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.

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a Wishing Well WASP 2017

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.

WASP Resource Kit

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

Suzanne U. DeLano Parish

Suzanne U. DeLano Parish November 13, 1922 – May 12, 2010 Class: 44-W-6 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6 Assigned bases: Bryan Army Air Base (Tex.) Parish was born in New York City, the daughter of

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Marion J. Mackey DeGregorio

Marion J. Mackey DeGregorio September 21, 1913 – August 17, 2008 Class: 43-W-1 Training Location: Houston Municipal Airport (Tex.) Planes flown: BT-13 and PT-19 Assigned bases: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Del.) In 1943, DeGregorio was in the first

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M. Allaire Bennett

Madeleine Allaire Bennett February 15, 1918 – August 3, 2001 Class: 43-W-7 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, AT-6, B-25 Bases assigned: Mather Army Air Base (Sacramento, Calif.)  and March Army Air Base (Riverside, Calif.) A native

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Etta Mae Hollinger Grasso

Etta Mae “Holly” Hollinger Grasso November 7, 1921 – March 9, 2014 Class: 44-W-5 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6 Assigned bases: Foster Army Air Field (Victoria, Tex.) As a young woman, Holly worked for

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