Author: Debra Flax

Integration and diversity are crucial to moving the military forward in its strength, Air Force Master Sgt. Lisa Miller said, adding that, as such, today’s U.S. Air Force is an excellent career choice for women.

“We all come from different backgrounds, social experiments and family but with that brings a different skill set and a different perspective to the team,” she said.

Miller, who has served in the Air Force for more than 17 years, recently visited Bennett High School in Bennett, Colo., to share her experiences in the military and empower female student athletes to explore the opportunities and benefits that the Air Force has to offer.

“I decided to join the Air Force after not really wanting to go to college, but wanting to get out of my hometown and make something of myself,” Miller shared. “The Air Force has provided me with lifelong skills to use after I retire in a couple years, and free education. Not to mention the healthcare to take care of my family.”

While serving in the Air Force Miller has held various positions and has traveled the world. “Going from Southern Georgia to working in the White House to making sure high clearance individuals could complete their mission down range,” were all part of her Air Force experience, Miller said, adding that now she supports her squadrons and their families “with anything they need.”

Brian Schipper, principal of Bennett High School, said that Miller’s presentation, as part of a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement, was very beneficial for the students. He shared that he heard at least one student speak with Miller about college opportunities through the Air Force and how to pursue her chosen pathway through service.

“I feel the more recruiters can be in school the better,” Schipper said. “Female recruiters will be beneficial for female students as there will be an instant connection. Females need to know and understand there is a need for them in the Air Force, and all they can do while enlisted.”

Miller addressed the girls’ questions about military life and highlighted the work-life balance that she and her colleagues have experienced.

“You’ll receive exactly the same training, vocational development and promotion opportunities as your male colleagues,” Miller said. “Most Air Force jobs have regular hours, giving you plenty of opportunities to socialize, spend time with your family, play sports and make the most of the extensive fitness and leisure facilities on base. You’ll make friends for life, at work and at play, plus through amazing shared experiences such as supporting peacekeeping and disaster-relief missions.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the percentage of active-duty military women has increased 2.9 percent while the women in the selected reserve has risen by 4.4 percent since 2005.

“The opportunities that exist in the Air Force for women are amazing. You could come in and do an enlistment if you’re not sure about it and come out with an Associate’s degree, many skillsets to use on the outside, lifelong friends, and an experience many of your friends would never be able to get,” Miller told the girls. “And if you want to keep going in your career in the Air Force, you can make your own way. This is your path and nobody can change the trajectory of your career but you!”

Tech. Sgt. Melissa Davis has spent the last 10 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard and describes herself as an “all-around resource” for individuals interested in an Air Force career.

“This experience has given me the knowledge and capability to be adaptable to anything that is thrown at me. I initially joined just for school and only wanted to do a four-year contact,” Davis said. “[But] I have stayed as long as I have in the Air Force as it’s pushed me so much more then I could ever imagine as a person. I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Air Force. From a shy and reserved high school girl, to becoming a subject matter expert in my field, a leader, and a follower.”

Davis, who is currently an Air National Guard Recruiter for Minnesota, recently met with female students at White Bear Lake Area High School in White Bear Lake, Minn., as part of a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement. She shared her experiences in the Air Force as well as the overall benefits and opportunities that young women can receive through military service.

“I think the Air National Guard and Air Force as a whole do a fantastic job of bringing you out of your shell,” Davis said. “If you don’t know how to public speak, we will get you the experience and help you become good at it. You may not be the best leader in directing others to do things. We teach you how to be a respectful and effective leader. Or you may have a hard time learning to ask for help when you have too much on your plate. We teach you to learn when to ask for help and let you know you’re not alone. In order to have a strong Air Force, we have to have strong guardsman in every single rank.”

Davis said that many of the stereotypes that she has fielded fall in line with people thinking that military service is masculine with no room for individuality.

“Honestly, I think that stereotype comes from people who think the uniform is so masculine and makes the woman masculine,” she said. “Yes, we do wear the uniform but that doesn’t take away our individual identity. There are all different types of personalities in women that are valuable assets that the Air Force has learned from.”

And while Davis acknowledges the constant need for more diversity and integration in today’s military, she does not believe there is a current challenge of underrepresentation of women in the Air Force and is proud to be a part of that change.

“In the time I have been in, I have seen a huge rate of women joining,” Davis said. “We have made big strides as women in the military, and I believe that holds perfect representation for having these partnerships with high schools. Young women can see how far we have come.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the number of service members in all military branches dropped by 2.7 percent over the previous year. However, the percentage of women increased, with those actively serving in the military rising to 17.5 percent from 17.3 percent the year prior and those in the selected reserve rising from 21.4 percent to 21.6 percent over the same period.

