Why I Support Women in the Navy

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Alexandria King signals for an aircraft to test it's flaps aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)How many women do you know, either personally or professionally, who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces? Over the last decade or so, I’ve been introduced to a mere few including Veterans from the Army, Navy and Marines. Before then, my knowledge of women in the military was limited to those portrayed in movies starring actresses Demi Moore (G.I. Jane), Meg Ryan (Courage Under Fire), Leslie Stefanson (The General’s Daughter) and Joy Bryant (Antwone Fisher).

No matter how much the rest of us civilians enjoy the comforts that come with being Americans, let’s not forget that these luxuries do not come for free. There are many sacrifices being made, by service members of the Armed Forces across the world, on everyone else’s behalf. Since New Year’s Day, I’ve been learning about some Navy units comprised of women who are actively deployed overseas. Some of these soldiers are miles away from home with little to zero contact from friends or family. Yet, they perform tough (not to mention…dangerous) jobs that the average citizen – male or female -- probably wouldn’t dare to embark upon.

Sailors move tubs of ice cream into storerooms aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) during a replenishment-at-sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)Do you know what it’s like to live in cramped, hot (or cold in some conditions), smelly quarters with up to one dozen or more other people on a ship -- all while lacking the basic resources you need to stay in relatively healthy shape such as socks, deodorant, tampons, lotion and related everyday necessities? If you’re reading this, I know you’re well aware that this doesn’t sound like an ideal way to spend your time, given the already high-stress nature of a workplace like the military.

No matter how you feel about your job, many of us civilians have it easy compared to women serving in the Armed Forces who are -- like our male soldiers -- working 12-hour days (or longer) with very little respite. They don’t get to clock out at 5pm on weekdays, and then head home where “Game of Thrones” or “Mad Men” is waiting for them on the DVR. It will be several months before a lot of soldiers anticipate returning to U.S. Soil, let alone their homes. So my new mission of giving for 2015 (or at the very least, this month) is to boost the morale of our women in uniform.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Laticia Watson was recognized as "Sailor of the Week" on base for showing exemplary skill and work ethic within her shop and rate.Motivated by an actor from Chicago named Carlo Garcia, whose commitment to support a different cause every day strenghthened his Living Philanthropic mission; I understand how you can do so much to impact someone’s life, even when you have very little. Bearing this in mind, I am pledging $1 a day for the month of January 2015 to Women in the U.S. Navy.

That’s a total of $31 being used to send them items they need such as hygiene and comfort items. If, like me, you believe in women being seen as heroes, join me in this month’s pledge by sending a letter or card to a soldier or volunteering at hospitals or centers caring for female veterans in your community. Or, support a cause that means something to you. From education, healthcare and homelessness to environmental protection and animal welfare, there are many causes that affect the world we live in today. I encourage everyone to be the change they want to see by doing their part in making this world a better place.

Which branch of the U.S. Military stands out most to YOU?