March marks Women’s History Month and dozens of active-duty service members and civilian-Marines celebrated the observance with an annual program at the Town and Country Grand Ballroom aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, March 19.

The theme for 2019 is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.” This year’s theme honors women who have led efforts to end war, violence, injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.

Program Coordinator, 1stLt. Delaney Bourlakov, adjutant, MCLB Albany, said the event aimed to celebrate the many powerful women across the installation.

“I mean we’ve come a long way especially in this day and age we take things for granted,” Bourlakov explained. “We have come so far and we’re going to highlight some of the accomplishments and achievements that different women across the board have made.”

With a sing-a-long flash mob, with songs ranging from Destiny’s Child “Survivor” and Aretha Franklin’s “A Rose is still a Rose” the event was engaging for those in attendance.

WALB News 10’s evening anchor, Karla Heath-Sands, was the guest speaker and shared her personal journey along with many obstacles she’s overcome.

Sands said the program was a great fellowship opportunity for women and men to support those champions on the base.

“What I want to leave with everybody today is that first of all we didn’t get where we are without the help of other women before us.” Sands remarked. “It’s the fact that we’re only given 24 hours…(so) think about 24 hours and what you are going to do with that. You can of course advance yourself but are you also reaching back and helping to advance those coming behind you.”

MCLB Albany’s Commanding Officer Col. Alphonso Trimble presented Sands with a plaque of appreciation and the commander’s challenge coin.