28 honored with Women's Military Service Medal at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Retired Col. Pamela Combs reflected on a question she knew hit home for so many other women who have served in the Armed Forces.

Combs, who served as commander of the Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing Medical Group, spoke as one of the distinguished guests Saturday to 28 honorees at the Women’s Military Service Medal Ceremony at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale.

“I think you’ve all asked yourself at least once during your military career, how did I get here?” she said. “And maybe sometimes, why?”

The honorees, each with a unique story and path to the military, shared a common bond as trailblazers in different branches of the military whose accomplishments came through "hard work and dedication," Combs said.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Claudia Barrerio-Kerstiens said she could appreciate Combs’ message as she cradled her 5-month-old son, Henry. Her 7-year-old daughter, Gabriella, was also nearby.

She said being around other military women was “inspiring.” Her husband, whom she met in the Air Force, is currently serving overseas, she said.

“There’s been so many times where I did question myself, like why am I still doing this,” she said. “Then I look around at all these wonderful women who have served and continue serving and it just gives me that push to keep breaking those glass ceilings and barriers for other women.”

Barrerio-Kerstiens said she was 3 when she came to the United States from Ecuador. Now 32 and working full time at the 106th in Westhampton Beach, she said her motivation to join the military was to “give back to the country that gave us the American dream.”

The Long Island Air Force Association hosted the event and presented the medals to each of the veterans, who also received proclamations from local officials. The Coast Guard Auxiliary Band performed a patriotic medley as each recipient accepted her award and posed for family photos.

Retired Air Force Col. Bill Stratemeier shared a historical viewpoint of the role women have played in the military during the past 200 years. Through each conflict the country faced, women played a larger role, leading to the 2013 lifting of a ban that restricted women from serving in combat roles.

“We’re not here to present this medal because you’re a woman,” he said. “We’re here to present It because you deserve it.”

The organization accepts applications for future honorees through its website, liaf.org.

Col. Joan R. Davis, who served as an Army Nurse Corps officer, reflected on her journey from being a child born in Jamaica. She immigrated to the United States in 1986, eventually climbing ranks in the Army from private to colonel.

She recalled the length of her service down to the day: “32 years, five months, 15 days.”

“I would do it all over again,” said Davis, who now lives in Westchester County. 

Barbara Chinyoung, who lives in Wantagh and most recently retired as an Army recruiter, said the ceremony was special because women don’t always get recognized.

“The ones that are coming now, they’ll know that their service is appreciated,” she said.

Angelique Williams, another honoree who now lives in Wainscott, joined the Navy after a promise to her grandmother to serve.

She had first pitched to her grandmother joining the Army.

“She said, no, I want you to join the Navy so you can see the water,” Williams recalled.

While her grandmother didn’t live long enough to see her enlist and serve, Williams said it was important to keep that promise.

And on Saturday, she honored the legacy of her late father, an Army veteran, by wearing his dog tags around her neck.

"I have him with me here today," she said.