WAF era ends

Airman, Spring, 2006

The last of the remaining Women's Air Force members are retiring this spring. Airman sat down with one of them to discuss the legacy she's leaving behind.

It was love and family that brought Chief Master Sgt. Frances Shell into the Air Force.

"My spouse was in the Air Force and he loved being in the military and I soon learned an appreciation of military life."

The chief took advantage of the service's new acceptance of women, getting opportunities she wouldn't have been able to in the civilian world.

"I was over 25, female and 100 pounds--few law enforcement agencies seriously considered women during that time, and I admittedly brought little to the table in terms of special qualifications."

Despite her small stature, the Mississippi native started early trying to fight for equality among her fellow Airmen. She reflected on her first memory of realizing women were not in a separate service when she was sent on a deployment exercise.

"The organizers saw my name on the list and assumed Frances was a male. When I departed the C-130, the security forces commander told my team chief he did not plan for a female, and there would be no special accommodations made. For two weeks I lived and worked with 153 males in the field somewhere in Arkansas. I shared a two-man tent and worked and lived in a hooch with six other males when not in the field. It was a great experience. At the end of the exercise I received a standing 'O'--and I returned it to my very professional classmates."

Though Chief Shell viewed the transition from WAF to the Air Force as seamless, she feels the fight for equality in the services continues today. However, she's comforted by knowing that women are seen as a necessary asset to the service.

"One thing I know for sure, current leadership understands the need for women in our military--we bring a capability to the force," she said. "Over the years I saw that first hand in law enforcement and I am sure there are many other career fields where our skill is enhanced by our gender."

Thirty years later, the chief is proud of her accomplishments and very fortunate for her experiences.

"When I reflect on my career, I reflect on the Air Force, an institution that afforded me opportunity to learn so much, to experience things that few people even imagine and to be a part of the Air Force family--which like real families--nurtures, protects and grows you into a person any parent would be proud of."