RELEASE NUMBER: 140326-03
DATE POSTED: MARCH 23, 2014
Highlighting women in USASOC
USASOC Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, March 26, 2014) - Seven women from across the United States Army Special Operations Command are being recognized for their character, courage and commitment in honor of Women's History month.
"This initiative’s goal is to honor women for their outstanding service and contributions to USASOC’s overall mission," said Rachel Barnes, Equal Employment Opportunities Specialist.
USASOC submitted 49 nominations, military and civilian, from its Component Subordinate Commands (CSC) and Component Subordinate Units (CSU). These seven women were selected for their accomplishments and contributions within the USASOC community.
Two of the selected women are being posthumously recognized: Capt. Jennifer Moreno, killed Oct. 6, 2013, while serving on a Cultural Support Team (CST) with 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan; and Sgt. Catalina Ruiz, who served on a CST with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Afghanistan and was assigned to 112th Signal Battalion.
The other five women recognized were: Marcie Ballard, USASOC, Knowledge Management; Maj. Rustie Kim, 5th Military Information Support Operations Battalion; Sgt. Adrienne Taffin de Givenchy, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne); Gina Andries, United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Command and School, Protocol Office; and Sgt. 1st Class Norma Estrella, Company B., 91st Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne).
The "Highlighting Women in USASOC" nomination packets were reviewed and rated by a USASOC Panel Review Board made up of six senior leaders ( two military and four civilians). This initiative was originally executed in 2009 and then again this year.