BUCKLEY LADIES' EMPOWERMENT SOCIAL AND BOOK CLUB

Senior female leaders host first ladies' social

by Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
460th Space Wing Public Affairs
1/11/2013 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- More than 90 Team Buckley women gathered Jan. 10 at the Buckley Leadership Development Center for a Ladies' Empowerment Social and Book Club event.

The social and book club, the first of its kind at Buckley, offered a venue for women to gather in a relaxed environment for networking, socializing and building camaraderie. The gathering also provided an opportunity for high-ranking female leaders to discuss the sensitive subject of sexual assault in a women-only environment.

Active-duty, guard and reserve service members, civilians, contractors, and spouses attended the event, offering a wide array of life experiences and stances on various issues to discuss.

The event kicked off with an explanation of the gathering's purpose and introductions offered by Col. Tracey Hayes, 460th Space Wing vice commander; Col. DeAnna Burt, 460th Operations Group commander; Chief Master Sgt. Marilyn Savage, 460th Mission Support Group chief enlisted advisor; Christina Stump, 460th SW community support coordinator; and Peggy Moore-McCoy, 460th SW sexual assault response coordinator. Each played a key role in the coordination of this event.

Focus was placed on national bestseller "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker, which emphasizes regaining power and control in one's life. The women in attendance, whether they read the book or not, participated in engaging discussion of past experiences, outlooks on life and personal habits relating to losing, gaining or maintaining power and control over their lives.

Coordinators of the social event asked for book suggestions and feedback from participants for future events. Potential events include self-defense courses and a men's gathering. Look to http://www.buckley.af.mil/Calendar/default.aspx for a listing of upcoming Buckley community events and ceremonies.