However, while in a ROTC leadership training she saw a black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit which stuck in her mind. Armour earned her wings in July 2001 becoming the Marine Corps first black female pilot. Structural Info Facts Known for movies Tavis Smiley 2007 as Herself Source IMDB 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. [1][3], Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. 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. Speaking at conferences made me realize that people really wanted to hear about my Marine Corps experiences, and I loved sharing them. Vernice Armour (born 1973) . In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published. Sha'ahn (Aug 17, 2006). I talk about making "flight plans" instead of "road maps." 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! 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. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of firsts including Americas first Black woman combat pilot. [1][2], After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. Today, Armour is a motivational speaker and author and one of the faces of a new campaign aimed at recognizing the contributions of women. 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. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. 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. So, how much is Vernice Armour worth at the age of 49 years old? She is the 81st He, A heartfelt thank you to the Green Foundation for, The Womens Bureau of the U.S. Department of Lab, Meet Joy Allen. Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. 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. Armour graduated from MTSU in 1997. How did it all start? She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. Who is Devon Lee Carlson? Three brothers and being the only girltests you. In 1998, Armour became the first African American female to serve as a police officer in Tempe, Arizona. Up until 2012, female Marines were unable to serve in a combat role. In March 2003, Armour became Americas first female African-American combat pilot during the invasion of Iraq. I joined the Marines. This famous female Marine was on a little-known TV show called Golden Girls. She graduated in December 1996 and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Departments motorcycle squad. 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. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Making History While Serving. Vernice Armour was born on 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, United States, is a United States Marine Corps pilot. 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. Fire Watch talks to veterans -- ones with unique, distinguished or important backgrounds -- and asks them what phrases like Copyright 2023 Proceedings. Aug 25, 2021, 2:42 AM. 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. [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 served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. "I saw you in person and couldn't wait to bring your high energy, high impact presentation in to my organization! She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. VERNICE FLYGIRL ARMOUR HISTORICAL FLIGHT PATH. 44 Mine Road, Suite 2, #421.Stafford, VA 22554, 2023 VAI Consulting and Training, LLC |. 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. 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. Which Branch Of The Military Should I Join? After flight school, Armour was assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California for training in the AH-1W SuperCobra. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. 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. I'm certain that very few of the cops who rode horseback in my childhood days ever flew choppers in combat. She became the first female African-American on the motorcycle squad. 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. 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. She was number in her own class of twelve and number one among the last two hundred graduates. Her first duties may have only been as a clerk, managing the records of the over three hundred other women that followed, but she was soon promoted to Sergeant in September of that year, making her the first woman to reach that rank and the highest ranking woman in the Marine Corps during her time there. Executive Coach, Inspirational Leadership Keynote. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. Vernice Armour. Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. "Do it," I say. Her grandfather, too, was a Marine. While there she was Camp Pendletons Female Athlete of the Year and two-time titleholder in their Strongest Warrior Competition. 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. Her family has a strong history of military service reaching back two generations, starting with her grandfather who served as a Montford Point Marine. [1], In 2011, her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[6]. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois to Gaston Armour Jr. and Authurine Armour. How did it all start? Staff Sergeant Barbara Olive Barnwell makes this list as the first female Marine to be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. She completed two combat tours in the Gulf. In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. We all have obstacles in life, I tell them. 20-5523954. She served her time in the Marine Corps and later married, changing her last name to Ellis. Required fields are marked *. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. Before getting approval to shoot missiles as America's first Black female combat pilot, Vernice Armour, aka "FlyGirl," would wait to hear the words: "You have permission to engage, cleared hot." It's a message the former U.S. Marine Corps captain and author of "Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals That Matter" encouraged attendees at . She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noahher gutsiest move yet. I'm immensely proud of having been able to serve my country, and thankful for having joined the Corps. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. [2], In 1996, she took time off from college to become a Nashville police officer (her childhood dream). We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on . [2] Afterwards, she was assigned to the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Equal Opportunity Branch as program liaison officer. I called the Marine recruiter and told him I wanted to become a combat pilot. Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move. Vernice, who had little money for school and relied on student loans and grants, was all over it. She is currently single. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. Everything I do stems from my time in the Corps. In my work with these clients, I pass along the values and techniques that I learned and honed in the Corps. During ROTC leadership training in New Orleans, I saw a Black woman pilot wearing an Army flight suit. [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. By signing up for this guide, you agree to receive email communications from VerniceArmour.com. Now why didnt I think of that! was her first thought! The uniforms for female Marines are relatively similar to those of their male counterparts. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. After her parents divorced, Clarence Jackson married Authurine. 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. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! 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. 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 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. [3] Vernice Armour Vernice Armour has a long list of accomplishments that put her on this list today. "[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. Notice, I didn't put the emphasis on permission, but on HAVE. I had to wait until I became a decision maker in the organization and could impact the budget! However, that has since been revised to allow women to choose any MOS (IE jobs) they would like, including Combat MOS like infantry. My childhood dream was to be a mounted police officer and ride a horse downtown. I asked myself. We flew close air-support and convoy escorts in AH-1W SuperCobras, spending the night at forward operating bases in hostile territory. She later retired, married, and had a family, telling her stories to her nieces and nephews as they grew older. 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. After flight school, Armour was assigned to the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California to train in the AH-1W SuperCobra. Related Article: Which Branch Of The Military Should I Join? in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science. She became the Marine Corps' first African-American female pilot. Life tests you. You can unsubscribe at any time. [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. What is your job title?DirectorVPC-LevelOther (please specify below). [2], In 2011 her book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter was published.[5]. Salinas enlisted in May of 1974, starting off as a legal services clerk. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tax ID: no. [1] Some even made history doing it, like former Marine Capt. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour I help Executive Women OWN their story and their obstacles and turn them into the OPPORTUNITIES the really are! 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. There is no challenge too big for former Marine Corps Captain Vernice Armour. www.VerniceArmour.com You HAVE permission to Engage! Vernice Armour was born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, and later lived in Memphis, Tennessee. 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