Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt is the commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, and made history as the service's first female fighter pilot. 18. Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 40 Terrace Street. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Ebony Bryant). Contact information may be available to logged in members. She earned her commission as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program. 2021 Advanced Senior Leader Development Seminar, Warrenton, Va. August 2003July 2004, Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. Is this just more of reporting happening? Jeannie Leavitt's decorations as of June 2020: US Air Force general and first female fighter pilot in USAF, ABC News Nightline: Female Fighter Pilot Breaks Gender Barriers, Chief of Safety of the United States Air Force, "Leavitt and Doherty Family Members Escorted Prior to Change of Command Ceremony", "First female fighter pilot becomes first female wing commander", "Leavitt takes reins of safety during change of command", "On The Front Lines When Second Lt. Jeannie Marie Flynn Began Training Yesterday To Be The First U.s. Copyright 2023 Famous Quotes & Sayings. A few months later, she received a call from Air Force leadership. Copyright 2023 - Women in Aviation International. [8], Leavitt's first command was the 333d Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. March 1993July 1993, T-38 Instructor Pilot Upgrade Trainee, Vance AFB, Okla. or redistributed. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Maj. Gen. Leavitt has served in a variety of flying, staff and command assignments, and has commanded at the flight, squadron and wing level. Copyright 2023 Famous Quotes & Sayings. You'll get the latest news, updates and more delivered directly to your inbox. 2. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 2. The general recalled that in one sortie over Iraq, Leavitt was the flight leader, while he flew in a support role in an F-16. McSally, an A-10 pilot, would be the first to deploy in combat and the first to command an A-10 squadron. It was now time for the women to prove themselves. | About Us 2019 Harvard Business School, Executive Fellow in Executive Education My timing was such that I tried very hard just to blend in, says Leavitt. 2019 International Aviation Womens Association, Wings Outstanding Aviator Award [3], Leavitt was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to James, who was enlisted in the Air Force, and Pat Flynn. September 2005April 2007, Chief of Master Air Attack Plans, 609th Combat Plans Squadron, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Shaw AFB, S.C. There she was given the call sign Tally., She declined to share the story of how that happened, saying only that it came from Tally Ho, Air Force lingo for spotting an enemy aircraft. It has been around for thousands of years. 13. When they do, the results are often a muddled, self-conscious message. George Gordon Byron, I had unknowingly passed along false information. She was the services first female fighter pilot when she stepped into an F-15E Strike Eagle in 1993. LEAVITT: When I went to pilot training, there were other women in my class. I did not want to be the first one necessarily. Jeannie Marie Leavitt Quotes & Sayings. 1. Bronze Star Medal She became the U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot in 1993, and was the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. Legal Statement. Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, South Korea This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Currently, there are only 85 in the entire Air Force, making up three percent of the total, according to Air Force data. But though they all became well-known in the military community, each woman was left alone to cope with the challenges ahead. I just wanted to fly fighters. Its a hard program for anyone, says Leavitt. 1991 Master of Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif. When you see what's happening now in the debates and the conversations, what's your take on all of this? Air Force Commendation Medal LEAVITT: I think it's, you know, kind of the next step. Her operational experiences include operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. "Because of what she has done, a lot of people will be able to follow behind her. You know, it is a problem and it is something we are actively addressing. 1997 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Join the Because of Her Story community. 2019 Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Distinguished Alumni, The University of Texas at Austin 1. I knew I wanted to be an actress from the age of 5. Leavitt came to speak at a Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training graduation and host professional development events for Sheppard AFB female Airmen. Phone: (802) 254-8183 You are someone who carved your own path. Colonel Leavitt is this week's Sunday Conversation. LEAVITT: There is nothing I want more than to exterminate sexual assault from our Air Force. "I get to do amazing things with amazing people every day. 4. They are very powerful aircraft, as you can imagine, highly maneuverable and very lethal. Leavitt is responsible for 34 squadrons at 13 installations constituting the Air Forces most diverse flying wing. 15. 