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. Vernice Armour is a 48-years-old American Military officer from the United States of America. 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. 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. While there she was Camp Pendletons Female Athlete of the Year and two-time titleholder in their Strongest Warrior Competition. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, "First Black female pilot honored in memory of Bessie Coleman", "Vernice Armour, 1st black female combat pilot, serves in Persian Gulf as family copes", "Black Female Pilot Breaks Racial, Gender Barriers", "Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter: Vernice Armour: Amazon.com: Books", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vernice_Armour&oldid=1088417067, African-American female military personnel, United States Marine Corps personnel of the Iraq War, Female United States Marine Corps personnel, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Zero to Breakthrough(TM) Expert, professional keynote speaker, law enforcement officer, This page was last edited on 17 May 2022, at 21:59. I've more than fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a mounted policeman. Just as impressively, Salinas has a bachelors degree in history as well as a masters degree from the Naval War College. Vernice FlyGirl Armour has been tested her whole life. During my. In 1998, Armour became the first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona. 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. 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. 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. [1] Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. [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. Who is Devon Lee Carlson? First of all before she even joined the Marines she was the first African-American woman to be on the Nashville Police Motorcycle Squad, something which had apparently been a childhood dream of hers. Back in those days most places would separate blacks from whites and this made some things complicated. However, while in a ROTC leadership training she saw a black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her mind. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! At 49 years old, Vernice Armour height not available right now. 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. VERNICE "FLYGIRL" ARMOUR - HISTORICAL FLIGHT PATH How did it all start? Back in the states at Marine Corps headquarters, I entered a new world as a diversity officer and a liaison to the Pentagon. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals. The only distinguishing difference is in their dress blues, which has an open collar vs. the traditional high collar. 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. Now retired from the Marines, Armour has not forgotten her training and started her own business and shares with others that Marine mentality.. As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area. I called the Marine recruiter and told him I wanted to become a combat pilot. Everything I do stems from my time in the Corps. 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. It helps make the point. She was twenty-five years old when she became the first woman to receive the Medal, and though very little is known about her other than this, it is clear that she helped to pave the way for future women by helping them gain the respect of their fellow marines. 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. 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. 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. 2023 VAI Consulting and Training, LLC |. In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. Vernice Armour: First Black Female Combat Pilot, Disabled Vets Post Stunning Job Gains as Economy Remains Hot Despite Inflation, Troops and Vets Are Running Out of Time to Recoup Cash from Jewelry Swindler, Former Marine Hailed as 'Man of the Year' for Finding Missing Florida Toddler, The Quiet Determination Behind the Navy's Groundbreaking African American Reactor Officer, 2022 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies, 2022 Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals and Discounts, 2022 Military Travel and Recreation Discounts for Veterans Day, 2022 Veterans Day Retail Deals and Discounts, Veterans Day 2022 Parades, Events and More, Military Appreciation and Giving Back to Veterans on Veterans Day, This Weeks Top Military Photos: Can You Hear Me Now and a Corpsman Shoves Plastic in Nose, 'Veterans Are the Backbone of This Country:' Nation Honors Those Who Served, Listen to a Vietnam Veteran Describe the Reality of Deploying to Vietnam for the First Time, First Lady Hosts Veterans Day Breakfast, Supports Caregivers. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I'm always urging my listeners to ask themselves, "What is your plan of attack?" Up until 2012, female Marines were unable to serve in a combat role. In March 2003, Armour became Americas first female African-American combat pilot during the invasion of Iraq. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, and later lived in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. 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. This famous female Marine was on a little-known TV show called Golden Girls. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black woman combat pilot. If anyone deserves to be on our list of famous women Marines it is Angela Salinas, the first Hispanic woman to rise to the rank of General. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. She graduated in December 1996 and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Departments motorcycle squad. Copyright 2022. I talk about making "flight plans" instead of "road maps." All Rights Reserved. Then I took a step that changed my life. 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. 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. She is the first . After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. [1][2], After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. [2] 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. Soon though, she had had enough of civilian life, so she rejoined the Marines, this time working in New York, then South Carolina. I had to wait until I became a decision maker in the organization and could impact the budget! her estimated net worth is $1 Million to $5 Million Approx. 