“Making a difference in history under the Air Force [is crucial] to show how a strong military includes women,” Davis said. “This is just the beginning for us women representing what we can do and bring to the table with our fellow men.”

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dana Fernkas recounts that she was still trying to find her path in life when the world was thrown into turmoil following the September 11 attacks in New York.

“During my second year of college, I dropped my major with no replacement in mind. In the wake of 9/11, I decided it was time to contribute to a bigger picture and enlisted into the Air Force,” Fernkas said. “Since then, it’s been engrained in me that learning and development is always a continuous process that’s never finished, and you should also try to inspire those around you to strive to be the best version of themselves and never settle for mediocracy.”

Fernkas, who currently serves as a Senior Enlisted Leader and is responsible for the career development of 65 servicemembers, recently met with female student athletes at Chancellor High School in Fredericksburg, Va., as part of a leadership initiative facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner in marketing and local engagement. She spoke to members of Chancellor’s girls tennis, junior varsity and varsity soccer, softball, and track teams.

Fernkas shared that in her experience growing up, military service options were not as “well-advertised” in specific regions of the country.

“I feel like there was a stigma that people who joined the military after high school did so because they were too stupid to go to college which is completely untrue,” she said. “Some of the smartest people I know in the military joined right after high school.”

She added that while there are certain combat roles that are still not open to female soldiers, “it’s simply not true that women are never at the tip of the spear.”

“For women specifically, I think there were stereotypes [when I first joined] that the only jobs available to them were support roles and the men had the important jobs,” Fernkas said. “I think it’s great that the military is doing a better job of reaching out to wider audiences, and its especially beneficial to speak directly to women so obsolete or misinformation is dispelled from the start.”

Len Carlson, athletic director at Chancellor High School, said Fernkas did a great job presenting her story as well as the options and opportunities that young women can experience in the military.

“[The presentation was] very beneficial for our female athletes to hear and know that all opportunities are open to them after high school with the Air Force,” said Carlson, who served in the Army National Guard and took advantage of the education support after his service. “[The girls were] excited about the opportunities the Air Force offers [and there were] many questions by the students about daily life, jobs, and more in the military.”

Fernkas shared the wide range of roles available in almost every avenue within the Air Force and noted that an individual can train in several professions and disciplines if they so choose.

“Prior experience isn’t even required when picking a profession, the Air Force will train you and get you certified,” she said. “The main takeaway is you will learn how to be outside of your comfort zone and those skills will carry over into all aspects of your life.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the percentage of active-duty military women has increased 2.9 percent while the women in the selected reserve has risen by 4.4 percent.

“Four years of high school feels like an eternity, but after graduation, four years goes by in the wink of an eye. A four-year enlistment will give you job experience, exposure to life outside of your hometown, and free education and health benefits,” Fernkas said. “Bottom line, if you serve your enlistment honorably, you will have more advantages in life than not joining the military.”

Master Sgt. Lisa Miller recently visited female student athletes from Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., to discuss the benefits and opportunities afforded through a career in the U.S. Air Force.

Miller presented her career story to members of the school’s volleyball, cheerleading, and soccer teams, sharing her reasons for joining and the positive experiences she has had over her 17 years in service.

“I decided to join the Air Force after not really wanting to go to college but wanting to get out of my hometown and make something of myself,” she said. “The Air Force has provided me with lifelong skills to use after I retire in a couple years, and free education. Not to mention the healthcare to take care of my family.”

Tom Brieske, athletic director at Rock Canyon High School, said the students who attended Miller’s presentation, which is part of a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement, were attentive to everything Miller shared.

“I thought the message was really good. We have a very high percentage of our seniors who are on a college bound path but the talk opened their eyes to a different option that they may not have known they have,” Brieske said. “I think it is vital to hear all the options that are available to our students as they seek what may be best for them and their families.”

Miller addressed the girls’ questions about military life and highlighted the work-life balance that she and several of her colleagues have experienced.

“You’ll receive exactly the same training, vocational development and promotion opportunities as your male colleagues,” Miller said. “Most Air Force jobs have regular hours, giving you plenty of opportunities to socialize, spend time with your family, play sports and make the most of the extensive fitness and leisure facilities on base. You’ll make friends for life, at work and at play, plus through amazing shared experiences such as supporting peacekeeping and disaster-relief missions.”

The Air Force believes integration and diversity are important, Miller said, and that each woman who joins the service comes from a different background and therefore brings a distinct skillset and a unique perspective to the team.

