Rise Above: WASP

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Rise Above: WASP

CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP is dedicated to honoring the WASP of World War II for their courage and determination to serve our country. The CAF RISE ABOVE educational outreach program shares this story with others to inspire them to rise above their own obstacles. The program brings the remarkable history and legacy of the WASP to new audiences of all ages across the country to demonstrate that, in the face of any adversity, one can be successful if they respond to challenges with courage, intelligence and perseverance.

This group of heroic Americans exhibited tremendous bravery and determination in the face of many who felt women could not do what was then considered a man’s job. Despite the obstacles and disapproval of others, these women forged ahead and served with tremendous distinction in the U.S. Army Air Corp.

We invite you take a deeper dive to learn more about the remarkable WASP, and be inspired to tap into the ability within yourself to overcome barriers and find success.

Unless noted otherwise, archive images courtesy of The WASP Archive, The TWU Libraries’ Woman’s Collection, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas

The CAF WASP Squadron

In addition to CAF RISE ABOVE WASP, the CAF has a separate squadron that honors the WASP.

The Squadron operates the AT-6 “Nella”. She appears with the AirPower History Tour, WASP Homecoming, selected events, offers rides as well as training time for those qualified. The Squadron Education efforts involve classes as well as event appearances, following a specified Curriculum based on the SPUNKY guidelines for success.

For details of the CAF WASP Squadron, please visit: CAFWaspSquadron.org

WASP Profiles

Patricia Marie Jones Perry

Patricia Marie Jones Perry October 9, 1921 – February 5, 1995 Class: 43-W-8 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Gardner Army Air Base (Taft, Calif.) Planes flown: PT-19, BT-13, AT-6, PT-17 Patricia Marie Jones Perry was a member of the Women

Eileen Roach Kesti

Eileen Roach Kesti May 10, 1920 – September 4, 2001 Class: 43-W-4 Dates: February 16, 1943-August 7, 1943 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) and Houston Municipal Airport (Tex.) Number of Trainees: 152 trainees, 112 graduates On February 16, 1943, 76 trainees, half of

Jerrie P. Badger

Jerrie Phillips Badger Sep 28, 1921 – Jan 17, 2026 Class: 44-W-10 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Aloe Army Air Field (Victoria, Tex) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13 and AT-6 A beautiful and gracious woman, Jerrie Badger (nee Dorothy

Ann E. Cawley O’Connor

Ann E. Cawley O’Connor July 20, 1922 – September 20, 2009 Class: 44-W-7 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Stockton Army Air Base (Calif.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6, AT-11, UC-78 Ann was born in Orange, New Jersey

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