Pershing Angels

Pershing Angels
The Symbol National Society of Pershing Angels
FoundedFebruary 9, 1965; 59 years ago (1965-02-09)
Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
TypeMilitary
AffiliationIndependent
StatusActive
EmphasisDrill
ScopeNational (US)
Colors  Royal Blue  White
SymbolDove
FlowerWhite Rose
Chapters12 (active)
Headquarters2885 Sanford Avenue SW #21820
Grandville, Michigan 49418
United States
WebsitePershing Angels National Headquarters

The National Society Pershing Angels is a military-based drill sorority for women founded in 1965 as a Coed Affiliate drill unit of Pershing Rifles at Morgan State University. It is the oldest continuously operating U.S. national women's college organization dedicated to drill.

History

In 1962, thirty ladies at Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland started a society that would become Pershing Angels. Its mission is to foster a spirit of friendship and cooperation among the women in the military department and to maintain a highly efficient drill company.[1] On February 9, 1965, the National Society of Pershing Angels were formally recognized as a university organization and as a sister unit to Pershing Rifles Company J-8 (then H-15) at Morgan.[2]

Across the nation, other women's affiliates of Pershing Rifles formed during the early 1960’s. Pershing Angels was one of many similar coed affiliates with the same ideals and drill activities recognized by local Pershing Rifles Companies, but not officially sanctioned by Pershing Rifles National Headquarters.[3]

Pershing Angles became part of the Coed Affiliates Pershing Rifles (CAPERS) in 1966 when CAPERS were formed as the first officially recognized nationwide female auxiliary to the National Society of Pershing Rifles. Pershing Rifles began accepting women as members as early as 1971, but CAPERS continued on until the mid-1980s. Once CAPERS were disbanded, Pershing Angels units formerly affiliated with CAPERS chose to continue on as a separate organization.

Over the years, Pershing Angels have expanded to other Universities which included Company C-16, Florida A&M University, Company C-15, Norfolk State College (presently Co. R-4-5, Norfolk State University), Hampton (Institute) University, and Howard University.[4]

Symbols

Pershing Angels official colors are royal blue and white. Its mascot is the dove. It flower is the white rose.[5] Its mott is "Drill, Service, Social".

Chapters

Collegiate

Following is a list of the Pershing Angels units or chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters and institutions are in italics.

Unit Charter date

and range

Institution Location Status References
U-8-5 2018 Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland Active
H-4-5 Alabama A&M University Normal, Alabama Active
N-4 North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, North Carolina Active
O-4 Virginia State University Ettrick, Virginia Active
P-4-5 Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama Active
R-4-5 - Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia Active
U-4-5 Hampton University Hampton, Virginia Active
A-7-5 2008 Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri Active
G-8-5 1965 Howard University Washington, D.C. Active
J-8-5 Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland Active
A-16-5 Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia Active
C-16 Florida A&M University Tallahassee, Florida Active
T-1 Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio Inactive
A-4 St. Augustine's University Raleigh, North Carolina Inactive
K-4-5 South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina Inactive
O-4-5 Saint Paul’s College Lawrenceville, Virginia Inactive
N-8 Saint Peter's College Jersey City, New Jersey Inactive

Alumnae

Following is a list of the Pershing Angels alumnae units or chapters.[6] Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters and institutions are in italics.

Unit Charter date or range Location Status References
AA-10-5 Hawaii Area Alumnae Active
AA-4-5 Central Virginia Alumnae Active
AA-8-5 Maryland Alumnae Active
AA-16-5 Seven Hills (Atlanta) Alumnae Active
AB-4-5 North Carolina A&T State University Alumnae Active
AB-8-5 Howard University Alumnae Inactive
AC-4-5 Alabama Alumnae Active
AC-8-5 DMV Area Alumnae Active
AC-8-5 Norfolk State University Alumnae Active

See also

References

  1. ^ Pershing Angels Website - Purpose, Vision, Values
  2. ^ Baltimore Sun - They know the drill: Pershing Angels turns 40
  3. ^ Pershing Angels Website - History
  4. ^ Old Dominion University Pershing Angels Website
  5. ^ Pershing Angels Symbols
  6. ^ "National Society of Pershing Angels | NHQ - Alumnae Units". www.pershingangels.org. Retrieved 2024-01-30.