Sometimes the path to a military career isn’t straightforward. And that is what happened in Elizabeth’s journey to becoming an Air Force Public Affairs Officer. Elizabeth had dreams that began when she was young watching her dad fly in the Air Force. She applied to the Air Force Academy but didn’t get in and instead went to the Naval Academy. But there was a twist in her senior year when she applied to cross commission in the Air Force and was selected to be in the Air Force. And since she was an English major they picked the career field of Public Affairs for her career.
Air Force Public Affairs Officer
Elizabeth began her career at Patrick Air Force Base in 2002. It was the early stages of the relaunch of the space industry and she was able to see how things were changing and worked to help craft the narrative around Space. She learned so much at her first job and the importance of being an Air Force Public Affairs Officer and how her role played a critical role in helping the general public and congress understand the work happening within the Air Force.
Next, she had the opportunity to go to Langley and was on the team helping to highlight the Air Force’s newest jet (at the time) the F-22. She learned a lot in that opportunity about writing to the right audience since they had to work for the general public, Congress, the Pentagon, and other specific interests. After that opportunity, she applied and was selected to be part of the Air Force Thunderbirds team. She worked to highlight the work they were doing and worked with the first two females to serve as pilots for the Thunderbird team. Nicole Malachowski (Fifi) was the first female Thunderbird pilot and Samantha Weeks (Cobra) was the first solo demonstration pilot.
Transitioning to the National Guard
She was supposed to deploy at the end of her Thunderbird assignment but it was canceled. She decided to switch from active duty to National Guard. The National Guard gave her the flexibility to continue to serve while also building out her civilian career. While in the Gaurd, she deployed to Afghanistan. She met her husband while in DC and they were quickly married and soon after had children. They agreed to stay in the DC area as long as possible. And recently she was offered a dream job in Florida. She and her husband discussed the opportunity and although he had to switch roles they decided to follow this new path. Because of the move, she is in the process of continuing her service with the AF Reserve in her new location.
Networking is key
Throughout the interview, Elizabeth mentioned mentors and her network. She utilized the connections she has built over her career to not only find new positions but also relying on the advice of others to help her through her career. She recommends women utilize LinkedIn to find women veterans they can reach out to learn about the military. And you can always connect with me or check out my free girls guide to the military to learn more about joining the military.
Mentioned in this episode:
Later Greater Moms Facebook Page
Cohen Veterans Network
Episode 137: Finding Mental Health Services for Veterans
Space resources:
Space X, Spaceship, Starlink, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos
Marcus House – Space YouTube Channel
Related episodes:
From the Navy to the Air Force – Episode 15
Attending the Naval Academy Prep School – Episode 76
When Public Affairs Changed – Episode 67
Do you want to support Women of the Military?? Check out my Patreon site and become a monthly supporter!!!
Are you interested in becoming a sponsor for the Women of the Military Podcast? Check out my sponsorship package here.
Great interview, although I’m biased as a huge EKB fan! One tidbit for future posts and interviews though…there is no AF “Reserves”…we are the AF Reserve! Small, but REAL struggle to educate!
Maggie
I never knew that. Thanks for letting me know. I updated it on the blog post.