“The opportunities that exist in the Air Force for women are amazing. You could come in and do an enlistment if you’re not sure about it and come out with an associate degree, many skillsets to use on the outside, lifelong friends, and an experience many of your friends would never be able to get,” Miller told the girls. “And if you want to keep going in your career in the Air Force, you can make your own way. This is your path and nobody can change the trajectory of your career but you!”

Immigrating to the United States at 11 years old, Air Force Staff Sgt. Michelle Dayanghirang felt a call to military service in gratitude of everything the country had provided her and her family.

“As a young immigrant from the Philippines at 11 years old, I was grateful to step into this country and experience the many benefits it has offered me over the years: education, healthcare, job opportunities and freedom,” she said. “I wanted to give back to the country by serving and be a part of the many citizens who keep this nation as the land of the free.”

Now a career soldier who has traveled the world, Dayanghirang visits high schools across the country to empower young students, particularly young women, to explore the benefits and opportunities of a career in the U.S. Air Force.

“Having partnerships with schools will help the current challenge of underrepresentation of women in the Air Force by having that direct engagement of women in service with the students,” she said, noting that integration and diversity in the military promotes innovation and productivity through different talents, backgrounds, and experiences.

Dayanghirang recently met with the female student athletes from Moriarty High School in Moriarty, N.M., as part of a leadership initiative facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement.

“Having them listen to the recruiter opened a lot of their eyes. It showed them a whole new avenue after graduation besides college or the work force,” said Joseph Anaya, Athletic Director at Moriarty High School. “Staff Sgt. Dayanghirang talked about her own experiences in sports and how it helped with her career choice in the United States Air Force [and it] was very engaging for our student-athletes. She had their attention from the start.”

Dayanghirang shared with the girls that the Air Force is not one-size-fits-all and that there are avenues of interest for every personal and professional goal.

“We offer careers in aviation, medical, cops, firefighters, aircraft mechanics, cyber, intel, linguist, etc. You can even be a plumber in the Air Force. We will provide you the education and training you need for the career you are pursuing for free. While doing so, you could also be traveling around the world,” she said.

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the number of service members in all military branches dropped by 2.7 percent over the previous year. However, the percentage of women increased, with those actively serving in the military rising to 17.5 percent from 17.3 percent the year prior and those in the selected reserve rising from 21.4 percent to 21.6 percent over the same period.

For those interested in the Air Force, Dayanghirang always recommends doing the research.

“Doubts are normal,” she said. “Be comfortable to use resources around you, such as recruiters, current or prior military members, teachers, counselors, friends and family members to ask them questions before making the decision of joining.”

After nearly 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Tech. Sgt. Melissa Davis says the experience has made her capable of handling anything that gets thrown at her.

“I initially joined just for school and only wanted to do a four-year contact,” Davis said. “[But] I have stayed as long as I have in the Air Force as it has pushed me so much more than I could ever imagine as a person. I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Air Force. From a shy and reserved high school girl, to becoming a subject matter expert in my field, a leader, and a follower.”

Davis, who has served as an Air Force Medical Logistics Technician and who is currently an Air National Guard Recruiter for Minnesota, recently met with the girls wrestling team at St. Paul Harding High School in St. Paul, Minn., as part of a leadership program facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement. She shared her experiences in the Air Force as well as the overall benefits and opportunities that young women can receive through military service.

“I think the Air National Guard and Air Force as a whole do a fantastic job of bringing you out of your shell,” Davis said. “If you don’t know how to public speak, we will get you the experience and help you become good at it. You may not be the best leader in directing others to do things. We teach you how to be a respectful and effective leader. Or you may have a hard time learning to ask for help when you have too much on your plate. We teach you to learn when to ask for help and let you know you’re not alone. In order to have a strong Air Force, we have to have strong guardsman in every single rank.”

Glenn Meyers, assistant athletic director and head wrestling coach at St. Paul Harding High School, said the Air Force’s partnership with high schools is so important for students, particularly female students, who want to learn about how they can “continue to develop into thoughtful, inquisitive, critical thinking leaders” following graduation.

“The girls expressed a lot of enjoyment and excitement about getting to talk one-on-one with a female member of the service,” Meyers said. “Several of them are exploring the option as a post-secondary career and it was really a joy to watch their eyes light up talking about how they got to speak with a female member of the service who can answer their questions and give insights.”

Davis pointed out the myriad benefits for women who choose to join the Air Force, including college education opportunities, professional career courses, world travel, teamwork building, comradery, and individual growth.

