Congresswoman Fallin visits to chat with WOMeN Published April 3, 2009 By Women's Officers Mentoring Network TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Congresswoman Mary Fallin spoke recently at the Women's Officers' Mentoring Network Meeting at Tinker. The congresswomen spoke and answered questions during an hour-long session attended by 40 women and "one brave man," said Capt. Dyan Gibbens of the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing. "She is an amazing woman." The respect was mutual. Congresswoman Fallin praised the group saying, "I commend you for your service and appreciate the daily sacrifices you give." Congresswoman Fallin serves on the Armed Services Committee and discussed a brief history of women in combat, starting with Deborah Sampson, a Revolutionary War soldier, who dressed like a man so she could serve her country. Congresswoman Fallin said, "Since then, we've come so far." She then went on to share about her visits with troops in Iraq. Congresswoman Fallin attended Tecumseh High School, Oklahoma Baptist University and also holds a degree from Oklahoma State University. She served three terms as lieutenant governor and was the first female lieutenant governor. She is also the first woman to represent Oklahoma in Congress since 1920. "The group was very fortunate to have such an outstanding and personable speaker," Captain Gibbens said. The Women Officers' Mentoring Network is an informal group where female senior leaders speak in a casual forum. The group began last April and is open to anyone, including men, but is primarily attended by female company grade officers. "Between deployments, TDYs, and work, we range between 10 and 40 ladies at bi-monthly meetings. WOMeN is a social network with many purposes. Principally, it is a mentoring network where young, female officers learn from senior leaders' experiences. With many women whose husbands are also Active Duty, WOMeN has served as a support group as well," Captain Gibbens said. Past speakers included: Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Brig. Gen. Judith Fedder, Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, Col. Mary Feik and Col. Marcia Walker. Past topics of discussion were: deployments, dual-military couples, Reserve/Guard opportunities, life-balance with children, flying with children, and political aspirations. "All our speakers have been phenomenal," said Captain Gibbens Because Tinker encompasses so many career fields, the group invites speakers with diverse backgrounds, ranging from pilots to maintenance to politics, in order to relay a variety of experiences. "WOMeN aims to achieve a renewed focus on camaraderie as social network and support group that not only unites female CGOs, but helps integrate within our respective units," Captain Gibbens said. For more information, contact Captain Gibbens or 1st Lt. Heather Boytim.