'Perspective' recognizes women's contributions

  • Published
  • By Janie W. Santos
  • Defense Media Activity - San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) --  In the latest "Enlisted Perspective, the Air Force's top enlisted Airman reflects on the distinguished heritage of women in the Air Force. From the members who served in the Army Air Corps to Women in the Air Force, or WAF, to today's Airmen who perform with distinction across our great Air Force, women have served with distinction.

"When I enlisted in 1974, WAF Airmen were still in service. They lived in separate facilities, but worked alongside men just like any other Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley.  "As all Airmen do, their innovativeness and devotion to duty served to make our Air Force stronger." 

The chief  said that women make up nearly 20 percent of the Air Force today, and are integral to every facet of operations.  They serve in key leadership positions at every level -- civilian, officer and enlisted.

"These Airmen are performing valiantly in military operations around the globe," the chief said.  "They are leading convoys through the IED-infested roads of Iraq and Afghanistan, and flying tactical aerial airlift as well as combat attack missions, to name but a few of their critical roles." 

This "Enlisted Perspective" and other senior leader viewpoints can be found on the library section of Air Force Link.

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