Minot Chief speaks at Girl Scouts ceremony Published May 12, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron security forces senior enlisted manager was the keynote speaker at the Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons Bronze Awards ceremony in Minot, N.D., May 4, 2014. Approximately 400 attendees gathered at the Grand International Hotel to honor the near 139 award recipients. Special awards included the bronze, silver and gold awards, girl and adult leadership awards, as well as the fall sale and cookie sale top-sellers. The Centennial Award, which is to recognize a lifetime achievement by a Girl Scout volunteer, was also awarded. Chief Master Sgt. Melissa PerMar began her address by likening the Girl Scouts' values to the Air Force core values of integrity, service and excellence. She used examples such as fair and honest, considerate and caring, responsibility and accountability, and having respect for others. PerMar related the Girl Scouts' "Ban Bossy" campaign, which encourages females to be leaders without fear of being called names, to her own life experiences. She expressed the importance of being confident and courageous by sharing personal obstacles she has had to face throughout her career in the Air Force. She explained that when she enlisted into the security specialist field just three-and-a-half years after the Air Force permitted females to join this career field, many people doubted her. "Many males voiced their opinions back then, stating ever so loudly that they didn't believe females could do the job," PerMar said. "I worked twice as hard to prove them wrong, and I continued to challenge myself throughout my career." PerMar also emphasized how crucial courage is, especially when developing into a successful leader. She explained that in order to grow, it is essential to try new things and accept challenges. "Take on projects or leadership roles that you may not necessarily be comfortable with, as that increases knowledge, experience, and confidence," PerMar said. In closing, she reassured the audience that making mistakes is a part of life. "I advised the girls not to worry about what others think of them," PerMar said. "I underscored the common fear of making mistakes, and I foot stomped the notion that there really and truly is no such thing as a mistake. A mistake is only an opportunity to learn." After the ceremony, PerMar posed with Girl Scout members and their families, a moment where she realized how important her words were to the impressionable young girls, she said. "It is especially exciting to serve as a role model for young girls, our future female leaders of America," PerMar said. "I felt so proud to represent the female leaders of the United States Air Force, and it was truly an honor to spend my day with these inspirational Girl Scouts."