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Show in HILLTOP TIMES TIMES I U April 3, 2008 African-American female fighter pilot flies high GRADUATES From page 9 BY SENIOR AIRMAN JUSTIN WEAVER 31 st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Staff Sgt. Richard E. Zaleski, 388th Component Maintenance Squadron, Aviation Maintenance Technology Master Sgt. Rachel Veit-Oneil, 75th Communication Squadron, Information Systems Technology Staff Sgt. Bonnie Stevenson, 75th MSS, Human Resource Management Staff Sgt. Deric Van Bree, 75th OSS/OSW, Weather Technology Staff Sgt. James J. Stevens, 75th Mission Support Squadron, Education and Training Management Master Sgt. Cary McQueen, 388th AMS, Aviation Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew G. Bingaman, 75th Civil Engineering Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Airman Ryan Baker, 419th Security Forces Squadron, Criminal Justice Chief Master Sgt. Cecil Byerly, 419th Maintenance Squadron, Aircraft Armament Systems Technology Master Sgt. Jon Christensen, 419th Maintenance Group, Information Management Master Sgt. Brandon De Los Reyes, 419th MXS, Transportation Staff Sgt. Michael Direen, 419th MXS, Aviation Maintenance Technology Staff Sgt. Ryan Dugan, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Staff Sgt. Kyle Heck, 419th MXS, Survial Equipment Staff Sgt. Matthew Kimber, 466th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Aviation Maintenance Technology Senior Airman Tonette Kyle, 419th Medical Squadron, Information Systems Technology Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Mansfield, 419th CES, Construction Technology Staff Sgt. Michael Owens, 466th AMU, Aircraft Armament Systems Technology Senior Master Sgt. Michael Parsons, 419th CES, Fire Science Staff Sgt. David Salcido, 419th MXS, Aircraft Armament Systems Technology Tech. Sgt. Jason Thorpe, 419th MXS, Aviation Maintenance Technology Second Lt. Brian Weese, 419th Mission Support Squadron, Aviation Maintenance Technology A VIANO AIR BASE, Italy — While most fourth grade girls talk about being a ballerina, veterinarian, doctor or princess, Shawna Rochelle (Ng-AQui) Kimbrell, knew she wanted to take to the skies The Parker, Colo., native initially wanted to be an astronaut, but decided it would be more fun to fly a fighter jet. "I fell in love with the idea of the freedom of flying and after my first flight lesson at age 14,1 never looked back," said Kimbrell, currently the flight commander of Aircrew Flight Equipment. It was that determination which led Kimbrell to become the first female African-American fighter pilot in the Air Force. "I am still amazed that in this day and age there is still so much room for firsts especially for females and for African-Americans," she said. "It is an important step for progression, and although I am not fond of the spotlight I think it is important for people to know that this barrier has been breeched. Especially for the African-American community and for women to know what types of opportunities are available to them." Up until only 15 years ago, piloting a multimillion dollar, multirole F-16 combat aircraft was reserved solely for men. Then, in 1993, the secretary of defense permitted women to enter fighter pilot training. Although women have been entering pilot training since 1976, before 1993, government officials did not believe women had "what it took" for combat. Kimbrell knew she "had what it took" and after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1998 and going on to complete intense pilot training, she received her pilot wings August 1999. "Pilot training was one of the best AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ASHLEY WOOD/U.S. Air Force Maj. Shawna R. Kimbrell, 555th Fighter Squadron, is the first AfricanAmerican female fighter pilot in the Air Force. times in my life and I made some life-long friendships," Kimbrell said. "For two years, every move you make is graded and scrutinized." Eager to make it as a fighter pilot in a field with a limited number of pilot slots she pushed herself to constantly improve. "I was in constant competition with myself, trying to do better, to make the grade," she said. "There were times when I didn't think that I was going to make it through. It was in those times I learned to be humble and realize there is a point in everyone's struggle — no matter how strong they are — when they need help, and the key is to seek it out before it is too late." There are more than 14,000 pilots in the U.S. Air Force — about 3,700 of those are fighter pilots. But in that group, only 70 are women. "I was never apprehensive about pursuing my dream, despite the challenges," she said. "I don't think that I actually grasped how few of us there were. Honestly it was not something that I had time to concern myself with. There was the physical chal- lenge of not having perfect eyesight, which at one point I was told would disqualify me from flying. There are continued challenges with flight gear, uniforms and equipment that are designed and optimized for men." Another challenge Kimbrell faced throughout her career and growing up was the struggle of being an African-American woman, who at times was viewed as being different than other people. 