She's small, but she's mighty!
It's 2:00 a.m. and Theresa "Teri" Hennigan has
little time to get ready for the start of her day. In
two hours, she has to be on the road for work, but hers
is no ordinary work day. Teri is a 1st Lieutenant in the
U.S. Army and is stationed in Iraq.
For almost a year, Teri's life consisted of various patrols
through the streets in Iraq, working odd hours, as described
above, day after day as a Platoon leader. It was only
recently, in December, that Teri's day began to take on
some sense of normalcy, as she was promoted to the Brigade
staff, allowing her to work more normal 12-hour shifts.
The experiences of this Beta Mu alumna are at once both
frightening and inspiring. She has conducted reconnaissance
patrols and provided security for explosives teams. Teri
has also spoken with Iraqi women about international women's
issues, while showing young girls that it is possible
for a woman to be in a position of power and leadership.
Through conversation with Teri, it is easy to see that
this bright woman is maintaining a positive outlook on
life, despite the uncertainty of when she will be able
to return to the U.S. to plan her wedding with fiancé
Jim and finish her Master's degree program. Part of her
optimism stems from the support she has received from
those stateside, including the care packages, letters
and e-mails from countless Phi Mu Sisters, most of whom
she has never even met.
Though it's difficult for her to stay involved with Phi
Mu while overseas, Teri is maintaining ties through reading
The Aglaia and receiving information from Phi
Mu Foundation, such as this e-newsletter. Teri is a staunch
supporter of the Foundation so that Phi Mu can be, as
she puts it, "the biggest and the best through programs
such as the chapter consultant program and leadership
seminars."
When she does return home, hopefully sometime this year,
Teri plans to finish her commitment to the Army, then
"become a civilian" by teaching or moving into
the field of Public Policy and Government. For a woman
who has seen the other side of the world, manned a machine
gun and biked 25 miles through the Ozark Mountains, anything
is possible! |
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Theresa "Teri" Hennigan, Beta Mu,
is pictured here (second from the right) with her
older sister, Megan; her chapter Sister Jen Irlbacher;
her younger sister, Taylor, and her fiancé Jim. Teri's
family can't wait till she returns from her tour of
duty in Iraq, but they are quite proud of her for
making history as a woman in military combat.
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Teri Hennigan’s Resolutions for
Phi Mu Women in 2005
|
|
What I know for sure. . .
| 1. |
Resolve
to make part of your life benefit society
by giving back or volunteering. |
| 2. |
Maintain
communication between Phi Mu alumnae and collegians.
Alumnae can provide advice and support. Collegians
are the future. Yet, both are the lifeblood
of Phi Mu. |
| 3. |
Always
be proud to wear your Phi Mu letters. |
| 4. |
Reinstate contact with a long-lost Sister. Send an e-mail or letter today to say, "I haven't forgotten you." |
| 5. |
Work
out more, eat less and save more. Just an
extra 10 minutes of exercise a day, cutting
10 calories a day and saving an extra $10
a week can reap plenty of rewards later in
life. |
|
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