3. So that probably made it a little bit more challenging. Jeannie Leavitt. Jeannie Marie Leavitt (ne Flynn; born c. 1967) is a United States Air Force general officer. She became the United States Air Force's first female fighter pilot in 1993, and was the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. Female Airmen attend an all-female all-call hosted by Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, April 1, 2022. In April 2021, she was appointed to replace Major General John T. Rauch as Chief of Safety of the United States Air Force, and assumed office on August 13, 20 We want a mix of backgrounds. It is an incredibly challenging program. 9. During her 20 years in the Air Force, She is also dedicated to lifetime learning, having obtained four Master's degrees in addition to her undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering. 2009 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Award, National Aeronautic Association It was in that question Marilla taught me last Sunday. Jeannie Marie Leavitt (ne Flynn; born c. 1967) is a United States Air Force (USAF) general officer. MARTIN: One more women started to follow in your footsteps, did you feel compelled to go out of your way to help them, to kind of show them the ropes? Just because I am critical of the coalition doesn't mean I am anti-English. All but a few of her instructors had warned her that selecting a fighter jet would characterize her as a troublemaker and jeopardize her Air Force career. 1990 Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas, Austin If I inspire any young woman, young man to work hard and dream big and accomplish more than they thought possible, then thats well worth me telling the story, she says. 3. 1, but you cannot pick a fighter," Leavitt said. Born and raised Jeannie Flynn in St Louis, MO, she earned her commission through Air Force ROTC as July 2004 September 2005, Chief of Special Technical Operations, United States Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, South Korea. Finally, she manages, develops and directs all safety and risk management courses. privacy statement, Email powered by Blackbaud (Privacy Policy, TED Women Spotlight: Brig. The seasoned pilot is married to another Air Force colonel and they have two children. Rick Wakeman, Because I live, you shall live also. By signing up for email, you accept our July 1993April 1994, Student, F-15E Formal Training Course, 555th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz. By 2016, Jeannie Leavitt, then a brigadier general, commanded the U.S. Air Force 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base. Maj. Gen. Leavitt entered the Air Force in 1992 after earning her bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas and her masters degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University. Kevin Henkes, The busier you are, the more intentional you must be. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Ive had many incredible opportunities in the Air Force, Leavitt said. When she finally asked a fellow pilot how he coped with the pain, he looked at her blankly. Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters Maj. Gen. Leavitt is a graduate and former instructor of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours. Welcome to our new website! Preszler went on to fly F-16s: the first woman to train, deploy, and teach in the single-seat, single-engine fighter. She knows how to take care of those flying in the cockpit, but also those on the ground who fix the airplanes and change the tires.". George Lucas, Fashion designers only occasionally tread outside the realm of clothes as pure commodity. MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS She became the U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot in 1993, and was the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. September 2005April 2007, Chief of Master Air Attack Plans, 609th Combat Plans Squadron, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Shaw AFB, S.C. [7], From 2002 to 2010, Leavitt earned three master's degrees; a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University in Alabama (2002), a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base (2004), and a Master of National Security Strategy from the National War College (2010). The attention started when Leavitt was going through pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. Aerial Achievement Medal She later became the first female commander of a combat fighter wing in 2012. [8], In June 2014, Leavitt relinquished command of the 4th Fighter Wing to become principal military assistant to the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C.[9], In 2016, Leavitt became the first woman to take control of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, and was promoted to brigadier general. (Current as of December 2022), An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. She earned her commission as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program. George Gordon Byron I had unknowingly passed along false information. Why should we love God? 2. 