445th Airlift Wing involved in 2010 WOW conference

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Reservists from the 445th Airlift Wing participated in the National Aviation Hall of Fame's Fourth Annual Wings of Women (WOW) Conference July 16. Young women in grades 9-12 attended the daylong interactive education program, with activities taking place at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, NAHF and the 445 AW.

WOW's aim is to stir girls' interest in their futures, introduce them to career opportunities, resources that are available, and demonstrate that it is possible to achieve success in aviation, and in life. The WOW Conference is held in conjunction with the NAHF annual Enshrinement dinner and ceremony.

"After the first year of the conference, it has since been an all volunteer effort and it continues to be an all volunteer effort. The whole spirit of working together is what pulls off a successful event," said Betty Darst, NAHF board member and adjunct faculty, Wright State University.

The young women attending the conference came from a variety of backgrounds. Some in attendance were siblings. Some of the girls had accepted invitations that were sent to the aviation community network, Air Force Junior ROTC, Gear Up, Upward Bound, along with personal support from teachers. Each girl submitted a brief essay articulating her desire to attend. Ms. Darst said one young lady came all the way from Florida to attend.

"WOW is a wonderful event and a great opportunity for young women to meet and learn about women in aviation. Last year one of the girls told her mentor that she might not go into a career in aviation but she felt that she would be a good preschool teacher ... we want to help empower these young people and encourage them to achieve their goals," Ms. Darst said.

The group began their day at the National Museum of the United States Air Force followed by the NAHF, where they met with women that made historical feats in aviation, such as Emily Howell Warner, the first woman to be a captain for a modern major airline. The group was also engaged in a variety of hands-on activities, to include a scavenger hunt.

Tech. Sgt. Natalie Storms, 87th Aerial Port Squadron, and other Airmen from the wing helped put together the scavenger hunt, using clues based on various information about women in aviation. Sergeant Storms' two daughters, Nessa and Jessica Storms, attended the conference as well.

The attendees spent the afternoon at the 445 AW where they had the opportunity to participate in demonstrations by the 445th Aircrew Flight Equipment shop and the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The group also toured the C-5 Galaxy. As each young girl explored the cargo area and flight deck, they pondered the question asked of them earlier by one of the load masters, "how many ping pong balls can fit on a C-5?"

"My favorite part of the day was meeting the AES staff, especially (Tech. Sgt.) Liz Tinsley and 1st Lt. (Shannon) Simon. They were the most interesting and amazing women I've ever met," said attendee Cierra Benedetto.

Nessa Storms enjoyed the women pilots she met and the C-5 tour.

"Meeting all the women pilots and seeing the inside of a C-5 cockpit and cargo section was exciting and a dream come true for me," she said.

Over the course of the day, the girls received a number of gifts as part of their experiences. They also had the opportunity to select a book of their choice and receive a booklet on the women enshrinees published by the NAHF. The conference closed with a presentation called "Wright to Dream" by Andrea Attaway-Young, school liaison officer for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, followed by closing comments by Ms. Darst.

"It was neat to meet such amazing and exciting women who overcame all obstacles to make their dreams come true," Jessica Storms said.