And while Davis acknowledges the constant need for more diversity and integration in today’s military, she sees more women joining the Air Force and is proud to be part of that change.

“In the time I have been in, I have seen a huge rate of women joining,” Davis said. “We have made big strides as women in the military, and I believe that holds perfect representation for having these partnerships with high schools. Young women can see how far we have come.”

Tech Sgt. Mary Quattlebaum said her time in the U.S. Air Force has positively impacted her personal growth, leadership, sense of purpose, and camaraderie and now she shares her journey to military service with students across the country.

Quattlebaum, who has been in the Air Force for 14 years, made the decision to join at 21 years old because she wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself.

“Both of my parents served in the Air Force,” she said. “My father made the military his career, and I always looked up to him. I always enjoyed the military lifestyle and living on the bases. It always felt like a close community and family. Because everyone was away from their own families, everyone was really close and took care of each other.”

Quattlebaum, who is currently a recruiter with the 133^rd Airlift Wing in the Minnesota Air National Guard, recently met with student athletes from the gymnastics and soccer teams at Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minn.

“The athletes enjoyed the visit,” said Ali Flaata, Head Gymnastics Coach at Park High School. “It was encouraging to hear about how the lessons they learn in sports transfers to their future careers, especially the Air Force.”

Quattlebaum noted that one way to combat the underrepresentation of women in the Air Force is through outreach and awareness, such as this high school leadership program, facilitated by Rocky River, Ohio-based DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement.

“Partnerships with high schools can help by dispelling stereotypes and addressing misconceptions about military service,” she said. “Women might believe that the military is only combat-oriented, but in reality, there are diverse roles that align with various interests and skills. Breaking down these stereotypes and showcasing the opportunities within the Air Force can encourage more women to consider military service. Collaborations with high schools provide a platform to showcase the inclusive and rewarding aspects of a career in the Air Force, encouraging more women to explore these opportunities.”

Flaata found it encouraging that a female Air Force representative came to speak directly to Park High School female athletes. “Exposing female students to diverse career options is crucial for promoting gender equality, empowering them economically, and fostering leadership skills. It breaks down traditional stereotypes, inspires confidence, and contributes to a more innovative and inclusive workforce. By providing opportunities for female students to explore various paths and develop leadership qualities, we invest in creating a future generation of capable and diverse leaders,” Flaata said.

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the number of service members in all military branches dropped by 2.7 percent over the previous year. However, the percentage of women increased, with those actively serving in the military rising to 17.5 percent from 17.3 percent the year prior and those in the selected reserve rising from 21.4 percent to 21.6 percent over the same period.

“Women joining the Air Force can benefit from diverse career opportunities, gaining skills in fields like aviation, technology, healthcare, and more,” Quattlebaum said. “They can train for roles such as pilots, engineers, medics, or even leadership positions. This not only offers a chance for professional growth but also personal development through teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Joining the Air Force can empower women to take on challenges, and contribute to the defense and well-being of their country.”

In the world of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Senior Airman Lindsay Knepp, who graduated high school in 2020, said that having a stable job in the Air Force where she could continue to learn and have her college education covered was an invaluable advantage.

“I’ve had the opportunity to do things and see things I never would have if I had taken the traditional college route,” Knepp said. “Overall, my time in the Air Force has profoundly impacted me personally and professionally, shaping me into the person I am today.”

Knepp recently met with female student athletes from the girls basketball team at Monticello High School in Monticello, Minn., to discuss the benefits of military service for young women as part of a leadership program facilitated by Rocky River, Ohio-based DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force partner for marketing and local engagement.

“By partnering with high schools, the Air Force can reach out to young women, specifically women athletes, and educate them about the opportunities available in the military,” Knepp said. “The partnership can help dispel stereotypes and misconceptions about military service that may discourage women from considering a career in the Air Force.”

One common misconception, Knepp added, is that military service is “too manly” for women. She said that not only are women fully capable of excelling in the military, but that integration and diversity in today’s Air Force is crucial to creating a U.S. military that is inclusive and open to all.

“By showcasing successful women in the Air Force and highlighting the diverse roles available, the Air Force can demonstrate that military service is open to everyone, regardless of gender,” she said. “Collaborating with high schools nationwide will provide female athletes with a dedicated recruiter who can serve as a mentor and guide, understanding their unique challenges and aspirations.”

Craig Geyen, the Girls Basketball Coach at Monticello High School, said the female athletes were excited to hear from Knepp and that the girls asked several questions about the Air Force, schooling, future plans, basic training, and current roles within the military.

“High school athletics is crucial to leadership and going beyond high school,” Geyen said. “The skills they learn will follow with them the rest of their life. I think it was good for our players to see women in leadership roles in the Air Force.”