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. Soon that dream changed and she was entering the Marines with the goal of being a pilot. [1], Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. When her husband retired in 1986 they moved away from the military life and by the time Ruth died she had gotten to see the first four of their great-grandchildren. By the time I was 21, I had made it During my last year of college, I became a motorcycle cop, riding a steel horse. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. 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. Do your finances keep you up at night? A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black female combat pilot. Vernice Armour. My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. How did it all start? Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. I'm immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and thankful for having joined the Corps. I urge them to do more than just promise to try. 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. By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com. Vernice FlyGirl Armour has been tested her whole life. Born as Ruth Coggin, Ruth married a Master Technical Sergeant Wood in 1945 and by the time World War II came around two of her sons and six of her brothers and brother-in-laws had joined various military branches as well. [1] Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour made history as the first Black woman aviator for the U.S. Marines, and also became the first Black woman combat pilot across the U.S. Armed Forces. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? 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. 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. Streeter became the first woman to become a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943, and was also the first director of the Marine Corps Womens Reserve. 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. When you bring people together, you will have differences and similarities that result in tension . Then in 1996, her last year of college, she took time off to become a Nashville police officer. The Marine Corps points out the fact that physical examinations are very thorough and that the crew on the Constitution had little privacy at all. Leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2007, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and expert on creating breakthroughs in life. Vernice Armours income source is mostly from being a successful . 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. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. Before she joined the Marines, Opha Mae Johnson worked for the Interstate Commerce Commission. The name of Lucy Brewer will perhaps forever be shrouded in doubt. She is a member of famous with the age 49 years old group. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. You were as amazing and high energy as I remembered!, We were able to clearly preview your work and the potential it had in support of our meeting. FlyGirl regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a Gutsy Confidence Mentor for elite senior executive Women in Tech. [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. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. You've ALWAYS had permission and it's up to YOU to give it to yourself! 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. She was number in her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates. Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! 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. 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. The dedication, the commitment, the loyalty, that bond that comes with being a Marine -- you don't find it anywhere else. 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 Armour Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. So, how much is Vernice Armour worth at the age of 49 years old? 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. 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. Obstacles are opportunities. 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! However, she took a break from college to follow her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot . Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. 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. [2], In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). 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. [1], In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[6]. She enlisted on February 8, 1952 at the age of twenty, completing her training in North Carolina. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. 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. On land, sea, and in the air, blacks have fought to protect our country. In 2011, Ander, Meet Master Sgt. Clarence Jackson married Authurine. What clients are saying. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. Staff Sergeant Barbara Olive Barnwell makes this list as the first female Marine to be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. I'm sure that what I learned in the military will always stay with me. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 47 years old? She later retired, married, and had a family, telling her stories to her nieces and nephews as they grew older. [2], Armour's association with the SuperCobra attack helicopter earned her the nickname "Flygirl. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. 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. 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. [1] 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 . Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. "Do it," I say. 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. VERNICE ARMOUR: My thoughts on those that came before is I'm standing on their shoulders. She plays . [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. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour I help Executive Women OWN their story and their obstacles and turn them into the OPPORTUNITIES the really are! First of all before she even joined the Marines she was the first African-American woman to be on the Nashville Police Motorcycle Squad, something which had apparently been a childhood dream of hers. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. Anne Lamb and Annie Graham had to stand alone in their new position while the world adjusted to this new situation. 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. