FOB KALSU, Iraq – Female Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division attended a woman’s town hall meeting Jan. 8 at the dining facility on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq.
The meeting supported the unit’s female Soldier deployment readiness luncheon held before the 3rd HBCT deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Oct. 2009.
During the event, Soldiers were introduced to leaders of health and welfare services such as behavioral health, stress management and the unit victim advocate program.
“One of the purposes of this meeting today is to inform you of what agencies to go to when you have a problem and where to find those agencies,” explained Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, 3rd HBCT.
Pearson opened the floor for questions after speaking to the Soldiers on the sexual harassment and assault policy in the brigade.
“I want you hear these words come straight from my mouth,” he said. “Sexual harassment and sexual assault will not be tolerated in this brigade. Action will be taken.”
For many of the Soldiers, the town hall meeting was a chance asociate faces with names, not only of the leaders but also of their female battle buddies.
“No one understands female Soldiers like other female Soldiers,” said Captain Joan Hollein, commander, Headquarters Troop, 3rd HBCT.
Spc. Michelle Cook, Headquarters Company, 203rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is one of those Soldiers who understands what it takes to be a female in the military.
“Sometimes we have to go out of our way to get respected,” she said. “We have to prove ourselves where sometimes male Soldiers are just expected to do well.”
Although many deemed the meeting a success, concerns surfaced among the audience.
“I feel there were some concerns that people weren’t saying,” said Spc. Brentney Williams, HQ Co., 203rd BSB. “I think some people just weren’t comfortable. I think there needs to be a way to get people to talk more. It’s important.”
The 3rd HBCT will continue holding woman’s town hall meetings during the unit’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
