ABOUT Women In Defense Logistics (WIDL)

The project highlights Women In Defense Logistics (#WIDL) from government, military, academia, and industry.   WIDL gives women and allies a forum to speak about topics that are important to their professional development and career growth in the military, government and industry.  WIDL’s primary social media presence is LinkedIn.  WIDL schedules social media events to increase awareness and provides opportunities for speaking engagements of the ambassadors at key events.

The 2023 WIDL Executive Board is:

  • Carrie Kerner, Executive Director
  • Jondavid DuVall, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Producer
  • Brandi Scott, Ambassador
  • Jaclyn Ritz, Ambassador
  • Dara Hobbs, Ambassador
  • Erin O’Brien Chamish – Industry Advisor
  • Lauren Bishop, International Advisor
  • Maggie Sleeper, Ambassador
  • Trish Csank, Ambassador
  • Kayleigh Mota, Ambassador

The Women in Defense Logistics tour is limited and is designed for people who:

  • Would like to grow their network and interact with peers in the military
  • Want to understand the mission and operations of Airmen up close
  • Supports the Air Force but have never experienced a base tour

You may request to attend one of the upcoming WIDL events.

The following are posts of WIDL’s recent and upcoming events:

  • Jan 2020 Tour of MacDill
  • Feb 2020 Tour of the Pentagon
  • Mar 2020 – Hill AFB
  • Jul 2021 – Patrick SFB, FL (LinkedIn Post)
  • Aug 2021 – Navy League’s Sea, Air, & Space (LinkedIn Post 1, Video Recap)
  • Sep 2021  – Air Force Association’s #ASC2021 (LinkedIn)
  • Oct 2021 – Women In Defense Logistics virtual highlights (LinkedIn)
  • 3-5 Nov 2021 – Association of Marine Corps Logisticians (Virtual) 
  • Oct 2023 – MacDill AFB tour and industry presentations.
  • Mar 2024 – #LOA2024:  WIDL mainstage & breakout!

Thank you to our 2023 Partners for participating:  KPMG US, Broadleaf, The Rosie Project, and University of Tenn – Knoxville.

Sample Agenda

  • 8:00 to 8:15 am       Security Check-in at Base Visitor Center
  • 8:15 am                     Depart for Base Tours
  • 11:50 am                   Depart for Lunch
  • 12:00 pm                  Luncheon
  • 2:00 pm                    Depart Base

LOA WIDL SOCIAL ONLINE

The hashtag for the Women in Defense Logistics experience is #WIDL. Updates and information about the event will be shared on LinkedIn only.  Please follow on LinkedIn to remain current about #WIDL events:

LinkedIN:  WIDL

ON-SITE INTERNET

We will have limited Wi-Fi available for devices.  Attendees should charge their electronic devices before the event. Power will not be available during the tour portions of the event. You may need to set your mobile phone to roam mode to achieve the best coverage.  The Base Sponsor will advise of any areas where electronic devices or photography are not permitted.  Photos will be posted online during and/or after the event as well.  Your participation in the event signals your consent to appear online and/or in-print.

REGISTRATION / SECURITY CLEARANCES

Registration indicates your intent to travel to one of the base tours and attend the day-long event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.   Some events and participants scheduled to appear at the event are subject to change without notice. LOA and USAF are not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. LOA and USAF, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
All registrants must be at least 18 years old. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one with a photo) that match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted.

Events are open to U.S. Citizens only.  Because of space limitations, you may not bring a guest.  Each registration provides a place for one person only (you) and is non-transferable.  Individuals invited to participate must register and provide the following information for Base Access and security processing:

  • Full Name
  • Email Address
  • Cell Phone Number
  • State Issued Driver License Number (Will contacted separately for PII information)
  • Company Name

TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION

You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the check-in location for your base tour (to include airfare, mileage, lodging, etc costs).  Check-in location is normally the base’s visitor center which is manned by Security Forces. Participants will be requested to car pool as much as possible to reduce the number of vehicles entering the base. USAF will not provide bus transportation for the tour. You are not permitted under any circumstances to drive onto the base without your Base Sponsor.

LUNCH
You will have the option to purchase or bring your own lunch.  Details will be provide in the itinerary.  

IMPORTANT: APPROPRIATE ATTIRE FOR EVENTS

Please keep in mind the weather at the specific location, you must wear long pants and closed, full-foot covering, flat, heel-less shoes (entire foot MUST be covered) during the tours. Tank tops are not permitted on the tour. Your shoulders must be covered at all times. While on base tours, you might encounter grass fields, gravel driveways, stairs, and other varying terrain. You will also be walking around industrial areas. Please dress accordingly, if you do not meet the dress code you will NOT be allowed on the tours.  Details will be in the itinerary.

WHAT TO BRING

• Your two government-issued IDs (one with a photo) that match the name on your registration
• Your preferred social media device and chargers
• Cameras
• Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, etc.
• Food, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and water
• Face covering
• Hand-sanitizer
• Other PPE as required by CDC COVID19 guidelines

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Fire arms of any type (with or without a permit), ammunition (live or spent), pepper/mace sprays, knives, box cutters or like items, nail clippers with knife blades, laser pointers, any other sharp/pointed items (including pointed scissors or nail files) luggage or other large bags are not permitted through the front gate. If you become aware of a participant who has brought any of these items on site, please notify USAF employees immediately. All bags, purses and other items may be opened and thoroughly inspected by security forces.

GUEST PRIVILEGES

We expect all participants to behave in a manner befitting the honor and in recognition of this special access. USAF reserves the right to revoke this privilege at any time. USAF nor LOA will be responsible for loss of costs incurred.

SAFETY STATEMENT

Please be advised that tours will occur in and around military equipment and aircraft. By accepting the invitation to participate you do so with the understanding of the potential risk. USAF applies stringent safety principles and techniques to protect the general public, workforce and property.  It is imperative that you stay within controlled areas with your group and strictly follow all instructions provided by USAF. In the event of an accident, all persons follow the instructions from USAF personnel.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to email us at coo@loanational.org.