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour has been tested her whole life. You can unsubscribe at any time. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. 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. It's such . First African-American female navel aviator in the Marine Corps, first African-American female combat pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. Her grandfather, too, was a Marine. When she completed her four-year enlistment, she returned to Puerto Rico where she worked for an airline company. Her Story: Trailblazers, Barrier Breakers, Leaders, First African-American female navel aviator in the Marine Corps, first African-American female combat pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces. Black, gay, and a child of divorce, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour learned this early. Among them is one that is perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part of the Marine Corps? Vernice Armour: First Black Female Combat Pilot Proceedings My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. 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. Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military. 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 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. After flight school, Armour was assigned to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California to train in the AH-1W SuperCobra. Notice, I didn't put the emphasis on permission, but on HAVE. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. 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). The message was right on., Our employees are overworked and underpaid. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Three brothers and being the only girltests you. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. Your email address will not be published. Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military - Gaston Armour was a retired major in the U.S. Army Reserves, and Clarence Jackson was a former Marine Corps sergeant that served three tours in Vietnam. 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. While there she continued to excel, she was named 2001 Camp Pendleton Female Athlete of the Year, twice won the Camps annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and was a running back for the San Diego Sunfire womens football team. A few months later, I decided that I could always be a cop, but I wouldn't always have the chance to fly. How did it all start? . [4], In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming the Marines first black female combat pilot. In September of 1945 she was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of Staff Sergeant. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. She served her time in the Marine Corps and later married, changing her last name to Ellis. Your email address will not be published. She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. Being a beat cop tests you. [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. 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). Combat tests you. "I was like, 'Oh yeah, I wanna go to Mardi Gras!'" she laughs. Life tests you. Acknowledge the obstacles and "make it happen." We all have obstacles in life, I tell them. 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 was rejected five times due to her age, and finally gave up trying to fly and joined the Marines instead. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. She died of congestive heart failure on September 30, 1990. 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. Her first job was as a typist at Marine headquarters in Washington D. C. and over the following two years she continued to work as a typist and also as a truck driver in both Virginia and North Carolina, a year into her enlistment marrying a fellow Marine by the name of Robert Aurthur. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. Like with everything else, however, there had to be a first and that first was Annie E. Graham. My stepdad had been a Marine, with three tours in Vietnam; my father had retired from the Army Reserve as a major; and in World War II, my grandfather was a Montford Point Marine -- a segregated unit that contained the first Black men in the Corps. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. Former combat-helicopter pilot Vernice Armour rates eight helicopter scenes in movies and TV shows. Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. I had no interest in the military. 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 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. You were as amazing and high energy as I remembered . Her incredible journey - from police department to the Marines and becoming America's first Black female combat pilot - was filled with challenges, adventures, successes, and ultimate triumph. Far back in our nations history only men were allowed to be Marines. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour was a diversity officer for U.S. Marine Corps HQ and liaison to the Pentagon. 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. It was an exhilarating -- and rewarding -- experience. 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. And sure enough, this ambitious lady achieved it, becoming the first African-American woman to work on the Nashville Police Department's motorcycle squad. All rights reserved. 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. After flight school, Vernice was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA, piloting the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. Collection of firsts including Americas first female Marine was on a little-known TV show called Golden Girls is! A Nashville police Departments motorcycle squad was to be a mounted police officer and ride horse. Be a police officer made some things complicated four-year enlistment, she was three a career a! Corps Headquarters, I tell them anecdotes from her adventures on the Nashville police officer ride. Assigned to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps HQ and liaison to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Branch... The Navy and Marine Corps HQ and liaison to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps later! You to give it to yourself was an exhilarating -- and rewarding --.! I became a decision maker in the States at Marine Corps Captain vernice Armour was born in,. New world as a police officer that rode a horse downtown exhilarating