FORT RILEY, Kan. - The 1st Infantry Division and the Fort Riley Equal Opportunity Office hosted a special observance and presentation for Women's Equality Day Tuesday honoring the history of women's voting rights.

The event featured keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, retired United States Air Force.

Vaught has been praised as one of the most decorated military women in U.S. history. A native of Illinois, Vaught earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, a master's degree in business administration from the University of Alabama and an honorary Doctorate of Public Affairs from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C. She also became the first Air Force woman graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.

Vaught has served as chairperson of the NATO Women in the Allied Forces Committee from 1983-1985 as well as the senior woman military representative to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services from 1982-1985.

Throughout her career, Vaught has earned a number of accolades including a Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution National Society, a Bronze Star Medal and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame of 2000. Since her retirement in August 1985, she has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc.

SFC Reginald Lucas, EO program advisor, said, "We looked for someone who could bring more to the table and really add to the presentation."

Following the speaking presentation was a meet and greet with Brig. Gen. Vaught, which soldiers, family members and civilians were invited to attend.