'There are still a lot of unresolved racial issues in the U.S. and they spill over into every walk of life and every workspace," she said, the only female pilot stationed at Aviano Air Base. Dealing with that bias, whether malicious or not, has caused Maj. Kimbrell to try even harder to succeed in life. "I have made it to this point in my life by setting goals and being determined to meet them no matter how long it takes," she said. "At the end of the day, if I have put forth the maximum effort, I can live with myself and that is one of the most important parts of this struggle." PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, P.C. Dale Hibbert, Pediatrics Jennifer Brown, Family Leland Pack, Orthodontist • Hill AFB Job Openings Site Internal civilian announcements are posted on the Air Force Personnel Center Web site. Announcements for bargaining unit positions are posted on Fridays. All other announcements may be posted any day of the week. The Civilian Announcement Notification System is a subscription e-mail service available to jj assist employees in their job search. \ Self-nominations for posted announcements can be made on-line at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/resweb. or via the interactive voice response system at 1-800-997-2378 and TDD 1-800-382-0893. • For info on NSPS visit http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps. God is still speaking, 3350 Harrison Blvd., Ogden Worship/Chi Idcare 10:00 a.m. Rev. Robert Nuhn, pastor - 392-5012 www.ogdenucc.org "Where tha Spirit oi the lord Is, ih&s is liberty" 2 Corinthians 3:17 Congregational FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Worship Services 8:30 Modern Worship 10:00 Traditional Worship Sunday School for All Ages Youth Group and Childcarc Ever)' Sunday 2604 Jefferson AveM Ogden ;aen 393-5662 www.fumcogden.org If jour're it-arching for new meaning in lire, we imilc >ou lu Join iw Ihis w«k. mlrid\, and our doors art-al i Community United iriEi Methodist Church ft Join us for Worship 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Childcare, Sunday School, and Youth Group every Sunday. 163 West 4800 South Washington Terrace 479-7430 www.community-umc.net 1200 East South Weber Drive, South Weber VENDORS WANTED for Hill Officers' Spouses Club Spring Craft Bazaar Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am Call For Information on Mid Week Services 'A Consenalive Nondenominational church where Jesus is Lord and His Word is living and-powerivl' Pastor David Martin 773-5653 NEW LOCATION WSU Davis Campus (rear entrance) 915 W. Gordon Ave (1000No.)Layton See Our Web Page httpT/members.tfuepaUixom/libe rty ch risti an Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Apr. 16 jj Club Hill, Hill Air Force Base i (Booth fee, s40; Deadline Apr. 7) I For information call Michelle 593-5830 Mon through Sat Don't miss this event with up to 70 vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, pottery, home decor, prepackaged gourmet (cods and much more! The bazaar is a fund-raiser for the club's charitable giving. Admission is free to visitors with access on base and/or accompanying those with access. LIGHT OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) Sunday Worship suited SoiulBy NBriery 10:30 a.m. VliHon Eip»ct»iJ! 1074 N. Falrfiald. Laylon (Across from Pott Olltce) Call Pastor Tom Glonda at 444-1591 MrwiM.llanio11tinvalloy.ci(Q UNITED CHURCH of CHRIST I Accepts Military Insurance I Latest technology in painless dentistry I Free exam for children under 2 yrs Arcade games & more "He is the real Physician, Bringing . A -divine remeday, and healing to the ^^m world ol man." Abdu'l-Baha W-Baha'i Faith ^^ A Prescription For M Healing The World for more information call 771-0586 or 317-9575 ELIM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 575 -23rd Street. Ogden Phone 394-5543 9:00 a.m. Christian Education 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Pastor DanaLee Simon www.ellmlulheran.orB The Bible. When se^f-help doesn't help. Sunday worship times are: 8:15 am ft 11:00 im Pastor Chudc Sabln Our Savior's Lutfieran Church 5560 S. 2300 W. Roy,UT. Be Included In The Church Directory As little as $10.52 an issue Call Mitzi@ 625-4371 For More Information 801.825.6552 oslcroy@aol.oom Christian Life Center Pastor Myke Crowder 2352 East Hwy. 193 • Layton • 771-Uf E(5433) Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Home of Layton Christian Academy ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Thurs Service: 1:30 p.m. 1579 So. State St., Clearfield 825-0177 Church Office or 621-5008 774-0770 2112 N. HILLFIELD RD. #1 * LAYTON * F I RST 880 28th Street PRESBYTERIAN 393-8477 Worship 9:30 a.m. Contemporary 11:00 a.m. Traditional • Sunday School: 9:30 & 11:00 1770 E 6200 S, Ogden (801) 479-7030 Snnday Strvlcts: 9:00,1020, and 11:45 am, and 7:00 pm Free Nursery Care Pastor; Rick Minnich www.fpc-ogden.org Located near the intersection of Skyline Drive and Hwy 89 in So Ogden www.washmgtonheights.org Tome experience God'i grace: freely given. freely received, and freely CHURCHY-UTAH piuedonloeachother Grace Presbyterian Church New Location at Castlebrook Wedding & Event Center 930 West 2000 North Layton, Utah 801-444-0839 www.graceutah.org Sunday School-9:30 Worship -10:30 FAITH BAPTIST fe CHURCH Sunday School 9:45 A.M Morning Services 11:00 AM. Evening 6:00 P.M. Wed. 7:00 P.M. • Teen Group 1611 • Aw ana • Nursery Pastor Chuck Beickel Phone # 771A652 2430 N. Fairfteld Layton, UT 84041 |