As women bridged the gap from the WAC to the integrated Army, they faced incredible sexism. As a result, many did anything they could to eliminate all traces of femininity, in an effort to prove they were just as capable of doing the job. This was a drastic change from the first WAAC/WACs, who worked hard to assure the country that their women would not lose their femininity the moment they put on a uniform, going so far as to teach hairdressing and makeup application in basic training. As time passes, through changes in policy and the needs of the Army, women are proving themselves on the battlefield. At the same time, the femininity is returning.
The US Army Women's Museum is mounting a 6 week temporary exhibit that will highlight the fact that today's most capable soldier wears both high heels and combat boots. The seven women come from ethnically diverse backgrounds, all age ranges, and all ranks. Some have multiple deployments with combat action, some have a list of decorations an arms' length long. Others have been in for only a few years but have made the most of that time. But they have one thing in common--they are beauty queens. This exhibit will not mimic the vapid portrayals of the 1940s and 50's, it will showcase the fact that these women are smart, capable, hard-working soldiers that also publicly embrace their femininity, often using the pageant vehicle to promote military ideals.
Among these women, there is a purple heart winner, four combat action badges, a combat medic badge, more than 13 college degrees, six bronze stars, approximately eleven Meritorious Service Medals, a chest full of salad from there on down, multiple deployments from the Cold War to GWOT, and thousands of volunteer hours.
Their pageant titles are equally impressive. From local and state winners of Miss America, Mrs America, Mrs International, US Beauties and Mrs United States, the Kevlar stands beside the Crown.
On 1 Aug, please join us for the opening of the exhibit. It is free, open the public (Please have ID, car registration and insurance for the Gate Guards.) and several of the women are flying in for the opening of the event.
TKPN
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The US Army Women's Museum is mounting a 6 week temporary exhibit that will highlight the fact that today's most capable soldier wears both high heels and combat boots. The seven women come from ethnically diverse backgrounds, all age ranges, and all ranks. Some have multiple deployments with combat action, some have a list of decorations an arms' length long. Others have been in for only a few years but have made the most of that time. But they have one thing in common--they are beauty queens. This exhibit will not mimic the vapid portrayals of the 1940s and 50's, it will showcase the fact that these women are smart, capable, hard-working soldiers that also publicly embrace their femininity, often using the pageant vehicle to promote military ideals.
Among these women, there is a purple heart winner, four combat action badges, a combat medic badge, more than 13 college degrees, six bronze stars, approximately eleven Meritorious Service Medals, a chest full of salad from there on down, multiple deployments from the Cold War to GWOT, and thousands of volunteer hours.
Their pageant titles are equally impressive. From local and state winners of Miss America, Mrs America, Mrs International, US Beauties and Mrs United States, the Kevlar stands beside the Crown.
On 1 Aug, please join us for the opening of the exhibit. It is free, open the public (Please have ID, car registration and insurance for the Gate Guards.) and several of the women are flying in for the opening of the event.
TKPN
PageantCast Home
Podcast Pickle Page
Our Feed
One Click Subscribe in iTunes
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