My Near-Military Experience
Let me take you back to when I was 18, a single mom with dreams as big as the sky. Fresh out of high school, I was ready to conquer the world. I had aced my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test, scoring so high that I entertained dreams of working for central intelligence or some thrilling military intelligence role, like Josephine Baker but with less glam and more grit.
But here's the twist – back then, the rule was that I had to give up custody of my son to enlist. The very thought of that was like a punch to the gut. I was his everything, and the idea of being away from him, of someone else tucking him in at night, was too much to bear. I was also eight pounds over the weight limit. Those extra pounds became my convenient excuse to delay signing the papers. It wasn't just about the weight; it was about the weight of the decision. The military life demanded a level of sacrifice I wasn't ready to make.
Women Who Paved the Way
Despite my decision, I've always admired the incredible women who served. Women like Harriet Tubman, who was more than just a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She was a spy and a scout during the Civil War, risking her life to gather intelligence that would save others.
Then there's the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the Six Triple Eight. This all-Black, all-female battalion was deployed overseas during World War II. Their mission? To sort out a two-year backlog of mail in Birmingham, England, ensuring that soldiers received their letters from home. These women worked around the clock in eight-hour shifts, facing not only the challenges of war but also racial and gender discrimination. Yet, they persisted, sorting millions of pieces of mail and lifting the morale of countless soldiers. (https://www.womenofthe6888th.org/6888th-facts).
Lessons from the Military
There's so much we can learn from the military, even if we've never served. The discipline it instills is something we can all benefit from. Discipline isn't just about following orders; it's about self-control, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It's waking up every day with a purpose and seeing it through, no matter the obstacles.
The military also teaches solidarity and allegiance. Soldiers depend on each other for their lives, and that bond is unbreakable. Imagine if we brought that level of commitment and loyalty to our sisterhood. We could move mountains.
My Son's Journey
Fast forward to today, my son – the one I couldn't bear to leave – grew up and served. Now I am a military mom. He joined the Army and was deployed for nearly seven years, spending part of his tour in Japan. It was a strange twist of fate, watching him go through what I couldn't. I felt a mix of pride and fear every day he was away. But he returned home safely, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
His experience taught me that the military isn't just about weapons and combat. It's about growth, resilience, and the bonds forged in shared hardship. It's about the commitment to something greater than oneself.
Solidarity and Allegiance in Sisterhood
In our Sisterhood Sit-In community, we can take these lessons to heart. Imagine if we approached our mission with the same level of discipline and dedication. If we supported each other with unwavering solidarity, recognizing that our collective strength is what will carry us through.
We can honor the legacy of women like those in the 6888th by embodying their spirit of resilience and unity. We can create a space where every woman feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve greatness.
Unite and Empower
So, here's my call to action for you, my sisters: Let's build our community with the same values that make the military strong. Let's be disciplined in our efforts, dedicated to our cause, and unwavering in our support for one another. Let's create a sisterhood that stands as a testament to the power of solidarity and allegiance.
Join me in honoring the women who paved the way, in learning from their strength, and in building a future where our sisterhood can thrive. Together, we can move mountains.
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