Photo By Cpl. Naomi May | RENO, NV - Col. Alison Thompson tells her Marine aviation story and stresses the...... read more read more
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RENO, Nevada -- The U.S. Marine Corps partnered with Women in Aviation, International (WAI) for their 29th annual international symposium in Reno, Nevada, March 21-24, 2018.
During the three-day event, female Marine aviators and recruiters shared their personal experiences and stories of honor, courage and commitment throughout their time in service to the symposium attendees.
WAI is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1990, dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of females in all aviation career fields. They also acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions of female aviators including astronauts, corporate pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, air show performers and many others.
“Women in Aviation, International is the perfect opportunity for female aviators to share their experiences, network, mentor and learn from each other,” said Dr. Peggy Chabrian, the founder and president of WAI. “We have women from 21 countries around the world who have gathered for this unique three-day annual gathering in Reno.”
During the WAI career fair, attendees were provided an opportunity to pilot the Marine Corps’ flight simulator, were physically tested at the Marine Corps’ pull-up challenge, and were provided an opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marine aviators and recruiters about opportunities in the Marine Corps.
“The Marine Corps is not only here to recruit, we’re part of the community,” said Col. Alison Thompson, the first female Marine to serve as a commanding officer of a flight squadron in a combat zone.
Thompson spoke with women aviators alongside Col. Karen Brannen, who shared her story as the first female Marine to earn “wings of gold” to become a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps.
On Saturday, participants attended a career panel, where Maj. Sarah Smith, the 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District’s Aviation Assistant for Officer Procurement (AAOP), discussed opportunities the Marine Corps provides in the aviation field. In addition to the female aviation enthusiasts in attendance, a group of girl scouts were also on-hand to hear the talk.
“We do a whole syllabus of aerobatics,” Smith told one young girl asking about flying upside down in an airplane. “Everything fun that you can imagine to do in an aircraft, you’ll get to do.”
Meanwhile, Brannen and Thompson were able to address attendees prior to the Connect, Engage and Inspire session and paused for a few moments to honor 100 years of females serving in the Marine Corps.
“We have women serving now in every division in the Marine Corps,” said Brannen. “I’m proud to be a tiny part of this. I’m proud to be a first, no doubt – but most importantly, I’m proud to be a Marine.”
On August 13, 1918, Opha Mae Johnson enlisted as the first female Marine just one day after then-Secretary of the Navy granted authority to enlist women for clerical duty in the Marine Corps Reserve. Over the past 100 years, the Marine Corps has grown in its opportunity for females; just two years ago, women became eligible to serve in every military occupational specialty in the Corps, including all combat positions.
“I’ve gotten to experience so many opportunities, not because I’m a woman in the Marine Corps, not despite being a woman in the Marine Corps, but simply because I wear the uniform,” said Thompson.
Both women spoke of trials they faced since joining the Marine Corps, but ultimately stated that their careers have been so rewarding that they are grateful for the institution.
They received a standing ovation at the conclusion of their speech.
“[Col. Thompson’s speech] was very inspiring,” said Amy Yoder, a native of Foristell, Missouri, and structural analysis engineer on Boeing aircraft. “You usually don’t think of women in the Marine Corps, but any woman can aspire to be a Marine. It’s open and inclusive.”
Throughout the event, Thompson stressed the importance to support the aviation community to advance the Marine Corps.
“We have a tremendous amount to gain from partnerships like the one we have with Women in Aviation, International,” said Thompson. “It allows us to tap into an intelligent community and attract the talent we need to win battles.”
| Date Taken: | 03.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2018 13:48 |
| Story ID: | 270523 |
| Location: | RENO, NV, US |
| Web Views: | 194 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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