March is Women's History Month

MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Washington, D.C. - What do Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea and Harriet Tubman have in common? They are all American women who have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our nation's history. From settling the American Frontier to the abolition of slavery to the women's suffrage movement, these women and countless others changed the course of history with their achievements.

How about Diane Dunkelman, Carolyn Maupin, Judy Ruthven and Mildred Thompson? They are all modern day women from our own area whose contributions make a difference in the lives of people here in Ohio and in some cases, across the globe, every day.

March is Women's History Month. It is a time for us to remember the contributions of female leaders locally and nationally - both past and present. This important celebration came about in 1981, when a bipartisan Congress passed a resolution establishing National Women's History Week. By 1987, Congress expanded the Women's History Week to a month-long celebration and chose March as Women's History Month. During its nearly 20 years in existence, Women's History Month has effectively drawn attention to the contributions of American women.

I am proud to be one of 81 women currently serving in the 109th Congress. As a member of the House Women's Action Public Affairs Team, I was recently chosen to serve as vice-chair. Our mission is to recognize the accomplishments of women leaders.

One of the best things about my job are the opportunities I get to meet and work with so many talented women. Some of them serve with me in Congress, others represent educational institutions, hospitals, schools and churches, but the women who inspire me the most can be found working on worthy causes within our own communities.

Many of you have met or read about Carolyn Maupin. Carolyn is a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform and their loved ones at home. She, along with Keith Maupin, founded the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Clermont County. The Center's dedicated volunteers collect non-perishable and personal items and mail care packages to our military personnel serving abroad. Despite her heartache over the missing in action status of her own son, Army Specialist Matt Maupin, who was captured in Iraq in April of 2004, Carolyn is dedicated to raising the morale of our troops and their families. Carolyn will never give up hope, and her strength and courage are an inspiration to all of us.

Brown County's Judy Ruthven is a historic preservationist who led the restoration efforts of one of Southern Ohio's most cherished historic treasures - the boyhood home of our 18th U.S. President, Ulysses S. Grant. In 1977 the home was at risk of demolition, but Judy, along with her husband John, worked tirelessly to rebuild the Brown County home to its original splendor. Today the homestead is designated as a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitors to enjoy.

Diane Dunkelman is dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles for women across the nation. In 1995 she founded the Speaking of Women's Health Foundation in Cincinnati, which sponsored a one-day women's health event. Today, her organization is a national foundation with more than 40 conferences and events in cities nationwide. Diane's efforts to encourage women to make positive choices in their lives have earned her nationwide recognition and countless awards and distinctions.

If you live in or near Pike or Scioto counties, then chances are you know Mildred Thompson. Mildred is currently serving her 38th year as Scioto County's Clerk of Courts. As the longest serving Clerk in the State of Ohio, Mildred has an extraordinary commitment to public service and our community. She has dedicated her time and energy to many causes that help make the community better for everyone, including donating her time to the Southern Ohio Medical Center where she has volunteered for more than half a century.

It's these women and the stories of so many others that are helping to shape our communities and our great nation. During this month's celebration of women's history, I encourage everyone to honor the lives of the courageous women who have made a positive impact in our lives.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh02_schmidt/march32006.html