What Does Strength Mean To You?

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #StrengthHasNoGender #CollectiveBias

My parents raised me to be a strong woman. They taught me how to be independent and responsible. I believe I have worked hard to instill those same values in my children. Being a single mom for many years and raising a child with special needs that has undergone numerous life-threatening surgeries, has helped shape me into the person I am today. Strength has been something I have built over the years.

In the past I always hated to be called a super mom. I felt like my actions and strength were displayed out of love and my duty as a mom. I didn’t feel extraordinary, just a regular mom taking care of her kids.

Then my oldest daughter became an adult and joined the military and my strength was tested in a whole new way.

March is Women’s History Month and on March 8th we celebrated International Women’s Day.

For Women’s History Month, The Brawny Man® is stepping aside to give the spotlight to strong, resilient women – celebrating women whose personal stories have inspired the rest of us to STAY GIANT®.

Women have been breaking the boundaries of gender stereotypes for years and I am proud to have my daughter share her story of being in the military. As an Army Mom it has been challenging to watch my little girl go off and take part in rigorous training to be a solider. 

When people think of an Army solider the stereotypical image that comes to mind is a muscular man. If you search online for military families, couples, or parents – for the most part it’s the male figure that is in the military. Being a female in the military is a struggle. I had friends and teachers who said I wouldn’t make it just for the simple fact that I’m a girl. I was called “lady soldier” by a group of my guy friends when I first made the decision to join.

Being in the military gives me a sense of belonging and purpose. The Army has a policy called EO (Equal Opportunity), which means you will be treated with the same respect no matter your gender. I love being a woman in the military, their are so few of us to begin with that it makes me feel that much more connected to my sisters in arms.

The Army has brought me a lot of friendships that I know will be lifelong. The connections that we have made and the things that we have gone through you don’t usually experience with people. The most rewarding thing about being in the Army is knowing no matter how small, you are a part of making the United States a safer place for our families to live.

The distance apart from my family and friends back home has been the most difficult. Currently, I’m 1,328 miles away from home – away from everything that I know. That is a scary thing when you spend 19 years of your life with the same people not really being away for more than a few weeks at a time. The Army has definitely helped shape me into the woman that I want to be and I’m thankful for that.

~ Private Perrin, Tapanga E2

Tapanga left last October with the Army and I cannot express how sad I was to see her go. I am proud of her demonstration that Strength Has No Gender™.

I feel honored to be able to share her story and take part in supporting the Brawny® Strength Has No Gender™ initiative.

The exclusive to Walmart, limited-edition Strength Has No Gender™ pack of Brawny® can be found in the paper towel aisle. This week I stocked T’s home with the Brawny® Pick-a-Size 8 Giant Plus pack.

I am excited that she is returning home to Texas next month to attend college while being in the military. Living in her own little place, she will get to enjoy the package of paper towels that reminds her how she is breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated military and empowering other women.

Brawny® Paper towels offer more sheets on every roll (vs. leading national brand comparable roll and sheet size) and help you clean up whatever life throws down.

The Strength Has No Gender™ campaign highlights the inspirational stories of everyday women in cities across America who have been breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries and empowering others. Have you seen the inspiring videos sharing their stories?

In January our family traveled to see Tapanga at her first military base in Missouri to show our support. Now she is in Virginia and we are counting down the days to see her again.