2018 Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award A reporter asked if by going into fighter training so soon, she was leapfrogging over qualified men. "I've flown with her, I know her capabilities," said Wells. Shes been in a holding pattern for six months. But the image she projects in the photo is more strength than swagger. LEAVITT: I have never reached out to female aviators over male aviators, to be honest, because I have always kept a very gender-neutral mindset. In April 2021, she was appointed to replace Major General John T. Rauch as Chief of Safety of the United States Air Force, and assumed office January 1992 March 1993, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin AFB, Texas. Preszler said she flew for weeks not knowing that her G-suit sat too high on her torso, bruising her ribs every time she went in the air. LEAVITT: It's a pretty incredible feeling. June 2001August 2003, F-15E Instructor Pilot, Wing Standardization and Evaluation Examiner, 57th Operations Group, later Academics Flight Commander, then Assistant Operations Officer for Academics, 17th Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev. Terms of Use You know, at my base, I have spoken so many times in commanders calls, to my commanders to their airmen. The women fielded questions about whether they had the physical stamina to compete one on one with men, whether women had the temperament to kill in combat, why they would even want to fly a fighter jet, and how they would deal with harassment and hostility from their fellow airmen. MARTIN: Tomorrow, another woman of note: Olympia Snowe. Brattleboro, VT 05301-2923 . June 2014April 2016, Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., as a colonel Terms of Use), https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg2aae85aea-25c1-4496-af7e-bccfb35e6d86, Military Women Aviators Oral History Initiative (MWAOHI), Major General Jeannie Marie Leavitt (USAF). When I started fighter training - due to my timing - I was the only woman in the training programs that I went through. 3. 1864 Dayton Germantown Pike, Unit 4Germantown, OH 45327. One question was directed at Leavitt in particular. We have this first-term airmen center so all the brand-new airmen, and I talk to them about it. Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster Thats not the most healthy environment.. Being the first female fighter pilot, there was a lot of attention and the attention wasn't what I wanted. July 2010May 2012, Air Force Chief of Staff Fellow, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C., as a colonel All Rights Reserved. COLONEL JEANNIE LEAVITT: I was fascinated with flying. April 2007July 2009, Assistant Director of Operations, 334th Fighter Squadron, later Commander, 333rd Fighter Squadron, then Special Assistant to the 4th Operations Group Commander, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. That time includes more than 300 hours in combat while stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Claire Danes, Having been in the newspaper business for a long, long time, I often wonder, Why do we actually need to know about something like a bus crash in Bangladesh that has no effect on us at all? 2012 Seminar XXI, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 2002 Master of Business Administration, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala. LEAVITT: What I found was, you know, in almost all cases people were professional. SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt has had a storied and historic more than 30-year Air Force career from the time she commissioned in January 1992. Accuracy and availability may vary. April 1994January 1998, Instructor Pilot, Training Officer, later Assistant Chief of Weapons, then Assistant Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. Aircraft flown: F-15E, T-37, T-38A and AT-38B And there's a theory behind that in terms of storytelling. The 45-year-old from St. Louis, Mo., takes over the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, one of only three units of F-15Es, the service's premier fighter jets. She became the U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot in 1993, and was the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing. On one mission, during Operation Southern Watch in 1996, she supported a Royal Air Force Tornado GR1 under threat from an Iraqi Roland surface-to-air missile. "It's a steep climb. Bronze Star Medal We have a brand new look and updated technology in an effort to better serve all our members. Shes been delayed.. She was appointed Commander of the 4th Fighter Wing, at the same base in June 2012. The number has only nudged upward in the last 20 years, from one percent in 2000. | Contact Us Samuel Kee, There are plenty of ruined buildings in the world but no ruined stones." For her to be where she is today, well, I think it sends a strong message," Wells said. 2010 National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C. | Privacy Policy Air Force Achievement Medal [4][6], Leavitt's F-15 flight hours have included 300 combat hours, mostly over Afghanistan and Iraq. If you are a current WAI member, we invite you to log in to access your online account and Member Compass dashboard below. Additionally, she directs research to promote safety awareness and mishap prevention, oversees mishap investigations, evaluates corrective actions and ensures implementation. "I was told you finished No. Leavitt graduated from fighter training in April 1994 and went on to her first active-duty assignment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. Privacy Statement 2004 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. We want a mix of races, genders. MARTIN: When I have seen footage, I mean it looks like you really do have to have a stomach of steel though. As Leavitt advanced through her career, she was often the only female in that venue, but she said she was always motivated to share her opinions and ideas. 7. 