Lambda Beta Alpha
Lambda Beta Alpha (ΛΒΑ) is a national military Greek-lettered sorority whose 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.
| Lambda Beta Alpha | |
|---|---|
| ΛΒΑ | |
| Founded | November 10, 2017 Manassas, Virginia |
| Type | Professional |
| Emphasis | Service |
| 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 |
| Website | www.lambdabetaalpha.org |
History
Lambda Beta Alpha Sorority was founded on November 10, 2017 [1] in Virginia by 10 women who served in the U.S. Military. It was incorporated on December 4, 2017. Originally called "Lambda Beta Alpha Sorority, Inc." the organization changed its name to "Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc." in 2018 to ensure its name reflected the nature of its membership.
Founders
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 |
National Presidents
Listed below are the national Presidents who have served since 2017
Tarama Giles (2017)
Lisa Kirsch (2020)
Shakara Debose (2021)
Ashley Jones (2022–present)
Affiliations
On August 1, 2018, the Lambda Beta Alpha national officers, under the guidance of their visionary and national president, Tarama Giles, founded the Orchids of Lambda, which is 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; age 18 and older.
During Lambda Beta Alpha's 2021 National Convention, the Lambda Snow Cubs, the Sorority's youth auxiliary for young girls ages 5–17 was introduced.
The Military Women's Coalition [2] is national group of formal and information organizations who 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. Lambda Beta Alpha joined the Coalition in its infancy[3] and is currently the only military Greek-letter organization involved.
Citations, proclamations, and recognitions
- 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"[4]
Lambda Beta Alpha has also received warm wishes and congratulations for the establishment of the sorority, celebration of their Founders' Day, and recognition for their work in the community. Such notables include 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
Partnerships
- Snow Leopard Trust
- Military Child Education Coalition
- Psych Hub
- Women Veterans Alliance
Membership
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, which is Latin for sister[5] and Lady are used among members of the sorority when referring to and addressing each other.
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,[6] retired Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserves and Perlisa D. Wilson*,[7][8] Command Sergeant Major of the Maryland National Guard as Distinguished Honorary Members. Wanting to take on a more active role in the Sorority, in 2021 CSM Wilson completed the process to become a general member with all rights and privileges.
References
- "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.
- Hogan, Larry (10 November 2018). "Governor's Citation".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - 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.