 |
| Airman 1st Class Lindey Pestello, a 179th Airlift Wing firefighter, stands proud in the fire station at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, as part of a 179th AW Women Making History' campaign for the month, Mar. 3, 2018. The month of March is nationally observed as Women's History Month and recognizes the struggles and achievements of women throughout the history of the United States. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Shepherd\Released) |
MANSFIELD, OH, UNITED STATES
03.21.2018
Story by Airman 1st Class Megan Shepherd
179th Airlift Wing
MANSFIELD, Ohio – March is observed nationally as Women’s History Month. One way to highlight the history of women in the Air National Guard is to observe them making history today in the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio.
Women at the 179th AW are outnumbered by male Airmen, currently the unit is under 25% female, and that statistic is not unusual for any military installation. The goal is to raise that number to 30% by 2026. As the unit approaches its 70th anniversary it strives to reach further milestones of empowering female Airmen.
Recently, the unit has made history appointing Col. Allison C. Miller as the first female wing commander in the Ohio Air National Guard. Last year, Col. Patricia L. Barr became the Mission Support Group Commander and a female from the unit Chief Master Sgt. Heidi A. Bunker, was selected to be the Command Chief for the 178th Wing. The 179th AW currently has two female Chief Master Sergeants, Chief Dana M. Togliatti and Chief April R. Gunnoe.
Leadership roles are an important step to acknowledging that although they are still outnumbered, they are valued for the diversity they bring to the unit and equal in their ability to get the mission accomplished.
For some of the youngest Airmen, these changes are happening while they are still trying to figure out their roles and career ambitions. Some of the women have been around long enough to personally feel the climate change and can remember a time when they personally felt limited by traditional gender roles.
Airman 1st Class Lindey Pestello is currently the one and only female firefighter at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio.
She came into the Air National Guard wanting to be a firefighter, but knew it would be challenging in a male dominated field.
“It is hard because I am the only female, but I feel like they do the best they can to keep me included and treat me as equally as possible.”
Fire protection is important for the unit and they are always readily available to help in a crisis. It’s a big priority to protect themselves and each other so they can then assist other people.
Not only is she the only female firefighter at the 179th, she was the only female in her class at technical training school, but she had some female instructors and people she worked with that influenced her and helped her be successful.
“Being the only female is a little difficult but it’s rewarding,” said Pestello.
Pestello is extremely proud of the changes that have been happening. She said it is awesome that we have a female commander now and she really looks up to her and that helps reassure her decision on continuing her career in the military.
Pestello said she walks around with her head held higher after joining the Air National Guard and she feels like she can influence the younger girls in her family.
“The more women that serve, the more it’s becoming acceptable and appreciated”, said Pestello. “We just need to keep promoting and showing other females that they can do it and continue to be good role models.”