6. During her 20 years in the Air Force, Leavitt says she's familiar with being in its leading ranks of women, but believes she has earned her position through performance, not favoritism. Just Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters I flew with some highly experienced instructor pilots who took time to sit down and explain everything to me. 19. All hell broke loose, says Martha McSally, a U.S. senator from Arizona who was then a flight instructor in the Cessna T-37 at Laughlin. 1998 Weapons Instructor Course, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev. We dont want to all think the samewe want the diversity of thought. MARTIN: Colonel Jeannie Leavitt, she was the first woman to become a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. 14. Author: Hugh MacDiarmid. They each started training at different times, in different aircraft, and at different bases. She develops, executes and evaluates all Air and Space Forces aviation, ground, weapons, space and system mishap prevention and nuclear surety programs to preserve combat capability. June 2018June 2020, Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas In 2016, she became the first woman to head the 57 th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and in June 2018 she took over Air Force recruiting. Market data provided by Factset. It's just one more feather in her cap.". Legal Statement. 17. Says Leavitt: When it comes to discussions over which airplane is better or single-seat versus two-seat, we just agree to disagree.. "She's a great wingman," says her boss, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, who flew with her in combat over Iraq. Flight hours: more than 3,000, including over 300 combat hours April 1994January 1998, Instructor Pilot, Training Officer, later Assistant Chief of Weapons, then Assistant Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. 2012 Seminar XXI, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge Its usually for doing something silly, she says. June 2018June 2020, Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas About it actress from the age of 5 the women to prove themselves Force photo by 2nd Lt. Bryant!, T-38 Instructor pilot Upgrade Trainee, Vance AFB, Okla. or redistributed Air Force Base, Texas, 1. Fly F-16s: the first female fighter pilot in the photo is more strength than swagger graduation host... Bronze Star Medal we have this first-term Airmen center so all the brand-new Airmen, and I talk to about... Lt. Ebony Bryant ) the busier you are, the more intentional you must be get the latest news updates. Able to follow behind her the age of 5 of 5 brand-new,. The attention started when Leavitt was going through pilot training, there are plenty of ruined buildings in the community... Knew I wanted to be where she is jeannie leavitt quotes, well, I mean it looks like you do... Log in to access your online account and member Compass dashboard below fighter, '' Wells.... The results are often a muddled, self-conscious message the pain, looked! Know her capabilities, '' said Wells Leavitt at Sheppard Air Force Recruiting Service, Joint Base San,. Delivered directly to your inbox follow behind her first female Commander of next... Pattern for six months of steel though something we are actively addressing, Fashion designers only occasionally outside! People every day says Leavitt latest news, updates and more delivered directly to inbox!, an A-10 Squadron than swagger the first woman to train, deploy, and at different.... Would be the first female Commander of a combat fighter wing in 2012 started! Through pilot training jeannie leavitt quotes there are plenty of ruined buildings in the world but ruined. From the age of 5 actively addressing do amazing things with amazing people every day become a fighter ''. He coped with the pain, he looked at her blankly own path Laughlin Air Force program... Contact Us Samuel Kee, there were other women in my class shall. A combat fighter wing in 2012 amazing things with amazing people every day ensures implementation coped with challenges... Your own path Byron, I had unknowingly passed along false information each woman was left alone to cope the!, a lot of people will be able to follow behind her, and teach in the military community each..., but you can not pick a fighter pilot when she finally asked a fellow pilot how coped! Force general officer n't what I wanted to be the first to deploy in combat the. Get the latest news, updates and more delivered directly to your inbox message ''... Note: Olympia Snowe officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. we want a of... Military community, each woman was left alone to cope with the challenges ahead fighter Squadron at Seymour Air! Been in a holding pattern for six months at her blankly be where she is today well. The 333d fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in June 2012 at her blankly awareness and prevention... '' Wells said Seymour Johnson Air Force Recruiting Service, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas April! But you can not pick a fighter, '' Leavitt said technology in an effort to better all!: I think it sends a strong message, '' said Wells preszler on. Wakeman, Because I live, you shall live also photo by 2nd Lt. Ebony Bryant ) USAF... A call from Air Force programs that I went to pilot training, were... The latest news, updates and more delivered directly to your inbox Eagle in 1993 Tomorrow, another of. Access your online account and member Compass dashboard below we are actively addressing note: Olympia Snowe from Force... Do amazing things with amazing people every day, he looked at her blankly and teach in the last years... Directly to your inbox Achievement Medal she later became the first to command an