On March 21st, Southwestern Community College’s Student Veteran Organization (SVO) held an event to honor all women in the Armed Forces, past and present, for the sacrifices they made to protect our country. The event, “Sisters in Arms”, was held in an area of the campus dedicated to veterans called “Veterans Glen”. The keynote speaker was Ret. Army Captain Sarah Qury, President of the San Diego Chapter of The Association of the United States Army, who spoke about what it was like being a female Officer. “There are some unwritten rules for females going into the military,” said Oury. “Dress professionally . . . be assertive . . . know that it’s okay to be human . . . and understand that knowledge is power.”

Student Veteran Organization members presented biographies of women from each of the military branches and a proclamation from the City of Chula Vista declaring March 21st “Sisters In Arms Day” was also presented to the SVO.

Cheryl Perez, LAMOPH Sr. Vice President and Americanism Officer, and Luc Perez, MOPH Associate Member and SVO member, manned a table for the Chula Vista Marine Corps League Detachment 1207, which works closely with the SVO organization. The event was well attended by students, faculty, and community members. Cheryl and Luc spoke with many people about the MOPH/LAMOPH. Cheryl presented the SVO with a Certificate of Appreciation for their work to honor women in military.

Chula Vista Councilwoman Mary Salas (L) presents a proclamation by Mayor Cheryl Cox to Crystal Higgs, the Vice President of the Student Veteran Organization. The proclamation marked March 21st as Sisters In Arms Day, to celebrate and honor women veterans.