Esther McGowin Blake (1897–1979) was the first woman to serve in the US Air Force. Her motivation to join the military was deeply personal: in 1944, the B-17 her son was piloting was shot down over Europe. Her younger son was also serving and Blake was widowed. With the announcement of “free a man to […]
Loretta Perfectus Walsh (1896 – 1925) was the first woman to enlist in the United States Naval Reserve in 1917. Although women had previously served in the navy as civilian nurses, they were excluded from other positions. Her decision was not made frivolously. Two months earlier, Germany carried out unrestricted submarine warfare against U.S. ships, […]
Opha May Johnson (1879-1955) was the first woman to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 1895, she graduated salutatorian from Woods Commercial College with secretarial skills. Neither her marriage, age, nor the ongoing war dissuaded her from enlisting in 1918, and she was first in line of 300 women eager to join […]
This March, check out one of these great events and opportunities. Don’t forget to click the logos or RSVP! Upcoming Events Newsletter #3
Tune into Women Lead Radio this Friday, March 3rd at 2pm Pacific Time. Our Executive Director, Marine veteran Jodie Grenier will discuss how we honor the service and empower the future of women veterans. Click here to tune in!
Deborah Sampson (1760-1827) was the first woman to serve in the US Army. At a young age, she lived in several homes as an indentured servant. At 18, she disguised herself as a man, and enlisted in the Continental Army as “Robert Shirtliff”. Her first assignment was to a Light Infantry Company, then to a […]