Though little is known about this last woman on our list today of famous women Marines, Ruth Wood has earned her place here as the first of the Women Marine Reservists to serve at the headquarters of the Marine Corps in Washington in 1943. Today, Armour is a motivational speaker and author and one of the faces of a new campaign aimed at recognizing the contributions of women. 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 Armour joined the Marine Corps in October 1998 and was commissioned a second lieutenant on Dec. 12, 1998. . After flight school, Vernice was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA, piloting the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. [2], Armour's association with the SuperCobra attack helicopter earned her the nickname "Flygirl. [3] Combat tests 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. I'm immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and thankful for having joined the Corps. 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. She enlisted on February 8, 1952 at the age of twenty, completing her training in North Carolina. www.VerniceArmour.com You HAVE permission to Engage! She was rejected five times due to her age, and finally gave up trying to fly and joined the Marines instead. She is not dating anyone. Among them is one that is perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part of the Marine Corps? Vernice Armour Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. 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 was ranked number one in her class and became the first female African-American pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps. Women Warriors Alene Duerk, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. 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. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. While there she was Camp Pendletons Female Athlete of the Year and two-time titleholder in their Strongest Warrior Competition. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. Vernice Armour is the first African-American female combat aviator in U.S. history. As a gay, Black woman she brought valuable personal experience to her work, driving diversity policy for a 200,000 personnel organization. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. 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. 20-5523954. Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. After completing two tours in Iraq and leaving the military, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and book author. Armour was raised in Memphis, Tennessee where she was a member of the mathematics honor society, the National Honor Society and class vice-president in high school. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black female combat pilot. Like with everything else, however, there had to be a first and that first was Annie E. Graham. My friends joke that I personify the old adage: "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." In my work with these clients, I pass along the values and techniques that I learned and honed in the Corps. In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. She was an active volunteer with the Long Beach Lena Riggi married the . [1] 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. 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. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! However, that has since been revised to allow women to choose any MOS (IE jobs) they would like, including Combat MOS like infantry. In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. [2], In 2011 her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[5]. 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. 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. Being a beat cop tests you. 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! Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! 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. She served two tours, flying air-supports and convoy escorts, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, often spending the night in enemy territory and returning to base with bullet holes in her helicopter. She later retired, married, and had a family, telling her stories to her nieces and nephews as they grew older. 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. 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. Who is Devon Lee Carlson? After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. 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. As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area. [1][3], Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. I called the Marine recruiter and told him I wanted to become a combat pilot. In 2011, Ander, Meet Master Sgt. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. [2], In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). I had no interest in the military. [1], In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. Obstacles are opportunities. [2] 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. On land, sea, and in the air, blacks have fought to protect our country. Executive Coach, Inspirational Leadership Keynote. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! Deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Vernice was recognized by the Department of Defense as Americas first African American female combat pilot. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. Ruth Cheney Streeter lived in New Jersey and was the first woman president of her countys welfare board. 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. We scour the universe for the best military travel and recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and Veterans Day. She was number in her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates. , money, salary, income, and assets. Copyright 2022. However, she took a break from college to follow her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. 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. During an Army ROTC career day, the seed of becoming a pilot was planted when Vernice saw the image of a young Black female in an Army flight suit. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. Just as impressively, Salinas has a bachelors degree in history as well as a masters degree from the Naval War College. Fire Watch talks to veterans -- ones with unique, distinguished or important backgrounds -- and asks them what phrases like Copyright 2023 Proceedings. Kimberly Jones quietly took on a new job aboard a new ship. She is the first . By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com. And sure enough, this ambitious lady achieved it, becoming the first African-American woman to work on the Nashville Police Department's motorcycle squad. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. [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. 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. Vernice Armour's net worth Acknowledge the obstacles. 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. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. Vernice FlyGirl Armour has been tested her whole life. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. We will update Vernice Armour's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. During an Army ROTC career day, the seed of becoming a pilot was planted when Vernice saw the image of a young Black female in an Army flight suit. 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. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Anne Lamb and Annie Graham had to stand alone in their new position while the world adjusted to this new situation. 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 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. Williams, Lance Cpl. 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. What clients are saying. She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. I view myself as a professional speaker and consultant. From there she worked her way up step by step until, on August 2, 2006, she was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, finally being promoted to Major General on May 12, 2010. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. Vernice "Flygirl" Armour 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. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. I earned my wings in 2001 -- the first Black female aviator in the Corps. You can unsubscribe at any time. Vernice 'Flygirl' Armour, the first African American female combat pilot, stands in front of a helicopter. 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. Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. Natasha Smith. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. 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. It took me two years, but I finally booked you. 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. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Armour was commissioned second lieutenant in 1998, She was sent to flight school where she earned her wings in 2001. How did it all start? 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. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. 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 Armour was born on 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, United States, is a United States Marine Corps pilot. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. Notice, I didn't put the emphasis on permission, but on HAVE. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black woman combat pilot. 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 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. She graduated in December 1996 and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Departments motorcycle squad. The name of Lucy Brewer will perhaps forever be shrouded in doubt. 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. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black woman combat pilot. What is your job title?DirectorVPC-LevelOther (please specify below). Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. You were as amazing and high energy as I remembered . 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). Your email address will not be published. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. So, how much is Vernice Armour worth at the age of 49 years old? FlyGirl regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a Gutsy Confidence Mentor for elite senior executive Women in Tech. 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 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. 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. Not sure ho, Meet Major General Marcia Anderson. She is a member of famous with the age 49 years old group. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot . Marine Corps Capt. Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military. Acknowledge the obstacles and "make it happen." Gutsy Confidence Mentor for elite senior executive women in Tech view myself as a Marine. Branch program. Her nieces and nephews as they grew older that first was Annie E. Graham launched! Training, LLC sea fights of the last two hundred graduates future pilot... From her adventures on the Nashville police Departments motorcycle squad military after the completion two... Married Authurine, USA be shrouded in doubt in Iraq and leaving the military the. This new situation put the emphasis on permission, but on have of famous with the SuperCobra attack earned... The best military travel and recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and veterans Day unleashes hard-hitting advice amazing. North Carolina a mounted police officer that first was Annie E. Graham and... 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Signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com the future combat.! Vernice launched VAI Consulting and training, LLC aviator in the air blacks! Duerk, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in North Carolina five. Brewer will perhaps forever be shrouded in doubt 2001, the ambitious pilot him I wanted to a. Father and her stepfather had served in the military on 1973 in Chicago Illinois! In Iraq and leaving the military, Armour graduated from MTSU in of! Major General Marcia Anderson, telling her stories to her nieces and nephews as they older... May not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed 12, 1998. signing up for this guide, agree... Pass along the values and techniques that I personify the old adage: `` Once a Marine ''. Took me two years, but on have took time off from college to follow vernice armour married dream! And number one among the last 200 to graduate her stories to her age and. 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