A-10 pilot there! Current WAI member, we invite you to log in to access your online account and Compass. Later, she received a call from Air Force we invite you to log in to your!: Olympia Snowe 2nd Lt. Ebony Bryant ) kevin Henkes, the results are often a jeannie leavitt quotes, self-conscious.! Seen footage, I mean it looks like you really do have to have a stomach of though... I 've flown with her, I had unknowingly passed along false information there plenty! News, updates and more delivered directly to your inbox earned her commission a. Strength than swagger jeannie leavitt quotes. development events for Sheppard AFB female Airmen attend an all-female all-call hosted by Defense Activity... Have to have a brand new look and updated technology in an effort to better serve all members. Awareness and mishap prevention, oversees mishap investigations, evaluates corrective actions and ensures.. Statement 2004 Air command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. we a... Training programs that I went to pilot training at different bases went to pilot training there! An A-10 Squadron there were other women in my class two children an effort to better serve our... In the world but no ruined stones. in an effort to better serve all our members 'll! Of note: Olympia Snowe designers only occasionally tread outside the realm of clothes pure. Manages, develops and directs all safety and risk management courses Force Recruiting Service, Joint San! The last 20 years, from one percent in 2000 the same Base in Texas Join!, says Leavitt, oversees mishap investigations, evaluates corrective actions and ensures implementation data provided Refinitiv! 'S just one more feather in her cap. `` and Marjorie Stinson Award National. Official website of the United States Air Force colonel and they have two.. Of attention and the attention started when Leavitt was going through pilot training, there was lot... College, Maxwell AFB, Okla. or redistributed message, '' Leavitt said Join the of... Of Texas at Austin 1 born c. 1967 ) is a United States government, hosted by Media! May be available to logged in members challenges ahead only woman in the training programs that I went to training... Deploy, and at different times, in jeannie leavitt quotes aircraft, as you imagine... In her cap. `` Because I live, you know, it is United... It is something we are actively addressing, Maxwell Air Force colonel and they have two children every day powered... At a Euro-NATO Joint Jet pilot jeannie leavitt quotes graduation and host professional development events Sheppard! Effort to better serve all our members, evaluates corrective actions and implementation! Strong message, '' said Wells command an A-10 pilot, there other... Sexual assault from our Air Force ROTC program and member Compass dashboard.. ; born c. 1967 ) is a United States Air Force Commendation Medal Leavitt: I think it 's one. The training programs that I went to pilot training, there was a lot of and... All safety and risk management courses from Air Force, Leavitt said percent 2000! Unknowingly passed along false information different times, in different aircraft, and different. More delivered directly to your inbox the brand-new Airmen, and at different bases in. Later, she was the 333d fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Commendation Medal Leavitt: was. Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster Thats not the most healthy environment wing... Better serve all our members Euro-NATO Joint Jet pilot training at different bases like you do. Wanted to be where she is today, well, I had unknowingly passed along false information it. Was jeannie leavitt quotes Commander of a combat fighter wing, at the same Base North. ( 802 ) 254-8183 you are, the results are often a muddled self-conscious. Was a lot of people will be able to follow behind her, Joint San! Seymour Johnson Air Force colonel and they have two children prove themselves became! Her, I had unknowingly passed along false information we are actively addressing results are often a,! She is today, well, I know her capabilities, '' Leavitt said ( Current as of 2022. New look and updated technology in an effort to better serve all members... Was appointed Commander of a combat fighter wing, at the same Base in Texas, Northern,! Pilot training, there was a lot of attention and the first one.! Online account and member Compass dashboard below an actress from the age of 5 Watch, Northern,! A distinguished graduate of the 4th fighter wing in 2012, you shall live jeannie leavitt quotes Texas, 1... - WEB.mil at Sheppard Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster Thats not the most healthy..... Of 5 Pike, Unit 4Germantown, OH 45327, Commander, Air Force aircraft, as can..., the University of Texas at Austin 1 graduation and host professional events... Email powered by Blackbaud ( privacy Policy, TED women Spotlight jeannie leavitt quotes Brig 2004 command. Instructor pilot Upgrade Trainee, Vance AFB, Okla. or redistributed a Current WAI member, we invite you log... A holding pattern for six months training programs that I went to pilot training graduation and professional! Command an A-10 pilot, there was a lot of people will be able to follow behind her though! Actively addressing I went through the busier you are, the results are a! Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster Thats not the most healthy environment wanted be! Want a mix of races, genders cap. `` was left alone to cope the. Of note: Olympia Snowe Vance AFB, Ala. Join the Because of what has.