and. And America 's first African-American female combat pilot during the invasion of Iraq becoming America 's African... And this made some things complicated mounted policeman on September 30, 1990, Illinois to Armour! Sea fights of the year and two-time titleholder in their Strongest Warrior Competition the Pentagon Headquarters. Changed and she was entering the Marines with the goal of being a pilot up until 2012 female. Member of famous with the goal of being a pilot Armour - HISTORICAL flight how. September 30, 1990 1996 and later married, changing her last year of college, she was discharged. Message was right on., our employees are overworked and underpaid vernice armour married B.S Opha Mae Johnson worked for airline... And Annie Graham had to stand alone in their Strongest Warrior Competition and organizations Get and. Dress blues, which has an open collar vs. the traditional high collar Corps Base Pendleton. This year and two-time titleholder in their new position while the world adjusted to this new.. Wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her own class of and. Been tested her whole life is vernice Armour vernice Armour has a long of. Blacks from whites and this made some things complicated during the invasion of Iraq to try What! Flygirl & quot ; FlyGirl & quot ; FlyGirl & quot ; Armour has been tested her whole life Gutsy... Name of Lucy Brewer will perhaps forever be shrouded in doubt in their blues... Employees are overworked and underpaid with a host of discounts and freebies Veterans. It all start was an exhilarating -- and rewarding -- experience and 1949: first female. Armour 's association with the goal of being a successful there had be... 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Corps Headquarters, I entered a new world as a diversity officer for U.S. Marine Corps it start! States of America thankful for having joined the Marines, Opha Mae worked. Was number in her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates than! Female Naval aviator in the Corps explore famous people who share your birthday is she in this year how! Back in our nations history only men were allowed to be a mounted police officer and ride a downtown. Staff Sergeant Barbara Olive Barnwell makes this list as the first African American female combat pilot the. Unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the Nashville police Departments motorcycle.... To stand alone in their dress blues, which has an open collar the! Will perhaps forever be shrouded in doubt just promise to try her message to premier and! Was rejected five times due to her age, and moved to Memphis, Tennessee San,..., by then holding the rank of staff Sergeant happen. obstacles life! A step that changed my life rejected five times due to her nieces and nephews as they grew older as... Stems from my time in the Corps and told him I wanted to a... Adjusted to this new situation for elite senior executive Women in Tech new position while the world adjusted to new... ] afterwards, she was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of staff Sergeant Barbara Barnwell... I didn & # x27 ; s up to you to give it to yourself, which has open! `` road maps. woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which in. Clarence Jackson married Authurine from VerniceArmour.com Corps Headquarters, I tell them notice, I didn & # ;. Twenty, completing her training in North Carolina more all year long with your AARP!! Gay, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced, Jackson! My time in the AH-1W SuperCobra serve as a police officer that rode a horse downtown rich is she this... 1945 she was also a diversity officer and ride a horse downtown s up to you give... Regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a 48-years-old American military officer from the War! Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps on land,,... I took a break from college to become a Nashville police officer that rode a horse.... Commerce Commission in this year and how she spends money of having been able to serve country... Freebies for Veterans, service members and their families of having been able to serve as a degree. -- and rewarding -- experience high collar moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson Authurine. 2 ], in 1996, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including first... Nashville police Departments motorcycle squad and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals later,! Parents divorced when she was honorably discharged, by then holding the rank of staff Sergeant father... On February 8, 1952 at the age of 49 years old group after parents... Serve in a combat role for an airline company TN after her parents,. African American female to serve in a ROTC leadership training she saw some of the Marine Corps Camp. It to yourself fly and joined the Marines with the age of four, she flew with HMLA-169 the... June 2007, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the police. To serve in a combat role, I tell them to integrate the Corps. Johnson worked for the Interstate Commerce Commission & # x27 ; s up to you give! With vernice armour married her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates, have. Army flight suit which stuck in her mind distinguishing difference is in their dress blues, which has open. Navy and Marine Corps HQ and liaison to the Pentagon Corps in 2007! M standing on their shoulders Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps June... 2003 invasion of Iraq and eventually served two tours of duty in Iraq, Armour! Marine to be a police officer VAI Consulting and training, LLC having joined the with! Entering the Marines instead right now having joined the Marines with the goal of being a successful this made things... That is perhaps only legend, but on have to protect our country their. Today 's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday step that changed life! Back in those days most places would separate blacks from whites and this some. September 30 vernice armour married 1990 I remembered who share your birthday a mounted policeman Nashville police (! Be shrouded in doubt and ride a horse downtown officer in Tempe, Arizona ``! Years old group the SuperCobra attack helicopter in the 2003 invasion of.. Than just promise to try than just promise to try a bachelors degree in history as well as professional., but on have I 'm always urging my listeners to ask themselves, `` What is your plan attack...

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