Life as an airborne cryptologic linguist8/26/2023 ![]() ![]() “The military taught me the value of teamwork and the ability to work together with diverse people toward a common goal,” she said, adding that the fit seemed natural. She said her transition from a military career to the Forest Service was seamless. That helped her integrate smoothly into the military as the only female graduate from her section of the class of ‘84.Īfter serving nine years, Laub left the military in 1991 and now works as a budget officer on the Eldorado National Forest. ![]() Laub received an Air Force ROTC scholarship and graduated from College of the Holy Cross. In fact, encouragement came by way of a male mentor who told her to pursue Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships, so she did. ![]() She said she did not encounter major challenges as a woman aspiring to be a pilot. It wasn’t until the 1980s that rule changed, and Laub’s childhood fantasy came closer to reality. “Not just to look good in a uniform but to serve my country well while accomplishing my dreams and goals.”īut at the time, female pilots were not allowed. “That well-groomed and educated persona leapt from the television and caught my eye,” said Laub. “It was an incredible logistical feat involving thousands of airmen who turned deserts into landing strips, built cities overnight and provided air support to keep planes flying,” Laub said.Īs a child, Laub’s military inspiration came from watching the sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie.” Actor Larry Hagman’s debonair portrayal of an astronaut in uniform caught her eye. She flew C-141 cargo aircraft hauling troops and supplies between McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., and various sandy locations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. They pack a powerful purpose: to motivate, to inspire and to prepare soldiers for the challenges that lie ahead.įormer Air Force pilot Mary Laub touts serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as her most unforgettable experiences. While many civilians may think these slogans were cleverly crafted by advertising professionals, those that serve in the military understand their meaning and take these words to heart. As former airmen and soldier, they proudly served in the U.S. Three of the Forest Service’s finest can identify with each of these mantras. We’ve all heard catchy military slogans like Be All You Can Be, Get an Edge on Life and Aim High. ![]()
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