Published: March 18, 2025
By Ryan Callahan
Have you ever been placed out of your comfort zone in a way that helped you grow? I had this profound experience in 2019 while attending the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium (JWLS) — an event that completely shifted my perspective.
As the head of marketing for a military-adjacent company, I was tasked with attending this conference to present an award. When I arrived, I quickly realized I was the only male in a sea of 2,000+ active-duty women service members in uniform. Already feeling out of place, my imposter syndrome peaked when I was seated at the front table with Debbie Lee James, the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. Debbie was only the second woman ever to hold this position, following Sheila Widnall.
Fortunately, I had recently read her book, Aim High, and was able to make small talk about one of its key lessons: “Hang in there with positivity.” That simple mantra carried me through the event as I found myself in the presence of some of the most accomplished women in the military.
Then came the moment I’ll never forget.
I had the honor of presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilma Vaught — a true legend. She was the first woman to deploy with an Air Force bomber unit and the first woman from the comptroller field to reach the rank of brigadier general.
After highlighting just a few of her many achievements, I presented the award, which came with a donation to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial — a cause she had personally founded and championed.
What happened next was something I never expected.
Brig. Gen. Vaught, moved by the moment, stood to attention and saluted me.
As a civilian, I froze. I had no idea how to respond. So, I did the only thing that felt right — I hugged her.
The room erupted in applause, and that moment will stay with me forever.
Honoring Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught’s Legacy and 95th Birthday
This Women’s History Month is particularly special as Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught will celebrate her 95th birthday on March 15th. Her impact on the military didn’t stop when she retired — she added to her legacy through her work preserving the history of service women.
Brig. Gen. Vaught was instrumental in establishing the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, the nation’s leading memorial and education center dedicated to honoring the commitment, contributions, and experiences of service women. Since the American Revolution, more than three million women have served in or alongside the U.S. Armed Forces. Thanks to Brig. Gen. Vaught’s efforts, their stories are preserved and recognized, ensuring that future generations understand their role in shaping history.
Doing Our Part for the All-Volunteer Force
While my experience at JWLS gave me a small glimpse into military life, the reality is that most Americans have little to no direct connection to the armed forces. Since the end of the draft in 1973, the United States has relied entirely on an All-Volunteer Force — a system that depends on willing individuals stepping up to serve. The Military Family Lifestyle Survey, a research study conducted by Blue Star Families, showed that female service members show a strong commitment to military service, with 31% intending to stay in service for the next five years.
But here’s the challenge: less than 1% of the U.S. population serves in the military. This means that for the vast majority of Americans, military service is something they see in movies, news headlines, or at a sporting event flyover — not something they truly understand.
That disconnect has consequences. It can lead to misconceptions about military life, undervaluing the sacrifices service members make, and a lack of public support for policies that affect them.
So, what can civilians do? The strength of our military depends on the support of the society it defends. While not everyone serves in uniform, we all have a responsibility to do our part for those who do and their families.
A Call to Appreciate and Support Women in the Military
This Women’s History Month, I want to express my deep appreciation for all the women who wear the uniform. Their resilience, leadership, and sacrifices deserve recognition — not just in March, but every single day.
For civilians like myself, this experience was a humbling reminder that military service isn’t just about what happens on the battlefield — it’s about the commitment, discipline, and selflessness required to protect and serve.
So, to all the women in uniform, thank you for your service. And to my fellow civilians, let’s make sure we do our part to honor and support them. And finally, a heartfelt happy 95th birthday to Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught! Your legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
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