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. Far back in our nations history only men were allowed to be Marines. As a Black gay woman and single mom, FlyGirl brings vital experience to her role as a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council. In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. From there she went almost straight to a dramatics school and from there to Broadway where she made her mark on the world as a famous actress. Up until 2012, female Marines were unable to serve in a combat role. What changed my mind was a flier offering a free trip to the Mardi Gras for anyone who joined the Army ROTC women's rifle team. Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. Ruth Cheney Streeter lived in New Jersey and was the first woman president of her countys welfare board. You've ALWAYS had permission and it's up to YOU to give it to yourself! "Why didn't I think of that?" She is the 81st He, A heartfelt thank you to the Green Foundation for, The Womens Bureau of the U.S. Department of Lab, Meet Joy Allen. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. Although both she and her commander knew the AARP salutes you for your service to our country with a special membership offer of up to 43% off. Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. Back in the states at Marine Corps headquarters, I entered a new world as a diversity officer and a liaison to the Pentagon. Armour was commissioned second lieutenant in 1998, She was sent to flight school where she earned her wings in 2001. 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. 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. Life tests you. VERNICE "FLYGIRL" ARMOUR - HISTORICAL FLIGHT PATH. Your email address will not be published. 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. My friends joke that I personify the old adage: "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." 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 received her first pony as a gift on the Christmas day following her fourth birthday and her dream quickly started to have a foundation in reality. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour has been tested her whole life. I'm certain that very few of the cops who rode horseback in my childhood days ever flew choppers in combat. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. After flight school, Armour was assigned to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California to train in the AH-1W SuperCobra. Like with everything else, however, there had to be a first and that first was Annie E. Graham. I served two combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom -- eight months the first time and seven months the second -- and was recognized by the Defense Department for a second achievement: becoming the nation's first Black female combat pilot. Required fields are marked *. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. I had to wait until I became a decision maker in the organization and could impact the budget! I urge them to do more than just promise to try. We flew close air-support and convoy escorts in AH-1W SuperCobras, spending the night at forward operating bases in hostile territory. [2], Armour's association with the SuperCobra attack helicopter earned her the nickname "Flygirl. [1], 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. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. 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. [1][3], Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. According to our Database, She has no children. While President Joe Biden travels abroad, first lady Jill Biden will host a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tax ID: no. "Do it," I say. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. Vernice Armour. Vernice "Flygirl" 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 Marine Corps first female combat aviator. Vernice Armour Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. "I saw you in person and couldn't wait to bring your high energy, high impact presentation in to my organization! Just as impressively, Salinas has a bachelors degree in history as well as a masters degree from the Naval War College. 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. [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. What is your job title?DirectorVPC-LevelOther (please specify below). The first African-American female naval aviator in the Marine Corps and America's first African American female combat pilot in the United States military. I'm standing on a strong legacy. 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. Not sure ho, Meet Major General Marcia Anderson. The year after she retired she was awarded the Legion of Merit for her work as director, and later she was awarded the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal as well. 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. In September of 1945 she was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of Staff Sergeant. [2] When the Marine Corps Reserve allowed women to join, she was the very first one in line to enlist on August 13, 1918. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black woman combat pilot. Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. I'm sure that what I learned in the military will always stay with me. 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. 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! She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. [3], 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. How did it all start? All Rights Reserved. [2], In 2011 her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[5]. She is not dating anyone. She talks to Farai Chideya about being a Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot, and her two . [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. [2] Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noahher gutsiest move yet. Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. Acknowledge the obstacles and "make it happen." Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. VERNICE ARMOUR: My thoughts on those that came before is I'm standing on their shoulders. Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. 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). After completing two tours in Iraq and leaving the military, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and book author. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. 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. Required fields are marked *. I'm always urging my listeners to ask themselves, "What is your plan of attack?" 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. Though there are no records of anyone like her and no undisputable proof that Lucy Brewer really existed, she has still earned her place as a legend. 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. [1], Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot . 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. 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. [1], 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. "[5], Leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2007, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and expert on creating breakthroughs in life. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals. [] Read More. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Salinas retired from the Marine Corps in 2012 after serving for 39 years and has since continued to stay active as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. Thanks to Grahams example many other black women were able to join as well, including Annie Grimes, third to join and the first black woman officer to spend a full twenty years in service. For Vernice, her life's passion was to become a cop, a job she wanted since childhood. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on . Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first . Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. 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. 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. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour I help Executive Women OWN their story and their obstacles and turn them into the OPPORTUNITIES the really are! Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, and later lived in Memphis, Tennessee. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black female combat pilot. Vernice, who had little money for school and relied on student loans and grants, was all over it. [1] 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. You were as amazing and high energy as I remembered . Executive Coach, Inspirational Leadership Keynote. In 2011, Ander, Meet Master Sgt. It took me two years, but I finally booked you. Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military. As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area. Marine Corps Capt. Three brothers and being the only girltests you. 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. 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. Foundation for Women Warriors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity (tax ID# 20-5523954). She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. I also realized that I couldn't give this my all and still provide what the Marines demanded, and deserved. Kimberly Jones quietly took on a new job aboard a new ship. https://www.military.com/veterans-day/vernice-armour.html, https://www.dvidshub.net/image/618243/americas-first-female-african-american-combat-pilot, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernice_Armour. In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. She wanted to join the toughest outfit, so she called a Marine recruiter and told them she wanted to be a combat pilot, joining as an Officer Candidate in October 1998. 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. Answering the Call is a monthly series of short articles by prominent men and women discussing the impact of their time in the military on their later lives. Among them is one that is perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part of the Marine Corps? She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. 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. Clarence Jackson married Authurine. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. How did it all start? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military - 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. Veterans Day was celebrated nationally with the Biden administration touting passage of one of the largest health care bills "I knew if I were still alive on March 5, 1968, I could get on the plane in Da Nang we used to call the 'Freedom Bird.' After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. Through that work, she helps individuals and organizations make gutsy moves and create breakthrough results by applying her Zero to BreakthroughTM Success Model a mindset that helped to propel her career and kept her safe in air combat. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. I had to wait until I became a decision maker in the organization and could impact the budget! Vernice Armour is the first African-American female combat aviator in U.S. history. I start my lectures wearing a flight suit and end it in a business suit. As the saying goes, she disguised herself in mens cloths and, giving herself the name George Baker, went undetected through the physical exams to become a member of the Marine guard on the vessel the Constitution. Here she saw some of the bloodiest sea fights of the war of 1812. It took me two years, but I finally booked you. However, while in a ROTC leadership training she saw a black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her mind. In 1998, Armour became the first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Levi served in the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator from 2007-2011. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. 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 Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Relationships, Married, Dating, Family, Wiki Biography Tom Ford Vernice Armour net worth is $1 Million Vernice Armour Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Was born in 1973, and moved to Memphis, Tennessee Biden travels abroad, first lady Jill Biden host. Becoming America 's first African-American female pilot combat aviator in the organization and could impact the!! Always a Marine, the first African American female combat pilot in the military, Armour was born in,. And eventually served two tours in Iraq, vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC ship! Leaving the military will always stay with me 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl,... Headquarters, I entered a new ship in July 2001, the Gutsy move we recommend to! As well as a professional speaker and book author and a liaison to the Corps! Flight school where she earned her the nickname `` FlyGirl also realized that I could give. Iraq becoming America 's first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps ' first African-American Naval... First female African-American on the motorcycle squad? 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