My friend recently told me, “Only teenagers like horror movies. When we get older, we start to see how scary the real world is.” Isn’t that the truth? I’m going to be honest with y’all. Sometimes I’ve just got to turn off the news, ignore the political mumbo jumbo and take a dang break. If you also need a break from the devastation, fear and aggression often making the rounds in the news these days, that’s OK. But if there’s a time when you can help end a little of the world’s suffering, don’t hesitate. After all, doing a little good for others can definitely warm the heart!
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 15,000
In a recent interview, Hillary Clinton mentioned one of her missions is not only to empower women to run for office, but to teach them how to grow a very thick skin. We certainly high-five any woman who has the courage to take a stand against the patriarchy and fight for her beliefs on the political stage. According to Rolling Stone magazine, groups committed to electing more women to office have seen unprecedented interest since the 2016 presidential election, with some 15,000 women reaching out to Emily’s List—the longest running political organization dedicated to electing Democratic women—about running for office.
WOMAN TO WATCH: MJ Hegar, Air Force Veteran and Political Candidate
Today’s Woman to Watch is one of those valiant ladies throwing her hat into the political ring, with the goal of protecting families, preserving freedom and defending our nation. Her name is MJ Hegar and—all politics aside—she’s a praiseworthy hero who never backs down from a fight.
An Air Force veteran who received a Purple Heart, as well as a Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device, MJ served three tours in Afghanistan as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot and, despite being wounded herself, saved the lives of her crew and patients after her medevac helicopter was shot down. MJ spent more than a decade in the military as a combat-rescue helicopter pilot and another eight years working in the civilian sector, overseeing 700 people and billions of dollars in resources. She even took on a long-held discriminatory military policy, winning women the right to serve in all combat positions—including on the front lines—for the first time. So, yeah, she’s kind of a big deal!
In her new book, Shoot Like a Girl, MJ elegantly describes the dramatic journey of her military service, detailing the bravery required to take on harrowing circumstances and proving that integrity reigns supreme, whether she’s making a sacrifice for her country, winning rights for womanhood or fighting for justice on the home front. Senator John McCain called MJ’s book “a must-read about an American patriot whose courage and determination will have a lasting impact on the future of our armed forces and the nation.”
MJ is currently an executive coach and consultant in Round Rock, Texas. But if you think she left her bravery in Afghanistan, think again. She’s now taking on a new mission, launching a Democratic campaign for a U.S. congressional seat in a district that has long leaned Republican, and doing so against an incumbent who has held the post for 15 years.
Considering the district MJ is running in includes one of the largest military bases in the country, this decorated veteran just may pull quite the political upset. MJ is definitely fired up to win and eager to apply her wealth of experience to effecting positive change in her community. Go get ’em, warrior woman!
QUITE THE QUOTE
With MJ Hegar in mind, let’s end with this quote from Michelle Obama:
“Our love, our gratitude, our admiration for our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families—all of that is bigger than any one party or any one election.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.