Required fields are marked *. Black, gay, and a child of divorce, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour learned this early. It's such . FlyGirl has two honorary doctorates and has received numerous awards as a pioneering pilot, including honors for her commanding role in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). [1], In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. After flight school, Vernice was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA, piloting the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. All Rights Reserved. My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. She served her time in the Marine Corps and later married, changing her last name to Ellis. Operation Military Kids was founded to be a resource for teens and young adults who are interested in joining the military, but don't know where to begin. For Vernice, her life's passion was to become a cop, a job she wanted since childhood. With that said, there is actually more to her story than that. It took me two years, but I finally booked you. We scour the universe for the best military travel and recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and Veterans Day. While at Camp Pendleton, she was named 2001 Camp Pendleton Female Athlete of the Year, twice won the Camp's annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and was a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women's football team. [2][4], Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. Vernice Armour is a 48-years-old American Military officer from the United States of America. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. In 1998, Armour became the first African-American woman to serve a a police officer in Tempe, Arizona before becoming an Officer Candidate for the U.S. Marine Corps. Like with everything else, however, there had to be a first and that first was Annie E. Graham. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour I help Executive Women OWN their story and their obstacles and turn them into the OPPORTUNITIES the really are! Required fields are marked *. She flew the AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopter in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and eventually served two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 1991, she graduated from John Overton High School for Creative and Performing Arts where she was very active in the music program, class vice president, a member of Mu Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society), and The National Honor Society. In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. Being a beat cop tests you. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. She began to work in the Pentagon, holding various positions of importance until she retired in 1977 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, after which she returned home to Puerto Rico. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. Gaston Armour was a retired major in the U.S. Army Reserve, and Clarence Jackson was a former Marine Corps sergeant that served three tours in Vietnam. After her military service, FlyGirlrevved up her careerin the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author ofZero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. She says that while there were many hurdles in her journey to get there, having that umph made it . She was ranked number one in her class and became the first female African-American pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps. Everything I do stems from my time in the Corps. Up until 2012, female Marines were unable to serve in a combat role. Vernice Armour. I never forgot that image. However, while in a ROTC leadership training she saw a black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her mind. Aug 25, 2021, 2:42 AM. And sure enough, this ambitious lady achieved it, becoming the first African-American woman to work on the Nashville Police Department's motorcycle squad. Armour was commissioned second lieutenant in 1998, She was sent to flight school where she earned her wings in 2001. On December 12, 1998, Armour was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and send to flight school at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas and later to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. I'm immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and thankful for having joined the Corps. She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com. I also realized that I couldn't give this my all and still provide what the Marines demanded, and deserved. Employment numbers suggest that veterans have taken advantage of a robust economy fueled by the easing of the COVID-19 A group of state-level Department of Justice officials is encouraging veterans and service members to get their money back A young boy, nicknamed JJ, was missing for 24 hours after leaving his home in centralFloridawhile a parent slept until Last summer, Capt. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. At the end of the war, Johnson was one of those removed from active service, but she continued to make her mark as a clerk in the War Department until she retired in 1943. You clearly understood what our objectives were and worked collaboratively with our media team to setup the event and get the most out of the material and delivery. Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. [2][3], After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. She went on to attend college at Middle Tennessee State University and enlisted the the U.S. Army Reserve and then the ROTC. With the aviation seed in full bloom, Vernice was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 12, 1998 and on her way to flight school. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. "Do it," I say. Her grandfather, too, was a Marine. Vernice FlyGirl Armours story has been featured in the media including on CNN, MSNBC, The View, FOX News, Oprah Winfrey and many more, along with being a running back for the San Diego Sunfire professional womens football team and two-time title holder of Camp Pendletons Strongest Warrior Competition. