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

Eileen Wright Ferguson

Eileen Wright Ferguson September 11, 1920 – December 10, 2014 Class: 44-W-7 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6, AT-10 Assigned bases: Columbus Army Air Field (Miss.) Eileen Elizabeth Wright, daughter of Joicie Fay Wilson (Wright)

Virginia S. Bradley Gough

Virginia S. Bradley Gough October 28, 1922 – May 22, 2013 Class: 44-W-7 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6 Assigned bases: Williams Army Air Base (Chandler, Ariz.) “Don’t ever put limits on your dreams.

Virginia Lee Jowell Hagerstrom

Virginia “Virgie” Lee Jowell Hagerstrom December 12, 1920 – May 28, 2015 Class: 43-W-4 Training Location: Houston Municipal Airport (Tex.) and Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: AT-6, B-24, C-47, PT-17 Assigned bases: Romulus Army Air Base (Mich.) “Outside my

Mildred Jane Baessler Doyle

Mildred Jane Baessler Doyle October 13, 1921 – February 1, 2019 Class: 44-W-4 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, B-13, AT-6, AT-10 Assigned bases: Freeman Army Air Field (Seymour, Ind.) Mildred “Jane” (Baessler) Doyle attended what was

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