Shield Maiden To Unsung Hero

Hundreds of years ago, the Norsemen referred to women which fought next to them as shield maidens. They were just as every bit honored and revered as any male warrior which stood in battle.

Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta said in January 2013, "It’s clear to all of us that women are contributing in unprecedented ways to the military’s mission of defending the nation.Everyone is committed to doing the job, men and women alike. They’re fighting and they’re dying together. And the time has come for our policies to recognize that reality."

In the thirteenth year of our War Against Terror, we are still lacking in bestowing the recognition due to mothers, daughters, wives, girlfriends and partners which are called to duty. Often times they are the nurses or support personnel in the rear area, but now they are also flying combat missions as pilots. Something Rosie The Riveter would be very proud to see today, given the role of women in WWII in the military was confined to mostly support, liaisons, secretarial and nursing in those days.

A new documentary, 'Unsung Heroes', traces women in combat from the days of the Revolutionary War, to our current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Produced by Ron Howard, it seems that this documentary is not being well received by many PBS markets nationwide.

More frequently now, we are seeing homecomings of mothers and their children in social media and YouTube, many of whom are single parents. The pressures of adjusting to today's society when returning home are not easy for any man. Imagine having to deal with the same PTSD issues, and also be a single parent.

An e-mail to Mel Rogers inuring why they have no current plans to air this documentary has gone unanswered.

If you feel that this documentary should be aired along with other PBS shows, please contact KOCE at (714) 241-4100 or e-mail Mr. Rogers at melrogers@pbssocal.org locally to show your support for the women who have sacrificed along side the men in this, the longest campaign in our country's history.

PBS channels operate independently throughout America, so check on line for your local market to contact them directly.