Luncheon features women from all walks of military life

  • Published
  • By Sara Francis
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The base hosted its annual Air Force Women's History Month luncheon March 31 in Valparaiso, Fla.

One of this year's featured speakers was Lt. Col. Christine Mau, 33rd Operations Group deputy commander. Each woman focused on her unique experience with the Air Force and how it has shaped their life.

Mau, an accomplished fighter pilot, has nearly 20 years of service. In 2015, Mau became the first and only woman to fly the F-35 Lightning II. During a deployment to Afghanistan, she was a member of the first all-female F-15 flight in military history, called "Dudette 07."

Mau spoke to her experience as a member of the military, the experiences of some of her fellow female pilots, and how her path as a female fighter pilot changed her life, professionally and personally.

"People ask me all the time how I do it, how I can be a fighter pilot and a mom and keep my career growing," said Mau. "The truth is I can't do it all, not alone. I have an incredible group of friends who help me, many who are military spouses."

Mau emphasized the need for more women in the Air Force to choose rated positions, especially pilot. She believes that for future generations of women to believe they can fill the pilot seat, they need to see other women already doing it.

"Currently, the Air Force stands at 19 percent women, but only two percent of all fighter pilots are women," said Mau. "Since women were allowed to fly fighters, this number has stayed about the same."

Other guest speakers included Pamela Huzzard and Jennifer Azzano.  Huzzard spoke about the significance of helping each other adjust and connect through the changes of duty station and deployments.

"Grow where you are planted," said Huzzard. "It is a very unique, the life we live. We need to share our experiences with those just starting on this path."

Azzano agreed, emphasizing the importance of opening up to each new assignment and experience and looking to grow a network and support system.

"Don't put up your walls or you might miss out on making some of the best friends of your life," said Azzano. "You have to constantly seek out those opportunities."