Summary
Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc (ΛΒΑ) is a military sorority. It was established in 2017 in Virginia by women who served in the United States Military.
| Lambda Beta Alpha | |
|---|---|
| ΛΒΑ | |
| Founded | November 10, 2017 Manassas, Virginia |
| Type | Professional |
| Emphasis | Military |
| Scope | U.S. Military and Veterans |
| Motto | "United in Service, Bound by Love" |
| Colors | Shimmering Silver and Metallic Gold |
| Flower | White Orchid |
| Mascot | Snow Leopard |
| Publication | The Dynasty Report |
| Nicknames | Ladies Bonded in Arms, Lovely Lambda Ladies, Lambda Ladies |
| Former name | Lambda Beta Alpha Sorority, Inc. |
| Website | www.lambdabetaalpha.org |
History edit
Lambda Beta Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 10, 2017, in Virginia by ten women who served in the United States. Military.[1] It was incorporated on December 4, 2017. Its mission is to foster sisterhood among a consummate group of exclusively chosen women from all branches of the United States Armed Forces; provide philanthropic and charitable services; study and promote awareness of women veteran issues; and share resources with young ladies entering the military as well as providing outreach and support to our sisters-in-arms who are separating or retiring from the military.
The Lambda Beta Alpha founders, known as the "Original X", were:
| Air Force | Army | Navy |
|---|---|---|
| Tarama Giles | Deborah Ivey | Tina Baker |
| Lisa Kirsch | Dana Thomas | |
| Nakia Harvey | Tracey Hayward-Ferguson | |
| Susan Griffin• | Shenece Harris | |
| Melissa Barnes | ||
| •served in the Air Force and Army |
Tarama Giles served as first National President, followed by Lisa Kirsch (2020) & Ashley "AJ" Jones (2022 - Present).
The organization changed its name to Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc. in 2018 to ensure its name reflected the nature of its membership.
On August 1, 2018, the Lambda Beta Alpha national officers, under the guidance of Giles, founded the Orchids of Lambda, the first auxiliary organization within the military Greek-letter community. The Orchids are female military relatives (i.e. spouse, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin), supporters (significant other, friend, etc...), ROTC cadets, and those desiring to enter the military who are age eighteen and older.
The Lambda Snow Cubs, the sorority's youth auxiliary for young girls ages 5–17 was introduced during Lambda Beta Alpha's 2021 National Convention.
Affiliation edit
The Military Women's Coalition is a national group of formal and information organizations that work collaboratively to serve and support US active duty, reserve, Guard, Veteran, and retired service women by uniting and elevating their voices to influence policy and improve their well-being.[2] Lambda Beta Alpha joined the Coalition in its infancy and is currently the only military Greek-letter organization involved.[3]
Activities edit
Lambda Beta Alpha participates in Wreaths Across America, with its members volunteering to lay wreaths on graves of former service members. has partnerships with Snow Leopard Trust, the Military Child Education Coalition, Psych Hub, and the Women Veterans Alliance.
Membership edit
Lambda Beta Alpha general membership currently consists of active duty, retired, and honorably discharged service women from each branch of the United States Armed Forces - Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well the National Guard and Reserves.
During the membership intake period, candidates are referred to as Ladies-in-Waiting. The terms soror (Latin for sister) and Lady are used among members when referring to and addressing each other.[4]
Honorary Membership is bestowed upon honorably discharged or retired women veterans who are over the age of 65 and have been nominated for membership.
Distinguished Honorary Membership is Lambda Beta Alpha's highest honor. On December 21, 2019, Lambda Beta Alpha inducted Michele S. Jones, retired Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserves as a Distinguished Honorary Members.[5][6][7]
Recognition edit
- Nancy McFarlane, Mayor of the City of Raleigh, North Carolina proclaimed May 25, 2019 as Honor Our Female Veterans Day, with the coordination of Lambda Beta Alpha.
- United States Senator and member of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services, Tammy Duckworth, issued a letter recognizing Mary 25th as "Honor Our Female Veterans Day".
- Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, issued a Governor's Citation to Lambda Beta Alpha for Founders' Day for "demonstration of high integrity and ability, meriting our great trust and respect"[8]
- Lambda Beta Alpha received congratulations for the establishment of the sorority, celebration of their Founders' Day, and recognition for their work in the community from the Governor of Texas Greg Abbott, Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Mayor of Suffolk, Virginia Linda Johnson
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc". Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
- ^ "Home - Military Women's Coalition". Military Women's Coalition. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
- ^ "The Military Women's Coalition : 2018 Inaugural Meeting Report" (PDF). Servicewomen.org. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
- ^ Simpson, D.P. (1979). Cassell's Latin Dictionary (5 ed.). London: Cassell Ltd. p. 883. ISBN 978-0-304-52257-6.
- ^ "Sgt. Maj. Michele Jones". The History Makers. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
- ^ "Senior Enlisted Leader". Maryland National Guard. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ "Maryland National Guard is the first in the U.S. with an all-female command". Baltimore Sun. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ Hogan, Larry (10 November 2018). "Governor's Citation".
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External links edit
- Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc. Official Website