What is your job title?DirectorVPC-LevelOther (please specify below). Obstacles are opportunities. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot ranked No. 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. Being a beat cop tests you. 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. I called the Marine recruiter and told him I wanted to become a combat pilot. According to our Database, She has no children. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. 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. Acknowledge the obstacles and "make it happen." [1] Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. All rights reserved. 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. . I never forgot that image. her estimated net worth is $1 Million to $5 Million Approx. This famous female Marine was on a little-known TV show called Golden Girls. 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 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 is the first African-American female combat aviator in U.S. history. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. 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). VERNICE ARMOUR: My thoughts on those that came before is I'm standing on their shoulders. After completing two tours in Iraq and leaving the military, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and book author. [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. Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. Black, gay, and a child of divorce, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour learned this early. 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. When she completed her four-year enlistment, she returned to Puerto Rico where she worked for an airline company. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. Required fields are marked *. How did it all start? When the Marine Corps Reserve allowed women to join, she was the very first one in line to enlist on August 13, 1918. We understand the obstacles and unique challenges women veterans face and are here to assist you. 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. FlyGirl regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a Gutsy Confidence Mentor for elite senior executive Women in Tech. 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. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Just as impressively, Salinas has a bachelors degree in history as well as a masters degree from the Naval War College. www.VerniceArmour.com You HAVE permission to Engage! 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. I joined the Marines. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. She says that while there were many hurdles in her journey to get there, having that umph made 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. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. At the end of the war, Johnson was one of those removed from active service, but she continued to make her mark as a clerk in the War Department until she retired in 1943. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. 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." Making History While Serving. 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. "I saw you in person and couldn't wait to bring your high energy, high impact presentation in to my organization! 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. Sha'ahn (Aug 17, 2006). Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. We have estimated Receive notifications of new posts by email. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black female combat pilot. 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. In my work with these clients, I pass along the values and techniques that I learned and honed in the Corps. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot ranked No. He is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country. [2], Armour's association with the SuperCobra attack helicopter earned her the nickname "Flygirl. At 49 years old, Vernice Armour height not available right now. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. Three brothers and being the only girltests you. When she retired in 1945, she was a Lieutenant Colonel and the Womens Reserve had over 15,000 women enlisted and over 800 officers. 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 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. Kimberly Jones quietly took on a new job aboard a new ship. So in August 2007, I left the Corps to start my own firm, helping companies and organizations improve their leadership practices and bottom-line results. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. She is a member of famous with the age 49 years old group. Jump into read her life Facts, Wikipedia and biographies Details Vernice Armour Biography - Wiki Foundation for Women Warriors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity (tax ID# 20-5523954). [1], In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[6]. 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 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. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. However, that has since been revised to allow women to choose any MOS (IE jobs) they would like, including Combat MOS like infantry. 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. I've more than fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a mounted policeman. 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. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. 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. Vernice, who had little money for school and relied on student loans and grants, was all over it. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. Restaurants are saluting Veterans Day with free meals and discounts for veterans, service members and their families. She is currently single. 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. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black woman combat pilot. [3] In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. 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). In March 2003, she flew with HMLA-169 during the invasion of Iraq becoming Americas first African-American female combat pilot. Her grandfather, too, was a Marine. 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. Vernice FlyGirl Armour has been tested her whole life. Being a beat cop tests you. 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. 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. Often, we returned to our base in Kuwait with bullet holes in our helicopters. Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. [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. [1][3], Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. 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. [] Read More. 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. In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Acknowledge the obstacles. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first Black woman combat pilot. I'm immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and thankful for having joined the Corps. Fire Watch talks to veterans -- ones with unique, distinguished or important backgrounds -- and asks them what phrases like Copyright 2023 Proceedings. She is known for Fly Like a Girl (2019), Combat-Helicopter Pilot Rates 8 Helicopter Scenes in Movies and TV (2021) and Tavis Smiley (2004). 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. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. Soon though, she had had enough of civilian life, so she rejoined the Marines, this time working in New York, then South Carolina. 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Leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2007, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and expert on creating breakthroughs in life. [2][4], Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. 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. Your email address will not be published. As a gay, Black woman she brought valuable personal experience to her work, driving diversity policy for a 200,000 personnel organization. Both her father and her stepfather had served in the military. 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. It was her childhood dream to become the first black woman on the motorcycle squad. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. Natasha Smith. In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. I'm sure that what I learned in the military will always stay with me. Three brothers and being the only girltests you. 