MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. —
Women Inspiring the Next Generation (WINGS) held an opening ceremony and proclamation signing in recognition of Women’s History Month March 6 at the Minot Air Force Base Exchange.

“Women are essential to Team Minot and the Air Force,” said Col. Christopher Cain, 5th Bomb Wing vice commander. “We are paying attention to these pathmakers, and are very excited to recognize the contributions and sacrifices they make every day.”

WINGS is a non-profit, private organization that is meant to inspire and advocate for the next generation of Airmen – men, women, and their support systems. The organization aims to provide a platform of diversity; encourage personal growth, awareness, independence, strength and resiliency; and to cultivate an intellectual image through military experience.
The WINGS Organization was formed in March of last year and has assumed responsibility for hosting and organizing WHM events at Minot AFB. Team Minot now has an established organization that focuses on education, mentorship, empowerment, and advocacy for the next generation of female Airmen.

“In the past, the WHM Committee was just a group of individuals that came together to set up WHM events,” said Staff Sgt. Jan Mariel DeCosse, 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 22 B-52H Stratofortress armament systems instructor. “But now, Team Minot has an established team that can handle the activities.”

WINGS is scheduled to host several events this month, including a Women Storytellers event, a Valiant Warrior Yoga class at the Combined Community Complex (Turf), and a Women of Wisdom symposium at the Jimmy Doolittle Event Center, which focuses on advocating for women’s rights, paving the way forward, breaking the ceiling, and reevaluating what “right” looks like.