Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Glenda Francis (left), 51st Security Forces Squadron, NCO in-charge of armory and Senior Airman Amron Barcinas, 51st SFS armorer, pose for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. Francis hails from a Native American reservation in Maine and is the first in her family to serve in the military. Similarly, Barcinas represents her family from the island of Rota, which is part of the U.S. commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Growing in small communities played a vital role in the women they are and they feel their diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to what makes the Air Force great. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alauna Pruitt, 51st Security Forces Squadron, elite guard section chief, poses for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. As a freshman in college, Pruitt saw herself going down the wrong path and decided to follow her elder brothers’ footsteps who joined the military for discipline. Now in her 16th year of service, she credits that discipline and strength for overcoming adversities life has thrown her way. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Staff. Sgt. Erika Roberts, 51st Security Forces Squadron, NCO in-charge of supply, poses for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. Following in the footsteps of her parents who both served in the U.S. Army, Roberts proudly carries on her family’s legacy of military service. “My advice to young girls thinking about the military and Security Forces is to stay the course, don’t look to skip steps. As a female in a male-dominated career field, you have to work harder to be seen. That can be frustrating at times, but if you run your race and take advantage of opportunities when they come, you’ll arrive at your destination,” said Roberts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michayla Coleman, 51st Security Forces Squadron, military working dog (MWD) handler poses for a photo with her partner Beatle in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. When she was younger, Coleman dreamt of being in law enforcement. She is extremely proud to be in the Air Force as a Security Forces Airman and accomplishing her ultimate goal of becoming a MWD handler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elizabeth Scantlan, 51st Security Forces Squadron response force leader, poses for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. For Scantlan, Women’s History Month reminds her of the dedication of women who work full-time and serve their families as wives and mothers. “When I look back at when my son was a newborn and how I balanced everything, it amazes me and lets me know that no matter how difficult the situation, I can handle anything,” said Scantlan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ariel McRae, 51st Security Forces Squadron, base defense operations center controller, poses for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. McRae is thankful and feels indebted to her female role models who guided her and provided an outlet when she needed it. She looks forward to being the support to younger Airmen as they navigate life and their careers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Investigator Gabbie Wade, 51st Security Forces Squadron, poses for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 28, 2023. Wade witnessed the difficulty her mother experienced raising four children, so she was influenced to join the military for stability. She advises women in any career field to stand their ground and to be their own person: “You are women with unique backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and talents. Remember being different is your strength - it’s what you can offer to your team and to the fight,” said Wade. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Edith Sanchez, 51st Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, poses for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 28, 2023. Sanchez joined the Air Force as an 18-year-old out of high school and firmly believes that anything is possible with hard work. “Young women, I want you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I know it sounds cliché, but the things in your life that challenge you will make you stronger and a better person,” said Sanchez. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dwane R. Young)

Women Defenders of Osan

Published March 29, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Dwane Young
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

U.S. Air Force 51st Security Forces Squadron women, pose for a photos in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March since 1987.