A few years ago I decided that following a my dream to fly, however
distant, would be easier than not following it at all, and in stumbling across
the GWW website I was provided with invaluable information from other
women pilots on what my options were. This was important because at the
time, I didn't have any immediate family members or friends who flew. With
little hesitation, I began researching pilot opportunities in the USAF Air
National Guard while working towards my private pilot's license. I quickly
realized that serving in the military while simultaneously being able to
become a pilot was the perfect marriage between my life goals and values. I
was extremely lucky to have been accepted into the Air National Guard for
a C-5 pilot position last year. I recently received my commission as 2nd
Lieutenant from the Academy of Military Science and am eagerly awaiting
flight school.
I have been lucky to have found so much support and encouragement
from others. I have many friends and mentors who keep me motivated and
who I look up to...this is very vital if you want to accomplish something
big. It's important to have others around you whose accomplishments you
respect and admire and whose footsteps to follow in...and that's exactly
what you will find among these amazing women!
One of the things I love most about flying is that it strikes a unique balance
between hard work, commitment, overcoming your fears, and having tons
of fun- all at the same time. When you fly, you are challenged intellectually,
physically and emotionally. It's important to respect each one of these
attributes in order to optimize your success. Interestingly, you will find that
focusing on each one of these qualities will not only make you a better pilot
but also enhance other areas of your life and you will happily find yourself
with an increased level of confidence.
For me, joining the Air Force and flying airplanes has been an extremely
rewarding experience. I encourage anyone who has an passion for flying to
give it a try, whether you have a long term goal of a career or you just
want to add something new and exciting to your life. People from all
different backgrounds and walks of life have come together to share this as
a common passion. Obtaining your license and taking to the skies is a not
an easy feat, but like anything else, the tougher the journey the bigger the
reward. Whatever is calling you in life, pursue it and don't let others
opinion's stop you...take the first step in faith. If flying is your thing, come
join the Girls With Wings...we are here to help!
distant, would be easier than not following it at all, and in stumbling across
the GWW website I was provided with invaluable information from other
women pilots on what my options were. This was important because at the
time, I didn't have any immediate family members or friends who flew. With
little hesitation, I began researching pilot opportunities in the USAF Air
National Guard while working towards my private pilot's license. I quickly
realized that serving in the military while simultaneously being able to
become a pilot was the perfect marriage between my life goals and values. I
was extremely lucky to have been accepted into the Air National Guard for
a C-5 pilot position last year. I recently received my commission as 2nd
Lieutenant from the Academy of Military Science and am eagerly awaiting
flight school.
I have been lucky to have found so much support and encouragement
from others. I have many friends and mentors who keep me motivated and
who I look up to...this is very vital if you want to accomplish something
big. It's important to have others around you whose accomplishments you
respect and admire and whose footsteps to follow in...and that's exactly
what you will find among these amazing women!
One of the things I love most about flying is that it strikes a unique balance
between hard work, commitment, overcoming your fears, and having tons
of fun- all at the same time. When you fly, you are challenged intellectually,
physically and emotionally. It's important to respect each one of these
attributes in order to optimize your success. Interestingly, you will find that
focusing on each one of these qualities will not only make you a better pilot
but also enhance other areas of your life and you will happily find yourself
with an increased level of confidence.
For me, joining the Air Force and flying airplanes has been an extremely
rewarding experience. I encourage anyone who has an passion for flying to
give it a try, whether you have a long term goal of a career or you just
want to add something new and exciting to your life. People from all
different backgrounds and walks of life have come together to share this as
a common passion. Obtaining your license and taking to the skies is a not
an easy feat, but like anything else, the tougher the journey the bigger the
reward. Whatever is calling you in life, pursue it and don't let others
opinion's stop you...take the first step in faith. If flying is your thing, come
join the Girls With Wings...we are here to help!
USAF Officer and Pilot
Hello! My name is Kimberly Russo and I live in NY
on Long Island. I was always fascinated with
flying and as far back as I can remember I looked
forward to the flight on every vacation as much
as the vacation itself! I even used to videotape
and take pictures out the window.
Hello! My name is Kimberly Russo and I live in NY
on Long Island. I was always fascinated with
flying and as far back as I can remember I looked
forward to the flight on every vacation as much
as the vacation itself! I even used to videotape
and take pictures out the window.
 |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
| Kim and her roommate. |
| Kim's parents pin on her 2LT rank. |
Wait for the video to load, and then watch Kim on her solo ride! Kim has
been training for her pilot's license and her instructor gave her the ok to fly
by herself May 26th, 2007. I'm so proud of her - as is her instructor, Paul, -
and listen to the tower controller say "Nice job, Kim!"
been training for her pilot's license and her instructor gave her the ok to fly
by herself May 26th, 2007. I'm so proud of her - as is her instructor, Paul, -
and listen to the tower controller say "Nice job, Kim!"
| Kim's platoon during the parade ceremony. |
| Lynda administering the Oath for the State of New York. |