Sion Dancers perform during Hispanic Heritage Month

Led by Mary Seda, the Sion dancers entertained the 359th Signal Soldiers during September battle training assembly.

Hispanic Heritage Month Speaker visits 359th TTSB

Student and Hispanic heritage speaker Sonia Mezon raises awareness about Hispanic culture nationally and in the CSRA.

359th Change-of-Command Ceremony

Col. Nikki L. Griffin-Olive, the Outgoing Brigadier Commander, takes her leave of office. Replacing her as the new Brigade commander is Col. Shawn P. Cochran

359th TTSB Change-of-Command Fellowship

Troops under the 359th and their guest take a moment to send off Col. Olive and welcome Col. Cochran to the unit

359th, 335th Troops engage targets on range

Deploying Soldiers with the 335th Theater Signal Command join 359th TTSB troops on the range Friday. Select members of each unit will serve in the Middle East for a year.

Photos from 359th Signal Brigade's post

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http://www.bizpacreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/12002816_1157965304232251_4115845187128155704_n.jpg The 359th Signal Brigade takes time to thank and honor servicemembers and first responders today for their continuous efforts to protect the nation and its citizens. Special recognition also to those who lost loved ones on this tragic day in American history.

Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival – An Award-winning festival

Celebrate diversity and experience different cultures! One of the South's favorite arts festivals. Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival on 16-18 September. Enjoy food from 20 countries this year in the global village, 130 artists, five stages packed with non-stop performances and an interactive family area with new activities. Advance badges $5 on line or at local SunTrust banks. $10 at the gate. Check out the festival map, stage schedules, food menus and more at: www.ArtsintheHeart.com

Timeline Photos

15 Sep - 15 October is Hispanic Heritage Month. DDEAMC is hosting a guest speaker at Alexander Hall on Fort Gordon, GA. Hope to see you there!

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Recognizing WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY August 26, 2016 Women’s Equality Day commemorates American women achieving full voting rights under the U.S. Constitution by passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This historic event was the culmination of a massive civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848. The women’s suffrage amendment was introduced for the first time to the U.S. Congress on January 10, 1878. Over the following decades, the suffragists spent their time lobbying states to have the amendment ratified by the required two-thirds of the states. Tennessee was the final state needed for ratifying the 19th Amendment. The state's decision came down to 24-year-old Representative Harry T. Burn to cast the deciding vote. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was finally ratified, enfranchising all American women and declaring for the first time that they, like men, deserved all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. In 1920s, The Women’s Bureau is established in the Department of Labor. The bureau is given the power to “promote the welfare of wage-earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employment.” In 1930, Mary McLeod Bethune organizes the National Council of Negro Women, a coalition that lobbies against job discrimination, racism, and sexism. She envisions “Unity of Purpose and a Unity of Action” by working together and advocating the use of collective power on issues affecting women, their families, and communities. President Roosevelt signs the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) into law. For the first time, the federal government guarantees men and women a minimum wage and overtime pay, extending basic workplace protections to all—an important step forward for the labor movement and for women’s equality. 1940s, President Harry Truman signs into law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, granting women permanent status in the Regular and Reserve forces of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as the newly created Air Force. The first government-funded day-care centers and nurseries are created. The federal government sponsors 400,000 preschool children to attend day care so their mothers can work to produce war materials. After the war, the government removes its support of day-care programs and advises women to return home. 1950s, Rosa Park refuses to vacate her bus seat for a White person in Montgomery, Alabama, prompting Black and White women to join together to fight segregation and inequality. Her actions began the Montgomery bus boycott. 1960s, President John Kennedy establishes the President's Commission on the Status of Women to explore women’s issues. He appoints Eleanor Roosevelt to chair the commission. The commission documents substantial discrimination against women in the workplace and makes specific recommendations for improvement, including fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave, and affordable child care. Congress passes the Equal Pay Act, requiring employers to pay all employees equally for equal work, regardless of their gender. President Lyndon Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. Designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, the act results in the empowerment of racial minorities throughout the country. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission revises guidelines on sex discrimination, making it clear that the widespread practice of publishing “help wanted” advertisements that use “male” and “female” column headings violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Women’s Equality Day Continuation… In 1970s, Title IX of the Education Amendments bans sex discrimination in schools. It states: “No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Patsy Mink is one of the principal authors of the Education Amendments. Mink is the first Asian-American woman and woman of color to serve in Congress. The Supreme Court rules that inequities on benefits for the dependents of military women are unconstitutional. Previously, military women with dependents were not authorized housing nor were their dependents eligible for the benefits, such as medical benefits, afforded the dependents of male military members. The Department of Defense reverses policies and provides pregnant women with the option of electing discharge or remaining on active duty. Previous polices required women be discharged upon pregnancy or the adoption of children. 1980s, The first women graduate from the service academies as a result of Public Law 94-106, signed by President Gerald Ford. Sixty-six percent of the women in the first coeducational classes graduated—comparable to 70 percent of the men, whose attrition rate due to academic failure was twice that of the women. Sexual harassment is officially defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Supreme Court overturns a law stating that a husband is “head and master” of a women’s property. Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court. (below left) Geraldine Ferraro secures the nomination as the first woman vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket. (above right). 1990s, The USS Eisenhower is the first carrier to have permanent women crew members. Sixty-three women are initially assigned. 1LT Lisa Kutschera and WO1 Debra Mann, Blackhawk helicopter pilots, are awarded the Air Medal with “V” device for valor under fire while transporting troops during Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees a person up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave to care for a baby, adoption of a child, placement of a child in foster home, or an ill family member. FMLA applies to both women and men. In 2000s, President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, allowing an employee to recover back pay for up to two years preceding the filing of a discrimination claim. This Act is named after Lilly Ledbetter, a former employee of Goodyear who was paid less than her male counterparts. In the 95 years since the 19th Amendment was ratified, women have made strides in every facet of American life, and we have learned that our country succeeds when women succeed. Investing in gender equality and women’s empowerment can unlock human potential on a transformational scale. “As we reflect on decades of progress toward gender equality, we must also resolve to make progress in our time. Today, we honor the pioneers of women’s equality by doing our part to realize the great American dream—the dream of a nation where all things are possible for all people.” –President Barack Obam

Timeline Photos

Recognizing WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY August 26, 2016