I AM DACOWITS

"To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her what she can."
-Spanish Proverb

Two servicemen set me on the path toward my Naval Career.

I was 15.

One, a Navy Command Senior Chief, told me I could do anything I put my mind to. He introduced me to the other, a young Marine Officer, who promptly told me I wouldn't make it at the Naval Academy because I was "just a girl."

I've often wondered if my Dad knew that Marine would piss me off enough to prove him wrong.

I wore that beloved Naval uniform for 31 years, proving every day what 'just a girl' could do.

While I struggled academically at the Academy, athletics became my footing and opened doors to places few women were racing to enter: Navy Dive School (twice) and Army Jump School.

By senior year, Midshipmen had seen a spectrum of Navy and Marine Corps communities through summer training and events.

I remember attending a Marine Corps event eager to learn more.  At  21, I was tall, lean, and proudly sporting gold airborne jump wings and a Navy Scuba bubble. My ego was probably as big as my smile.  

I approached a crusty Marine Corps senior officer, pointed at my "dual cool" pins and asked:

"Sir, would I be able to do anything like this in the Marine Corps?"

He looked at me incredulously and barked:

"In my Corps, our women serve in logistics."

Well that answered that question.

And without hesitation, I service selected Navy Special Operations.

What I didn't realize then was that behind every milestone I achieved, there was a bigger force at play.  Alongside the mentors, coaches, and family who encouraged me, there was another advocate working silently on my behalf: the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Service (DACOWITS).

For 70 years, DACOWITS shaped policies that improved recruitment, retention and the overall readiness of our Armed Forces.  Their work protected servicewomen, like me, and strengthened the force.

I AM DACOWITS.

DACOWITS gave women in uniform a seat at the table -- by the time I was 40 years old I was in command of the table.  For seven decades, they pushed for equality, family support, and opportunities that made the military stronger.  

Though their voice has been silenced, their impact endures and is not forgotten.  I thank every committee member, past and present, for their advocacy and perseverance. Your tireless work made my three decades of service possible.

The responsibility to carry the mission forward belongs to all of us.

I AM DACOWITS.

Because of DACOWITS, I had opportunities my predecessors never dreamed of. Women today can serve in roles that were once closed, but the work is far from done.

Recruitment, retention, health and safety for women in service must remain a priority. 

I AM DACOWITS.