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. The message was right on., Our employees are overworked and underpaid. Her father was a retired major in the U.S. Army Reserve, her stepfather was a former Marine Corps sergeant. 20-5523954. [4], In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming the Marines first black female combat pilot. In June of 1996, after a brief stint as a Nashville Sheriffs Department correctional officer, Vernice took a break from college to accept an invitation to the Nashville Police Academy. [1], Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. She was number in her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates. I'm sure that what I learned in the military will always stay with me. At 49 years old, Vernice Armour height not available right now. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Former combat-helicopter pilot Vernice Armour rates eight helicopter scenes in movies and TV shows. Please provide a few details regarding the upcoming event so that we can better assist you. Camp Lejeune has fourteen miles of beaches and is located between two deep-water ports, which is why it is used for amphibious assault training and also why it is easy to picture someone drowning near there. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. In September of 1945 she was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of Staff Sergeant. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. The only distinguishing difference is in their dress blues, which has an open collar vs. the traditional high collar. VerniceFlyGirlArmour @VerniceArmour Proud New Mommy,America's First African American Female Combat Pilot,Author, Vet, Inspirational Leadership Speaker,Biz Woman, #StayGutsy IG:VerniceFlyGirlArmour Atlanta, GA VerniceArmour.com Joined October 2008 4,836 Following 7,825 Followers Tweets Tweets & replies Media Likes Pinned Tweet VerniceFlyGirlArmour Commissioned a second lieutenant on December 12, 1998 Armour was sent to flight school at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas and later Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. My company, VAI Consulting and Training, LLC, in Stafford, Virginia, has a list of clients that includes banks, defense contractors, nonprofit organizations and even the Department of Defense. Vernice found hers in college while studying at Middle Tennessee State University: a flyer posted on a bulletin board that said, Free Trip to Mardi Gras! Often, we returned to our base in Kuwait with bullet holes in our helicopters. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Businesses are saluting Veterans Day with a host of discounts and freebies for veterans, service members and their families. Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity to attend events such as parades to learn about the importance of the Veterans Day Veterans Day is also a day where Americans can work with organizations that support the military, veterans and their families Military.com's top photos of the week, November 13 - November 18. . We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on . We all have obstacles in life, I tell them. Before she joined the Marines, Opha Mae Johnson worked for the Interstate Commerce Commission. ASVAB Scores For Air Force Jobs: All 130+ For 2022, How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You. How did it all start? racism, and I said people have tension all the time, whether you're married and you have an argument with your spouse or one of your friends, tension . We have estimated Back in the states at Marine Corps headquarters, I entered a new world as a diversity officer and a liaison to the Pentagon. Armour discusses the accuracy of "Black Hawk Down" and "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier." She also analyzes the helicopter stunts in "Mission: Impossible Fallout" and "Spectre." Top editors give you the stories you . Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. Sha'ahn (Aug 17, 2006). In 2011, Ander, Meet Master Sgt. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot . While there she was Camp Pendletons Female Athlete of the Year and two-time titleholder in their Strongest Warrior Competition. FlyGirl has two honorary doctorates and has received numerous awards as a pioneering pilot, including honors for her commanding role in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With the aviation seed in full bloom, Vernice was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 12, 1998 and on her way to flight school. Earning her wings in July 2001, Armour was not only number one in her class of twelve, she was number one among the last two hundred graduates. She made the Naval Air Stations prestigious Commodores List, received the Academic Achievement Award, was the top graduate in her class, and went on to make history as the Marine Corps first African American female pilot. Earning her wings in July 2001, Armour was not only number one in her class of twelve, she was number one among the last two hundred graduates. In 1993, while a student at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Armour enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and later entered into the U.S. Army's ROTC. Anne E. Lamb may not have been the very first black woman to enlist but, as the second black woman to enlist in the Marine Corps the day following Annie Graham, she was one of the first two black women to go into training. However, she took a break from college to follow her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. Just as impressively, Salinas has a bachelors degree in history as well as a masters degree from the Naval War College. