Major General Jeannie Leavitt’s career truly inspires many with her remarkable journey. As the U.S. Air Force’s first female fighter pilot and first female to command a U.S.A.F. combat fighter wing, it is no surprise she has motivated a generation of female service members and even served as an influence on Captain Marvel’s character in the Hollywood movie debut.
Her stories of trials and successes were a great start to the third module of our Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, when she stressed to the scholars that one of her greatest takeaways from her impressive career was that “sometimes you need to make them tell you no.”
A lesson she learned when she took a brave step out of her comfort zone to ask to pilot a fighter plane, even though at that time, women weren’t permitted to do so. She understood that she might not get the plane she wanted and deserved, but she kept asking, and in the end, helped reverse the policy known as the Risk Rule, which had restricted women from flying in combat missions until 1993. “You can’t eliminate fear,” she emphasized, “but it is important to develop the courage to overcome fear.”
For many scholars, these lessons act as a helpful guide for the important work they hope to do with their organizations. While their work can be complex, their main goal is always to make a meaningful difference for veterans, service members, and their families.
Maj. Gen. Leavitt’s encouragement resonated through the room even as she discussed tough times in her life, which many of these scholars could relate to. “It is not weak to ask for help,” she said, “it is smart.”
In addition to hearing from Maj. Gen. Leavitt, module three featured a full schedule. The scholars enjoyed visiting the National Medal of Honor Museum, where they reflected on the inspiring legacies of Medal of Honor recipients. They participated in thoughtful role-playing exercises with Keith Hennessey, the David Rubenstein Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute, to explore difficult decision-making. They also observed a moment of silence at the memorial exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. Additionally, they listened to Patrick Murphy, a former United States Under Secretary of the Army, who emphasized the importance of the responsibility we all share as American citizens to pay it forward.
Maj. Gen. Leavitt’s final advice, “Choose to empower yourself. Do not let your past define you. Focus on things you can control. Our situation and circumstances merely set the stage… our mindset, attitude and actions determine our path in life.” Her message of empowerment and opportunity in risk will resonate with the scholars as they work to make a positive impact for veterans and their families.
