FORT BLISS, N.M. –
Afghan evacuee women at Fort Bliss’ Doña Ana Complex in New Mexico meet weekly with female leaders to address their concerns and ease their transition into American life. 2nd Lt. Ashley Ramos, a field artillery officer and female engagement team leader, hosted a women’s community engagement meeting for Afghan evacuee women to provide them with needed information and resources.
Weekly meetings are planned to help the female engagement team focus on female evacuees to give the women a chance to express their needs and anything that relates to their transition into American life.
“Each women's community engagement event has a different topic,” said Ramos. “We try to have topics that relate to their needs as women. We also explain the cultural differences, information about the complex, mental health, and medical needs.”
In this meeting sponsored by 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, representatives from the women’s clinic explained some of the resources available for women such as obstetrics and gynecology.
“Each women’s community engagement event has a different topic,” said Ramos. “We try to have topics and therapy.
The female engagement team is constantly thinking of creative ways to engage the female populace.
"I hope that this event makes life easier for the women here,” said Staff Sgt. Lataija Johnson, a motor transport operator from 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment.
Johnson is also part of the female engagement team that continues to assist Afghan evacuee women around the complex.
“My goal at the end of the day is to make sure these women are informed as they prepare to go into their communities,” said Ramos. “Because if they don’t have this knowledge, we aren’t setting them up for success, and we want to make sure their transition is as smooth as possible.”