97 AMW loadmaster reflects on Women’s History Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jeremy Wentworth
  • 97 AMW/PA

In World War II the U.S. Air Force initiated the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. This program allowed women to fly aerial missions with the U.S. Air Force. While women were not given fighter positions at the time, they flew cargo planes in order to transport items for military operations.

Now more than 70 years later, many women carry on the traditions of the program. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Valerie Stephens, a loadmaster assigned to the 58th Airlift Squadron, finds herself as not only part of the future of female aviation, but someone who holds the future of it in her hands as an instructor.

“I work with female students all the time,” said Stephens. “They perform just as well as any of the men in training.”

In her time in the Air Force, Stephens has been able to participate in events all around the world.

“I’ve been to Papua, Dover, and Altus and I’ve set foot on every continent but Antarctica,” said Stephens. “I joined to serve the country and that’s what I’m doing.”

While Stephens appreciates many parts of her Air Force career, working with other countries stands out the most.

“My best memory was when I was in Australia and Hungary,” said Stephens. “I got to see different cultures. Seeing the backgrounds and the cultures and seeing how the U.S. was working with them really stood out to me.”

During those missions, Stephens had the ability to work with women from all over the world.

“We’re on the team, we work together in the military as men and women,” said Stephens. “That’s good, we accomplish the mission even though we have differences. Just another part of the team. The women I’ve worked with have always been true professionals.”

Stephens still travels in her current position, as she is a member of a traveling crew assigned to the 97th AMW. The C-17 Demonstration team travels around the world to showcase the abilities of both the aircraft and the crew.

Stephens has also used her time in the Air Force to better herself and is currently looking at her future options.

“I just got my psychology bachelors and have a private pilot license,” said Stephens. “I don’t know if I want to commission but it’s definitely a possibility,” said Stephens. “I know that I can do anything I set my mind to so I’m open for anything that comes my way.”

Stephens has one message to women who want to join the military.

“You can do great things,” said Stephens. “As long as you work hard and give it your all, you can be a vital member to the Air Force team. We need people who work hard. If you can do that, you’ll find your place here.”