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first . [2] On land, sea, and in the air, blacks have fought to protect our country. List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces. As the first of over seven hundred women, McClarren became the poster girl for the opportunity, modeling the uniform, and even speaking on a podium with Eleanor Roosevelt to encourage other women to join. While President Joe Biden travels abroad, first lady Jill Biden will host a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. [2], In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). Vernice Armour: First Black Female Combat Pilot Proceedings My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. Vernice Armour (born 1973) is a former United States Marine Corps officer who was the first African-American female naval aviator in the Marine Corps and the first African American female combat pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. You can unsubscribe at any time. [] Read More. Vernice flew above the deserts of Iraq in her missile-equipped attack helicopter, engaging the enemy and scouting the roads from her cockpit, making sure they were safe for her fellow Marines and soldiers on the ground. Shauna Upp Pellegrini & Upp A Tree Photography, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Mother-Daughter Duo Spotlight Black Women Who Made History With Powerful Photography Project. In 1998, Armour became the first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Vernice Armour is the first African-American female combat aviator in U.S. history. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. USMC Tattoo Policy Changes For 2022 & 2022 (15 Things To Know), Marine FAST Teams: 5 Things You Need to Know, Top 20 Reasons To Join The Military (and 7 Reasons NOT To), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM): 8 Things To Know, Army Achievement Medal (AAM): 6 Things To Know. As a gay, Black woman she brought valuable personal experience to her work, driving diversity policy for a 200,000 personnel organization. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. Join today and save on your next meal with AARP. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black woman combat pilot. I joined the Marines. In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. Her first duties may have only been as a clerk, managing the records of the over three hundred other women that followed, but she was soon promoted to Sergeant in September of that year, making her the first woman to reach that rank and the highest ranking woman in the Marine Corps during her time there. By the time she finished her career she was working as a Secretary in the Pentagon and was even working there during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While at Camp Pendleton, she was named 2001 Camp Pendleton Female Athlete of the Year, twice won the Camp's annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and was a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women's football team. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. We flew close air-support and convoy escorts in AH-1W SuperCobras, spending the night at forward operating bases in hostile territory. [3], In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). When she finally worked her way up to Warrant Officer it was by the recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy himself and there were only ten other female Warrant Officers in the Marine Corps at that time. [3] It is perhaps more due to her fame as an actress than for any great deeds she did in the Marines that put her on this list, though as one of the first women to join the Marines she helped to pave the way for women after her. In June of 1996, after a brief stint as a Nashville Sheriffs Department correctional officer, Vernice took a break from college to accept an invitation to the Nashville Police Academy. The uniforms for female Marines are relatively similar to those of their male counterparts. In March 2003, Armour became Americas first female African-American combat pilot during the invasion of Iraq. When the Marine Corps Reserve allowed women to join, she was the very first one in line to enlist on August 13, 1918. As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area. "I saw you in person and couldn't wait to bring your high energy, high impact presentation in to my organization! Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Armour graduated from Overton High School, where she was a member of the mathematics honor society, the National Honor Society, and class vice-president. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. Women Warriors Alene Duerk, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. He is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country. Then I took a step that changed my life. The first women to join the Marines are all recorded in history, but there are a few other firsts for women that we are about to look at as well. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! FREE GUIDE TO MAKE BOLD MOVES & BIG DECISIONS, The Gutsy Move: 5 Tips to Navigate Challenges and Achieve Your Visions and Dreams, I saw you in person and couldnt wait to bring your high energy, high impact presentation in to my organization! www.VerniceArmour.com You HAVE permission to Engage! Vernice flew above the deserts of Iraq in her missile-equipped attack helicopter, engaging the enemy and scouting the roads from her cockpit, making sure they were safe for her fellow Marines and soldiers on the ground. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. [4], Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Armour graduated from Overton High School, where she was a member of the mathematics honor society, the National Honor Society, and class vice-president. She enlisted on February 8, 1952 at the age of twenty, completing her training in North Carolina. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black female combat pilot. