931st ARG Airmen assist WASPs in receiving Congressional Gold Medal

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tim Wade
  • 931st ARG/PA
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Airmen volunteer for many events/causes, such as the Special Olympics, to march in a Veteran's or Memorial Day parade, or visit senior citizens at a Veteran's Administration facility or retirement home. Just a few weeks ago, a volunteer opportunity was presented to members of the 931st Human Resources Development Council which was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Three personnel, Senior Master Sgt. Pamela Summers, 931st Mission Support Flight, Master Sgt. Rachael Forrest, 931st Maintenance Operations Flight and Maj. Leah Schmidt, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, were selected as military escorts for the Women Air Force Service Pilots' Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony held March 12 at the Emancipation Hall in Washington, D.C.

The WASPs, who were established during World War II with the primary mission of flying noncombat military missions in the United States, were the first women ever to fly American military aircraft. They flew almost every type of aircraft operated by the Army Air while logging more than 60 million miles. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest and most distinguished award Congress can award to a civilian. Since the American Revolution; Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

"It was such a historical event," said Sergeant Summers. "The (Navajo) Code Talkers were recognized a few years back (2000), then the Tuskegee Airmen (2006) and now the WASPs were finally recognized. "

The Reservists were each assigned a WASP and tasked with assisting the veteran, some were wheelchair bound and others needed portable oxygen tanks, through the scheduled events such as the Remembrance Ceremony for the "Fallen 38"- ladies that died during the course of duty, a Military Aviators Tribute Tea, and the Congressional Gold Ceremony among other events.

The travel between different the events allowed the WASP to share their stories with the volunteers.
"Each of the WASPs had their own stories and different tails," said Sergeant Summers. "We had quite a few long bus rides and waiting time on the bus. We got to hear other stories."

The ladies spoke of the hardships in which they had to endure such as going door to door to find a place to stay during their training. The women had to pay for their own transportation to the training base as well as their meals and lodging unlike military members in today's armed services.
The WASPs did not make it a one-sided conversation during the chartered bus ride through the District of Columbia.

"My lady didn't talk a whole lot, but she asked lots of questions of me," said Sergeant Forrest. "She is a very humble person. She didn't expect this to happen to her at all."

It took over 30 years after the WASPs were disbanded in 1944 for them to retain veteran status. Their records of service were sealed and marked "Classified" or "Secret" thus historians did not include their actions in capturing the events of World War II.

"Do a little bit of research on their history, they are so motivating," said Sergeant Summers. "Just to see all they went through and what they accomplished- WOW! If these ladies can do that then I can do anything."