March is Women's History Month, a time to consider how far our society has come since women achieved the right to vote 98 years ago. The military supports "equal pay for equal work," shown as nearly every job is now open to women.

Senior Chief Personnel Specialist Raina Hockenberry, of USS Port Royal (CG 73), and Air Force Lt. Col. Sonya Ferreira, 15th Wing, deputy chief of staff officer for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, were guests on Hawaii's local television network and shared their experiences as women in uniform.

Hockenberry has been in the military for 18 years and is a local from Kalihi, Hawaii. She was awarded the Purple Heart for her actions in Afghanistan. She mulled over her experiences after nearly two decades of service.

"When I first joined, women were limited to certain specialties and platforms," she said. "Over the last 18 years, we have evolved into a force that does not limit your choices on your gender, but rather on your abilities. There are so many more avenues for women now that allow us to showcase our interests and capabilities."

Ferreira said her family was wealthy in faith, service to others, and hard work. She echoed Hockenbeberry's thoughts, but added diversity is also a force multiplier to the mission.

"Changing the culture of a work force happens over time because people have to change their mindsets," said Ferreira. "When I first joined the military, there were very few women in senior leadership roles and even fewer women of color. Many times, it was just me and that could be a lonely place. So I learned to focus on the core values we had in common as leaders. However, respecting rights and abilities go beyond gender or race. It includes respecting thoughts and viewpoints that foster teamwork. I believe my senior leaders embraced that truth, allowing me and other women to flourish as leaders."

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