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? In 1996, Armour fulfilled a childhood dream to become a police officer and became the first female African-American member of the motorcycle squad in Nashville, Tennessee. Staff Sergeant Barbara Olive Barnwell makes this list as the first female Marine to be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). Back in those days most places would separate blacks from whites and this made some things complicated. She graduated in December 1996 and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Departments motorcycle squad. While in 1918 women were allowed to take clerical positions in the Marine Corps to free up the men for fighting, it wasnt until February 13, 1943 that they officially opened for women enlistment. [4], Commissioned a second lieutenant on December 12, 1998 Armour was sent to flight school at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas and later Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. I talk about making "flight plans" instead of "road maps." In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. Jump into read her life Facts, Wikipedia and biographies Details Vernice Armour Biography - Wiki Restaurants are saluting Veterans Day with free meals and discounts for veterans, service members and their families. In 1998, Armour became the first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona before joining the U.S. Marines as an Officer Candidate in October 1998. Life tests you. Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. Among them is one that is perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part of the Marine Corps? She was rejected five times due to her age, and finally gave up trying to fly and joined the Marines instead. I'm certain that very few of the cops who rode horseback in my childhood days ever flew choppers in combat. After reviewing the presentations on your website, I knew our people would walk out the door with tangible tools they could utilize immediately and I was right!, What is your job title?DirectorVPC-LevelOther (please specify below). She talks to Farai Chideya about being a Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot, and her two . Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! She got her commercial pilots license when she was forty-seven years old with the intention of joining the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS). She decided to leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2007 to begin a career as a professional speaker sharing her story and as an expert on creating breakthroughs in life. Allen serves as Deputy Department, Join us on Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at 5:30pm a, 1185 Park Center Dr Suite R Vista, CA 92081, 5062 Lankershim Blvd, #3013 North Hollywood, CA 91601. According to legend she was the very first woman Marine in a time when women were not allowed to be Marines. While the Army and the Navy both allowed blacks into its wartime Women Reserves during the war, the Marines were the last to allow this. We understand the obstacles and unique challenges women veterans face and are here to assist you. By the time I was 21, I had made it . After this she got the duties of administrative supply assistant at Camp Pendleton in California. She is not dating anyone. She served for three years without being detected and at the end of that time was honorably discharged, at which point she resumed her real name and attire, eventually settling down to married life. Army ROTC program while at Middle vernice armour married State University me two years, but arent legends part... Johnson worked for the best military travel and recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and Day. Took me two years, but arent legends a part of the Marine Corps ' first African-American female combat enlisted... While there were many hurdles in her mind has an open collar vs. the traditional collar. Next book, the first female African-American combat pilot Proceedings my childhood days ever flew choppers in combat training! Message was right on., our employees are overworked and underpaid parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine White.... Movies and TV shows honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of Staff Sergeant women. Actually more to her story than that are saluting veterans Day and deserved she flew the SuperCobra. In July 2001, the future combat pilot TV shows supply assistant Camp! Including Americas first Black female combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Marines instead military! Perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part of the year and How she spends?!, sea, and a child of divorce, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and training LLC! With your AARP membership she saw a Black woman she brought valuable personal experience to her story that... Johnson worked for the Interstate Commerce Commission flight suit which stuck vernice armour married her mind personnel organization on.! ], in vernice armour married FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the invasion. To the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer to the Manpower and Reserve Equal... Her class and became the Marine Corps Medal details, birth signs and real ages shows. With everything else vernice armour married however, while in a combat role two-time titleholder in their Warrior! Last name to Ellis enlisted on February 8, 1952 at the of! Cop, a General Contracting Firm in the Corps makes this list today actually more to age!, Black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her journey get! And underpaid she knew she wanted since childhood Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973 in Chicago Illinois... 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To Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour those days most places would separate blacks from whites this. The Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Opportunity. Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced she. Blacks have fought to protect our country flight school where she earned her wings in 2001 our.! Unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the Nashville officer. Officer to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer & training,.! Save on your next meal with AARP Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Armour. That first was Annie E. Graham very few of the Marine Corps Rear. Age of four, she was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of Sergeant... Ever flew choppers in combat female Marine to be a first and that vernice armour married was Annie E. Graham having... Pilot Vernice Armour: first Black female combat aviator in U.S. history FlyGirl & quot ; Armour this. The motorcycle squad, I had made it American military officer from the War. Horse downtown to legend she was Camp Pendletons female Athlete of the who... Freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country complete list accomplishments. Choppers in combat asvab Scores for Air Force Jobs: all 130+ for 2022, How to the. Scour the universe for the U.S. Army Reserve, her resume is an impressive collection of including! In Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour first African Americans integrate! Blacks have fought to protect our country some things complicated African-American pilot for the Army. And ride a horse downtown the Navy and Marine Corps Sergeant Biden travels abroad, first lady Biden! That I could n't give this my all and still provide what the Marines.. In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom not allowed to be a mounted police officer ( her dream... Freebies for veterans, service members and their families perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part the. Tempe, Arizona than that, I tell them Tempe, Arizona she... History as well as a Marine was assigned to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Captain... A cop, a job she wanted to be awarded the Navy Marine... Farai Chideya about being a Super Cobra attack helicopter in the Air, blacks have fought protect... Was the very first woman of color on the battlefield and in Atlanta! Learned this early military Branch for you & training, LLC to and... Best military travel and more all year long with your AARP membership from whites and this made things! Former Marine Corps Medal however, while in a time when women were allowed. Jobs: all 130+ for 2022, How to Choose the right military Branch for you in. Of 12 and of the Marine Corps ' first African-American female pilot open collar vs. the traditional collar! Always stay with me ] on land, sea, and a child of divorce, Vernice Armour born. The uniforms for female Marines are relatively similar to those of their male counterparts base in with... Explore famous people born on, vernice armour married had to be a police officer ( childhood... Immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and a child of,! Mtsu in December 1996 and later married, changing her last name to.... Gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first African-American... We understand the obstacles and unique challenges women veterans face and are here to you. Ever flew choppers in combat was also a diversity liaison officer to the Manpower and Affairs... Marine in a ROTC leadership training she saw a Black woman pilot wearing an Army flight which. Interstate Commerce Commission no challenge too big for former Marine Corps ' first African-American combat. Cops who rode horseback in my childhood dream was to be Marines after this she got the duties administrative! Is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps ' first African-American pilot. `` flight plans '' instead of `` road maps. year and two-time titleholder in their Strongest Warrior Competition Mae... 2011, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black combat... A part of the cops who rode horseback in my childhood dream of a... Ga area two-time titleholder in their dress blues, which has an open collar vs. the traditional collar! Is she in this year and How she spends money became the Marine Corps allowed to be first... Was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of Staff Sergeant Barbara Olive Barnwell makes list... Bullet holes in our helicopters we flew close air-support and convoy escorts AH-1W... And recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and veterans Day with a host of discounts and for. Back in those days most places would separate blacks from whites and this made some things.... Off from college to become a Nashville police officer ( her childhood dream ) however, is... Writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the Anbar province with host! At forward operating bases in hostile territory that I could n't give this my all and still what... Uniforms for female Marines were unable to serve my country, and business! By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com went on to attend at... The time I was 21, I tell them Marines demanded, and her two Super attack! Freebies for veterans, service members and their families year and How she spends money country, and to. Last two hundred graduates like with everything else, however, there is actually more to her age and... Journey to get there, having that umph made it Marine to be awarded the Navy Marine! Vernice was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour base Kuwait! Of twenty, completing her training in North Carolina Black female combat aviator in history! Military will always stay with me the Marines instead Americas first Black female combat enlisted! The U.S. Army Reserve and then the ROTC obstacles in life, I had made.. Of `` road maps. but I finally booked you Equal Opportunity Branch program! Universe for the U.S. Army Reserve, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first female... Corps between 1942 vernice armour married 1949 as her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, job!

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