U.S. Army Europe honored a local woman for her positive impact on the community to kick off Women’s History Month observations in March.
Christi Ham, the wife of USAREUR Commanding General Carter Ham, called on senior leader spouses to nominate a woman from each of their communities for the first “USAREUR Phenomenal Woman Scroll of Impact.”
Laurie Menzel of the Stuttgart military community was chosen as one of 13 women from the wider U.S. Army Europe community.
Menzel is the American president of the German-American Women’s Club and serves as the USA Girl Scouts Overseas-North Atlantic Board chair. She is also a master trainer with Army Community Service and coordinates instructor, briefer and facilitator trainings for the Stuttgart military community.
“To be truly a part of the community, you must be involved. Then, you really know what is going on and how you can contribute effectively,” Menzel said.
“I have always felt it was important to volunteer throughout all the assignments we have had during the past 30 years. It is a continual cycle of giving and receiving. We are always moving; therefore, somewhere in that cycle, either you need help or you can provide help. This is especially true overseas,” she said.
The Scroll of Impact not only observes Women’s History Month, but also “highlights those women who are making history now, during Women’s History Month,” Ham said.
“[It is] not that these selectees are the most phenomenal in our communities — but they stand to represent the kinds of sisters living amongst us,” she said. “Their selection recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of many.”
The Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program — an Army-wide program designed to increase the resilience and enhance the performance of Soldiers, family members and Army civilians — was the guideline for the submissions.
Using the CSF five dimensions of strength (family, social, emotional, physical and spiritual), nominators considered how the attributes of the individual selectees have contributed to three or more of the five pillars in their military communities.
The submissions included military spouses, active duty and reserve Soldiers and Army civilians.