Internal motivation, dreams makes external changes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman S.I. Fielder
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The power of motivations and dreams was the focus of the speech given at the Women’s History Month kickoff breakfast held March 1 at the Moody Field Club. 

During the course of the speech, guest speaker Master Sgt. Felicia Noil showed how women’s motivations and dreams made changes within their community. 

“The women we’re honoring helped to bring the community together and restored hope against all odds,” said Capt. Rebecca Weyant, 347th Operations Support Squadron and event coordinator. “(Our speaker) is without a doubt the type of lady who makes an impact on those around her.” 

After graduating as a distinguished graduate from the First Sergeant Academy, Sergeant Noil was assigned to Moody. One of her duties as a first sergeant is to motivate those around her to excel in everything they do. 

“I believe motivation is what moves us to make history,” said Sergeant Noil at the breakfast. “There has to be something that drives us to greatness. Motivation is what has driven Mary Taylor Previte, a pioneer and advocate for juvenile justice and one of the 2006 Women’s History Month honorees.” 

Ms. Previte was not only a Prisoner of War for seven years in a World War II prison camp as a young child, but she also lost her left hand. It was living with these injuries that encouraged her, said Sergeant Noil. 

“Handicaps are on the outside; we have no handicaps on the inside,” she said. “She took adversity in her life and (helped) a community known for troubled and disadvantaged youth. Mary Taylor Previte, women and builder of community and dreams.” 

Dreams are how women became a viable part of the military leading to the expansion of job opportunities and assignments, said Sergeant Noil. Dreams led to Jeanne Holm becoming the first woman to hold the rank of major general. 

“People like Mary Previte and General (ret.) Holmes, who came before us, set the stage,” she said. “They endured some things and made the platform for us to stand (on) and build our communities and dreams. 

“When you read, see or hear about these things, it ought to motivate you,” she said. “It ought to compel you. It ought to push you to want to do something.” 

Another person who lived out the theme “Women: Builders of Community and Dreams” helped to provide what was needed by the community. She may not be in the history books or have earned a doctorates degree, but she cared to make a difference, said Sergeant Noil. 

This woman was Sergeant Noil’s mother, and she refused to let people’s dreams die. She opened her home to people in her neighborhood and listened to their dreams, the sergeant said. 

“We encounter these types of people each day,” she said. “History has been made for us to reflect and rejoice in triumphs of the community builders and dreamers. Dare to dream; don’t let the dream die.” 

“It didn’t seem like much at the time, but she did what she did to keep them off the street,” said Sergeant Noil. “She poured from her heart what was needed.” 

Her motivation encouraged people to dream and made them want to do great things because someone cared. 

“From complex to the everyday women, they have all helped to make history,” she said. “We have to be moved, driven and care enough to do something and put some motivation behind what we love. 

“Who knows what the future holds for each of us?” said Sergeant Noil. “Your actions may make such an impact that your contributions make history in the hearts of the people you come in contact with, and that’s what is important.”