In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming Americas first African-American female combat pilot. 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. [1], Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Her father was a retired major in the U.S. Army Reserve, her stepfather was a former Marine Corps sergeant. She is the first . She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. Fire Watch talks to veterans -- ones with unique, distinguished or important backgrounds -- and asks them what phrases like Copyright 2023 Proceedings. She served her time in the Marine Corps and later married, changing her last name to Ellis. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. Black, gay, and a child of divorce, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour learned this early. Up until 2012, female Marines were unable to serve in a combat role. Your email address will not be published. Armour was commissioned second lieutenant in 1998, She was sent to flight school where she earned her wings in 2001. She graduated in December 1996 and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Departments motorcycle squad. Armour earned her wings in July 2001 becoming the Marine Corps first black female pilot. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black female combat pilot. 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. After month of deliberating between becoming a police officer and pilot, she decided she could always become a cop but she would not always be able to become a pilot. After this she got the duties of administrative supply assistant at Camp Pendleton in California. [2], Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston C. Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, "Vernice Armour, 1st black female combat pilot, serves in Persian Gulf as family copes", http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_16_103/ai_100111398, http://www.vernicearmour.com/vernice-armour.htm, "First Black female pilot honored in memory of Bessie Coleman", http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/Sentry/StoryView.aspx?SID=416, http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200707/20070723_armour.html, http://www.amazon.com/Zero-Breakthrough-7-Step-Battle-Tested-Accomplishing/dp/B005ZO5LLE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330446664&sr=1-1, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, United States Marine Corps personnel of the Iraq War, Military personnel from Chicago, Illinois, Zero to Breakthrough(TM) Expert, professional keynote speaker, law enforcement officer. Vernice FlyGirl Armour has been tested her whole life. By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. Acknowledge the obstacles and "make it happen." According to our Database, She has no children. You know, the trailblazers, whether it was the male, female, black or white, the pilots or infantry, . Being a beat cop tests you. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Combat tests you. Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! I talk about making "flight plans" instead of "road maps." [1] Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. 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. 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. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! Following the Iraq deployment, Levi was assigned to various detachments who travelled and worked around Southeast Asia. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. She is from United States. 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. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. The name of Lucy Brewer will perhaps forever be shrouded in doubt. 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! 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. We all have obstacles in life, I tell them. [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. 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. 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. 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. [2], In 1993, while a student at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Armour enlisted in the Army Reserves and later the Army ROTC. 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.' Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black woman combat pilot. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. [1], In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[6]. In my work with these clients, I pass along the values and techniques that I learned and honed in the Corps. 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. She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. Often, we returned to our base in Kuwait with bullet holes in our helicopters. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. She was rejected five times due to her age, and finally gave up trying to fly and joined the Marines instead. Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. 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. She got her commercial pilots license when she was forty-seven years old with the intention of joining the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS). This famous female Marine was on a little-known TV show called Golden Girls. Among them is one that is perhaps only legend, but arent legends a part of the Marine Corps? Vernice Armour joined the Marine Corps in October 1998 and was commissioned a second lieutenant on Dec. 12, 1998. . Soon that dream changed and she was entering the Marines with the goal of being a pilot. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 47 years old? I called the Marine recruiter and told him I wanted to become a combat pilot. I'm always urging my listeners to ask themselves, "What is your plan of attack?" Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. 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! 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. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour I help Executive Women OWN their story and their obstacles and turn them into the OPPORTUNITIES the really are! After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. 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. 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 Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. Vernice Armour's net worth There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. Do your finances keep you up at night? 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. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. In September 1949, four years after Japans formal surrender, she enlisted and was very shortly afterward followed by Ann E. Lamb and the two went to boot camp together on September 10, 1949. 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. , money, salary, income, and assets. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Levi served in the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator from 2007-2011. Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noahher gutsiest move yet. "[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. Salinas enlisted in May of 1974, starting off as a legal services clerk. Women Warriors Alene Duerk, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on . 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. A few months later, I decided that I could always be a cop, but I wouldn't always have the chance to fly. 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 is not dating anyone. 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. I'm sure that what I learned in the military will always stay with me. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. VERNICE ARMOUR: My thoughts on those that came before is I'm standing on their shoulders. I view myself as a professional speaker and consultant. Three brothers and being the only girltests you. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. Combat tests you. In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming America's first African-American female combat pilot. I've more than fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a mounted policeman. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour was a diversity officer for U.S. Marine Corps HQ and liaison to the Pentagon. Private Lucille McClarren was the first woman to take advantage of this, transferring over from the Army to become the first enlisted female Marine that very day. 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. . Sha'ahn (Aug 17, 2006). Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. 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. What is your job title?DirectorVPC-LevelOther (please specify below). Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military. Copyright 2022. 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. Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. She is a member of famous with the age 49 years old group. 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. 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. Some even made history doing it, like former Marine Capt. So, how much is Vernice Armour worth at the age of 49 years old? It helps make the point. I had to wait until I became a decision maker in the organization and could impact the budget! She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. 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. Vernice Armour was born on 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, United States, is a United States Marine Corps pilot. Born in Puerto Rico, Rose Franco was a famous female Marine because she became the first Hispanic woman to make it to the rank of chief warrant officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Required fields are marked *. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. It took me two years, but I finally booked you. "Do it," I say. racism, and I said people have tension all the time, whether you're married and you have an argument with your spouse or one of your friends, tension . Restaurants are saluting Veterans Day with free meals and discounts for veterans, service members and their families. How did it all start? Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. [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. Her grandfather, too, was a Marine. 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. She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. In March 2003, Armour became Americas first female African-American combat pilot during the invasion of Iraq. 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 died of congestive heart failure on September 30, 1990. 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. 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. As a gay, Black woman she brought valuable personal experience to her work, driving diversity policy for a 200,000 personnel organization. It was an exhilarating -- and rewarding -- experience. 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 was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, and later lived in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Notice, I didn't put the emphasis on permission, but on HAVE. [1] 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. Jump into read her life Facts, Wikipedia and biographies Details Vernice Armour Biography - Wiki Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. 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. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? Former combat-helicopter pilot Vernice Armour rates eight helicopter scenes in movies and TV shows. Vernice FlyGirl Armour has been tested her whole life. She was an active volunteer with the Long Beach Lena Riggi married the . Foundation for Women Warriors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity (tax ID# 20-5523954). 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 graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. 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. During ROTC leadership training in New Orleans, I saw a Black woman pilot wearing an Army flight 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. [2], In 2011 her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[5]. On land, sea, and in the air, blacks have fought to protect our country. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first . I had no interest in the military. It was her childhood dream to become the first black woman on the motorcycle squad. [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. Receive notifications of new posts by email. You've ALWAYS had permission and it's up to YOU to give it to yourself! [2], Armour's association with the SuperCobra attack helicopter earned her the nickname "Flygirl. ASVAB Scores For Air Force Jobs: All 130+ For 2022, How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You. Vernice 'Flygirl' Armour, the first African American female combat pilot, stands in front of a helicopter. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. 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. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. 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. 20-5523954. Armour has been awarded the Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals. In 2011, Ander, Meet Master Sgt. She is currently single. Executive Coach, Inspirational Leadership Keynote. 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. My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. 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. In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. 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). 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. What clients are saying. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour has been tested her whole life. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour has been tested her whole life. Far back in our nations history only men were allowed to be Marines. Three brothers and being the only girltests you. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. 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. Vernice, who had little money for school and relied on student loans and grants, was all over it. 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. 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. Then I took a step that changed my life. However, while in a ROTC leadership training she saw a black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her mind. [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. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals. Everything I do stems from my time in the Corps. I asked myself. VERNICE "FLYGIRL" ARMOUR - HISTORICAL FLIGHT PATH. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. 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. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area. I earned my wings in 2001 -- the first Black female aviator in the Corps. In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. 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. Discover Vernice Armour's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. It's such . A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black female combat pilot. Anne Lamb and Annie Graham had to stand alone in their new position while the world adjusted to this new situation. 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. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot ranked No. We flew close air-support and convoy escorts in AH-1W SuperCobras, spending the night at forward operating bases in hostile territory. Speaking at conferences made me realize that people really wanted to hear about my Marine Corps experiences, and I loved sharing them. 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). Trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first black combat. How she spends money around Southeast Asia Consulting & Training, LLC Marines with the goal of a... Saw a black woman on the motorcycle squad started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in Corps... Were allowed to be Marines the Corps organization and could impact the budget vernice & quot ; FlyGirl quot... 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