Knepp added that while she initially felt apprehensive and uncertain about her decision to join the Air Force, she did her research and was guided to signing a short contract that allowed her a starting commitment of only four years.

“My advice to any female feeling hesitant is to ask yourself: Who do you aspire to be, and what steps can you take to achieve that? Despite initially feeling unsure, I knew deep down that I wanted to be a leader and make a difference,” Knepp said. “Through my time in the Air Force, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and learn how to distinguish myself when necessary. It has been a rewarding experience overall, and having the option of a short contract provided reassurance that I could explore other paths if needed.”

According to the 2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the number of service members in all military branches dropped by 2.7 percent over the previous year. However, the percentage of women increased, with those actively serving in the military rising to 17.5 percent from 17.3 percent the year prior and those in the selected reserve rising from 21.4 percent to 21.6 percent over the same period. Since 2005, the percentage of active-duty military women has increased 2.9 percent while the women in the selected reserve has risen by 4.4 percent.

“One of the key benefits of joining the Air Force is the opportunity for professional and personal growth,” Knepp said. “Women in the Air Force can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable experience that can benefit them both in the military and in civilian life.”

A life-long athlete, Marisa Quinones felt lost and confused when she decided to quit college soccer but was encouraged by an introduction to the New Mexico Air National Guard.

Quinones, now an Airman/E2 with the 150^th Force Support Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, loved the idea of serving her country while still residing in her home state and now shares her journey to military service with high school students throughout the country.

“The underrepresentation of women in the Air Force and the armed forces generally is a complex problem that is a reflection of larger societal issues and attitudes,” she said. “A proactive and all-encompassing strategy is needed to address this underrepresentation, and collaborations with high schools can be very important in this regard. Through partnerships with high schools, the Air Force may interact with young women at an early stage of their career decision-making process.”

Quinones recently met with student leaders from Cleveland High School in New Mexico, speaking to the benefits individuals can receive upon joining the Air Force.

“The NMANG has provided me with financial support as I continue my education at the University of New Mexico, majoring in criminology,” she said. “I administer Physical Fitness Assessments, as well as enter the scores appropriately into an automated system. Performing ceremonies with the honor guard for retirements, funerals, and other functions are also part of my appearance. I am also an alternate for the Fatal Search and Recovery Team. All these roles are very rewarding and intriguing because there are different areas I can learn and grow from.”

Cleveland High School Athletic Director Matt Martinez said that the program, facilitated by DistrictWON, a U.S. Air Force Partner for marketing and local engagement, was helpful in portraying current servicemembers’ experiences and the path they took to get where they are today.

Martinez said he tells his students to “have an open mind to all the opportunities the Air Force has to offer.”

He also added that an “Earn Your Wings” mobile, one of the promotional materials for the event, was awesome and was placed prominently outside the school entrance.

“These relationships [with high schools] can emphasize the prospects in the Air Force and give accurate details about military jobs through workshops, presentations, and mentorship programs,” Quinones said. “The idea that women might not be physically fit for the military is a common one. Although there are fitness requirements in the Air Force, many people can meet them, and certain positions in the service place greater value on technical expertise and mental toughness than on raw strength.”

She added that balancing a military profession and a family life is being supported more and more through Air Force governance.

“[The] Air Force, like other military branches, has done a great job of helping service members who have families by implementing rules that support childcare, maternity leave, and family relocation aid.”

Quinones recognizes the need for further integration and diversity in the military to support overall mission readiness, effectiveness, and credibility around the world.

“To put it briefly, integration and diversity are critical to the Air Force’s mission, not just favorable,” she said. “They make the force more capable, adaptable, and representative of the community it defends while also boosting operational efficacy and encouraging innovation.”

When speaking to high school students, Quinones conveys the extensive range of positions and opportunities for advancement, education, and training that the Air Force provides. Employment options range from engineering, aviation, cybersecurity, and space operations to healthcare, logistics, intelligence, and legal services. Service members can seek higher education in their areas of interest by taking advantage of scholarships, advanced training programs, and educational perks. Frequently, the Air Force will pay for tuition, she added.

“In the end, the decision to enlist in the Air Force is a very personal one that should be in line with your objectives, principles, and dreams,” Quinones said. “Making a significant worldwide effect and serving your country can be achieved by enlisting in the Air Force. Joining operations that support global aid efforts and national security allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. In addition to its many professional advantages, Air Force service promotes discipline, personal development, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. You will find value in these experiences and qualities throughout your life, in both military and civilian pursuits.”