Some of the First Females in Life Support
Gina Noland is the first female (and African American female) to make CMSgt in life support, but who were some of the first females in the career field? I have been trying to answer that question for years. Most people think Nancy Smith is one of them. Nancy spent time at the tech school back in the late ’70’s/early ’80’s and confirmed during our 2003 reunion that she was among the first to enter the career field.
According to information received from MSgt Wildo, a former Aircrew Life Support Instructor at Sheppard AFB, a chronology from Chanute AFB indicates that in April 1973, A1C Vickie Stevens was the first WAF to earn the Life Support AFSC. The first female life supporter I saw was in 1973 at McGuire AFB, but I don’t remember her name. Think about the first time you saw a woman in life support and let me know if it was around or before 1973. I need to know her name and when and where you saw her.
First Female In Life Support
We now have documented proof of who the first woman in life support was. As suggested above, it is Vickie Stevenson. Don Bock sent in the following article.
Easter Bonnet
A1C Vickie Stevens tries on a flight helmet not really worn in the Easter parade but as part of the course she is attending. Airman Stevenson is the first woman to attend Chanute’s Aircrew Life Support Course. According to course officials, she is the first WAF in the career field. The airman is the distaff side of an Air Force team. Her husband is a jet engine mechanic at Eglin AFB, Fla., and talked her into signing up and getting into this career field. After her May 25 graduation, Airman Stevenson will join her spouse at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
“The above article was carried in the base newspaper, “Chanute This Week”, dated Friday, April 13, 1973. (Vol. 2, Number 4, page 14). The first female to enter the Aircrew Life Support career field was A1C Vickie Stevenson. Please note an apparent typo in the introductory sentence under the photo (i.e., “Stevens”). “Stevenson” is the actual name and is repeated twice in the follow-on information under the photo, and is also evident from her nametag,” said Don.
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