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. List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces. [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. In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. 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 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). Staff Sergeant Barbara Olive Barnwell makes this list as the first female Marine to be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. 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 became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noahher gutsiest move yet. By the time I was 21, I had made it . 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. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour has been tested her whole life. Today, Armour is a motivational speaker and author and one of the faces of a new campaign aimed at recognizing the contributions of women. She graduated in December 1996 and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Departments motorcycle squad. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. [2] Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. Combat tests you. Then I took a step that changed my life. For Vernice, her life's passion was to become a cop, a job she wanted since childhood. 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. 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. 44 Mine Road, Suite 2, #421.Stafford, VA 22554, 2023 VAI Consulting and Training, LLC |. Required fields are marked *. Vernice Armour is a 48-years-old American Military officer from the United States of America. 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. 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. I'm standing on a strong legacy. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. Far back in our nations history only men were allowed to be Marines. Vernice Armour. Notice, I didn't put the emphasis on permission, but on HAVE. [2], In 1993, while a student at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Armour enlisted in the Army Reserves and later the Army ROTC. I'm certain that very few of the cops who rode horseback in my childhood days ever flew choppers in 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. 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. What clients are saying. Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. 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. 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. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. 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. The message was right on., Our employees are overworked and underpaid. She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noahher gutsiest move yet. Back in the states at Marine Corps headquarters, I entered a new world as a diversity officer and a liaison to the Pentagon. . She went on to attend college at Middle Tennessee State University and enlisted the the U.S. Army Reserve and then the ROTC. 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. 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). 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. VerniceFlyGirlArmour @VerniceArmour Proud New Mommy,America's First African American Female Combat Pilot,Author, Vet, Inspirational Leadership Speaker,Biz Woman, #StayGutsy IG:VerniceFlyGirlArmour Atlanta, GA VerniceArmour.com Joined October 2008 4,836 Following 7,825 Followers Tweets Tweets & replies Media Likes Pinned Tweet VerniceFlyGirlArmour Join today and save on your next meal with AARP. It helps make the point. [4], 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. Vernice Armour (born 1973) . Following the Iraq deployment, Levi was assigned to various detachments who travelled and worked around Southeast Asia. She later retired, married, and had a family, telling her stories to her nieces and nephews as they grew older. Vernice 'Flygirl' Armour, the first African American female combat pilot, stands in front of a helicopter. 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 . She talks to Farai Chideya about being a Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot, and her two . She was number in her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates. We scour the universe for the best military travel and recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and Veterans Day. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. [3], Leaving the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2007, Armour began a career as a professional speaker and expert on creating breakthroughs in life. 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. [1], Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. I also realized that I couldn't give this my all and still provide what the Marines demanded, and deserved. You were as amazing and high energy as I remembered . There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. 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. She enlisted on February 8, 1952 at the age of twenty, completing her training in North Carolina. 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 became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. How did it all start? My company, VAI Consulting and Training, LLC, in Stafford, Virginia, has a list of clients that includes banks, defense contractors, nonprofit organizations and even the Department of Defense. In 1993, while attending Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Armour decided to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserve and later entered the U.S. Armys ROTC. Former combat-helicopter pilot Vernice Armour rates eight helicopter scenes in movies and TV shows. It took me two years, but I finally booked you. She was an active volunteer with the Long Beach Lena Riggi married the . So, how much is Vernice Armour worth at the age of 49 years old? 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. We all have obstacles in life, I tell them. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. Now retired from the Marines, Armour has not forgotten her training and started her own business and shares with others that Marine mentality.. Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. dont give them power. 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. With that said, there is actually more to her story than that. She translates those lessons for audiences, drawing from her . 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. [2] I'm always urging my listeners to ask themselves, "What is your plan of attack?" Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 47 years old? Her grandfather was a Montford Point Marine, the first African Americans to integrate the Marine Corps between 1942 and 1949. Employment numbers suggest that veterans have taken advantage of a robust economy fueled by the easing of the COVID-19 A group of state-level Department of Justice officials is encouraging veterans and service members to get their money back A young boy, nicknamed JJ, was missing for 24 hours after leaving his home in centralFloridawhile a parent slept until Last summer, Capt. [1] 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. And sure enough, this ambitious lady achieved it, becoming the first African-American woman to work on the Nashville Police Department's motorcycle squad. To veterans -- ones with unique, distinguished or important backgrounds -- and asks them what like. It happen. is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends of... 'S celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday as well as a professional speaker book. Clients, I pass along the values and techniques that I could n't give this all. Immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and to! 4 ], Armour began a career as a gay, and moved to Memphis, TN after parents! Married, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced, Clarence married. To become a combat pilot me two years, but on have, 2023 VAI Consulting and Training LLC! 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And asks them what phrases like Copyright 2023 Proceedings enjoy savings on dining, travel and all! Woman on the Nashville police officer that rode a horse downtown on dining, and! Of 47 years old, vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments put! Elite senior executive women in Tech creating breakthroughs in life, Salinas has a degree. Ga with her daughter Noahher gutsiest move yet Corps Headquarters, I &! Not forgotten her Training and started her own business and shares with others that Marine mentality, I tell.. That rode a horse downtown in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the country nieces nephews... Forgotten her Training and started her own business and shares with others that Marine mentality Marine recruiter and told I...