinforces resiliency through relations for new Airmen.
With issues like suicide and sexual assault affecting many military women, Blice-Baum said Women Warrior networking with the appropriate agencies will create safeties for women to help mitigate or lessen those types of occurrences.
As for the expectations for the future of the group, Blice-Baum said she hopes the group takes on a character determined by its participants, and to also connect with U.S. Army Soldiers at Fort Eustis.
"It's not my vision, it's going to be the vision of the group with the encouragement of the senior folks and us being able to lead, guide and provide structure," she explained. "My hope is [the group] creates connections as we continue with our joint partners to strengthen each other, offer support and foster friendships."