America's First African American Female Combat Pilot Reflects on Military Career

Vernice Armour, America’s first African American female combat pilot, will present the keynote address during Ashford University’s graduation ceremony on Oct. 22.

Camp Pendleton Patch spoke with Armour, who is also known as “FlyGirl,” to learn more about her service, life after the military and her upcoming keynote address. 

Armour went from beat cop to U.S. Marine Corps combat pilot in three years. After completing two tours in Iraq, Armour transitioned from the military to launch her company, VAI Consulting and Training. She also authored Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter.

Ashford University’s fall graduation ceremony is expected to be the largest in the school's history with about 1,200 students planning to travel to Clinton, Iowa to receive their diplomas. The graduation ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at Ashford’s new athletic complex located at 1650 S. 14th St.

Patch: How does it feel to be the first African American female combat pilot?

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour: I am standing on many shoulders and have always felt a tremendous amount of responsibility for the role I am playing in modern history. It’s just a reality that many people were watching me to see how women perform in combat and under stress, among other things. I wasn’t the only one they were watching, but I knew I had an obligation to blaze a positive trail for others to follow. It’s interesting, now in the day and age of social media, it’s easy for people to reach out to me on Facebook and Twitter. How I feel about being the first and how I dealt with obstacles are two of the most asked about experiences. It wasn’t a walk in the park, as they say, but I learned a valuable lesson, which has become one of my most popular quotes: Acknowledge the obstacles, don't give them power.

Patch: What was the most difficult thing about being deployed?

Armour: The toughest part about being deployed was definitely being away from my family, friends and support network. There were many challenges to being in a combat zone and flying in combat. Sometimes you just wanted [a] shoulder to cry on or a cheering section to help you celebrate your victories. Another tough part was the feeling of Groundhog Day. Doing the same thing day in and day out without having days off was tough. But after a while you get into the routine. The bottom line is I was there with my brothers and sisters at arms to support each other and save the lives of the men and women on the ground. 

Patch: What is the message of your book, Zero to Breakthrough?

Armour: The simple message of the book is twofold. First, you need a 'Breakthrough Mentality.' The simple definition of a Breakthrough Mentality is refusing to settle, even in the smallest of moments, and demanding a breakthrough life or experience. They key is refusing to settle. The second is taking committed, consistent action following the flight plan you put in place and making adjustments to accomplish your goals when the inevitable challenges and obstacles pop up. In the book, I help people develop their Breakthrough Mentality mindset and flight plan for success in life and business. I am developing a free video series that goes along with the book that highlights the essential insights from each chapter, most importantly, how to re-attack with committed, consistent actions until they accomplish their goals. There are only two ways to succeed: the first time or again.

Patch: Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?

Armour: Honestly, I’m most proud of continuing to build on the legacy of all the servicemen and women who came before me, and my service as a United States Marine. They paved the way for me to achieve my goals, but more importantly, they paved the way for me to help countless others achieve theirs. America achieves her dream when we are reaching for ours. 

Patch: How does it feel to be selected to present the keynote address during Ashford University’s fall 2011 graduation ceremony?

Armour: I don’t take lightly being asked to deliver the keynote address to the 2011 graduating class of Ashford University. The men and women I will be addressing are our future leaders in government, corporate America—our nation. It is an honor to be asked to serve and contribute in this way.

Bonus Question

Patch: What advice do you have for Ashford University and other college graduates?

Armour: Some simple words of guidance for graduates all over our nation are create your “flight plan.” Figure out what and how you want to contribute your talent, skill and passion to the world around us—preferably doing something you love. My Granny always said, 'A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.'  Ask for what you want in life. Give yourself the permission to engage. Once you do that, you’re cleared hot!

To learn more about Armour and her book, visit vernicearmour.com