Women's History Month events announced Published March 3, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are sponsoring several events throughout the month of March in celebration of Women's History Month. The joint Women's History Month committee will sponsor an art contest, 5K run (Click here for video), health fair, movie nights, breakfast and book reading events in an effort to educate the RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall population on the impact women have made throughout history. "Women's History Month is an opportunity for our nation to celebrate women's journey in history, and to appreciate how far we have come," said 1st Lt. Katie White, Women's History Month project officer. "It is important that we remember our heritage because without this awareness, then we cannot appreciate the struggle of those before us that have paved the way of rights and equality for women in the modern world." Art Contest The first event, aimed is at educating the bases' youth, is an art contest to support this year's theme "Women's Art, Women's Vision." There are four age groups for the contest, age 9 and under, ages 10 through 12, ages 13 through 15, and ages 16 through 18. Artwork, which must be no larger than 30 inches by 40 inches, must be turned into the Bob Hope Community Center on RAF Mildenhall, or the 48th Avenue Community Center on RAF Lakenheath, by March 14. All art must have the artist's age, name and contact information on the back of the art and be in good taste. Contest organizers ask that a parent, or teacher, verify that art work was created entirely by the artist. Winners in each category will receive a cash prize. Book readings Volunteers will read books to youths at the child development center, base youth center and schools from March 11 to 13. Volunteers are still needed for this activity. Airmen interested in volunteering should e-mail melanie.collins@lakenheath.af.mil. 5K fun and Health Fair The committee is also sponsoring a 5K run and health fair at the RAF Mildenhall Hardstand Fitness Center March 6 at 8 a.m. Select participants will receive a free t-shirt. Movie night Movies of women's success will play at both bases. RAF Mildenhall will feature "Taking Back Our Town" March 27 at 7 p.m. in the Bob Hope Center. March 28, RAF Lakenheath will feature "Iron Jawed Angels" at 7 p.m. and "Erin Brockovich" at 9 p.m. at the 48th AVE. All showings are free. Women's History Month Breakfast The committee will also host a breakfast March 20 at 8 a.m. in the RAF Lakenheath Officers' Club. Retired Col. Jennifer L. Hesterman is the guest speaker. During Colonel Hesterman's 21-year military career, she held a variety of assignments in personnel, logistics, information management and protocol at base and headquarters Air Force level. In addition to three Pentagon tours, she served as a deputy group commander and commanded both logistics support and mission support squadrons. To purchase tickets, contact your unit representative. For more information on Women's History Month, click here.