AF women’s virtual fly-in at CAFB

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. – Retired Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson will be one of the presenters for the first-ever Air Force Virtual Women’s Fly-In, which will be held live on the Columbus AFB Facebook page from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CT) on May 11. With a nod to female aviation pioneers as the backdrop, the event, helps Airmen create networks to learn more about experiences, leadership and life. “The vision of the original event was to connect aviatrices and build a supportive network to grow our diverse and inclusive force, as well as connect our operators with their long blue line and origin in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II,” said Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander and lead organizer. With rated diversity being a top priority for Air Force senior leaders, creating a place to discuss, connect and cultivate relationships, as well as to share struggles, successes, and resources is critical to building the force. WASP were civil service employees who played a pivotal role during WWII. “These women flew over 60 million miles, transported every airframe in the military arsenal, towed targets for training, and transported essential cargo. In 1977, the WASP were granted veteran status. In 2009, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. These women, now in their 90's, continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us and we’re proud to honor their legacy.” Keynote speakers will include: Gen. Lori Robinson (R-AF), who was the first female officer in the history of the United States Armed Forces to command a major unified combatant command; Col. Kim Campbell, who was decorated for piloting an A-10 Thunderbolt II back to base in southern Iraq after taking heavy anti-aircraft artillery damage in aerial combat over Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003; and Col. DeDe Halfhill is a special assistant for Public Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The virtual fly-in is also to honor Harriett Quimby, who in 1911 was awarded a U.S. pilot's certificate by the Aero Club of America, becoming the first woman to gain a pilot's license in the United States. (Source: CAFB 04/29/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2169214/first-ever-air-force-womens-fly-in-goes-virtual-may-11/