Military Service

I grew up in Sacramento, CA, and graduated from Mira Loma High School.

I graduated from CSU, Sacramento with a degree in Economics.

In 1979, I joined the US Air Force and was one of the first civilian women selected for Pilot Training. As a lieutenant, I earned my wings in 1981, and was assigned to the Strategic Air Command flying the KC-135 StratoTanker.

After 7 years on Active Duty, as a captain, I joined the Air Force Reserves, at Mather AFB, Rancho Cordova, CA. In 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, I volunteered to deploy to Saudi Arabia to fly air refueling missions in support of Desert Shield.

In January, 1991, my squadron was activated and I flew missions as an Aircraft Commander during the Gulf War, known as Desert Storm. It was the first time in US history that women were allowed to fly combat missions.

My military awards include:

  • Air Force Commendation Medal
  • Combat Readiness Medal
  • Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze service stars
  • the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and
  • Air Force Reserves Meritorious Service Medal.

Serving the Community

For the last 33 years, I have been flying for Delta Air Lines. I have 2 sons in college and was recently widowed. I have been serving my community as President of Mission Oaks North Neighborhood Association for the past 10 years.

I was actively involved in my son's schools, volunteering in their classrooms with math, reading, science projects, driving on field trips and chaperoning at school events.

I also belong to several service organizations:

Currently I serve on the Board of Directors for the Sacramento Taxpayers Association and the California Aerospace Museum and I am running for the California Assembly, District 6 which covers Downtown Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Natomas, Antelope and South Sacramento.