U.S. Air Force retired Colonel Kathy L. Merritt told the crowd gathered for Veterans Day Saturday of the uphill battle women have faced ever since the Revolutionary War to serve their country alongside their male counterparts.
Hers’ were historical stories of women who disguised themselves as men to go into battle, and of the many women who stand out in history in the fight for freedom.
Merritt is currently senior vice commander of American Legion Post 121 in Blairsville. She retired from the Air Force in 2020 after being commissioned in 1995.
As the crowd sat in the midday rain, Merritt began by reminding veterans they had seen much worse, and there were those serving today who were experiencing worse in the name of freedom.
“Someone is on duty defending our country every day,” she said.
She then started with the Revolutionary War and walked listeners, war by war, through women’s roles all the way up to her own.
She said she had to “work a little bit harder so my voice was heard.” But she also remembered the respect she earned and praised her “brothers.” Merritt told how, when she was deployed and would go into towns with a group, “My brothers would form a protective ring around me.” Through her battles to gain respect, her best, life-long friends come from men with whom she served.
Her service, “Was a lot of fun, definitely challenging,” but something she would not change. “It takes all shapes, sizes and genders (with an emphasis on genders),” to defend America she said.
Speaking for all women in the service, Merritt said, “We want people to love this country as much as we do.”
Speaking to women who might want to enter the military, Merritt said, “If you’re going to be successful, you’ve got to be tough (and) don’t act your age, act your rank.”