Embassy applauds Airmen for founding Iraqi Women in Aviation chapter

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria
  • 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq/Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq
BAGHDAD --  The U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a reception to honor and recognize the efforts of Horizon East Jan. 7 here.

Horizon East, the Iraq chapter of the non-profit organization Women in Aviation, was started by female pilots deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The organization is working to inspire, empower and educate the women of Iraq for success in all aviation related careers.

Several of the founders for the Iraqi chapter including, 1st Lt. Chrystina Short, a C-130 Hercules pilot from the 777th Expeditionary Aircraft Squadron and the Horizon East president, made the 42-mile journey from Balad to the embassy to attend the reception. The reception was a chance for Horizon East members to interact with current Iraqi aviation leaders.

"While the event was limited in attendance by the embassy facility, the inspirational message we delivered went out all over Iraq through the media, reaching thousands of Iraqi women," Lieutenant Short said.

According to the lieutenant, the reception was the culmination of four months of effort in Iraq, and it gave them a chance to promote the visibility of women's potential to contribute in the aviation industry and highlight the increasing opportunities in Iraq's civilian and military sector.

"We thought we were coming here to inspire them, but it was really the Iraqi women who inspired us with their courage and determination," said Capt. Dana Parker, a C-130 and MC-12 pilot from the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron.

Ambassador Jeanine Jackson, a management counselor, mentioned in her opening remarks of the reception the importance of networking and connecting professional Iraqi and American women together.

"In aviation and in life women support one another -- professionally and personally," she said. "We hope that we have supported you by bringing you together today."

Horizon East was founded in September 2010 and officially gained provisional chapter status in November. The chapter has worked to increase the awareness of the Iraqi women's ability to contribute to the aviation industry.

"Our biggest success has been creating this important dialogue which will continue the encouragement of women in these fields," Lieutenant Short said. "We have also educated the women on their opportunities in an industry they may not have considered."

Horizon East has worked with the State Department, Department of Transportation, Iraqi Ministry of Transportation, Iraqi and U.S. militaries, aviation corporations and the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority as well as the general public to spread that message.

"Members of Horizon East are collaborating with Iraqi nationals in a number of initiatives to include spending time mentoring local Iraqi children and encouraging them to follow their dreams into the skies," Lieutenant Short said.

The chapter members started an Iraqi network of female aviation professionals and men who support them, so they can network with each and encourage those around them who are interested in these careers.

"With their intelligence, hard work and desire to improve their community, these women are a boundless resource for their country and fellow Iraqis," said 2nd Lt. Lila McClintoc, a maintenance officer from the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The WAI organization provides more than $500,000 in scholarships annually and, due to Horizon East's initial outreach efforts, several Iraqi women have already applied for some of them.

"Our goal is to see the Iraqis take ownership of this chapter now that they are connected to the international network of WAI and have access to the resources, information, and scholarships," Lieutenant Short said.

As security continues to improve in Iraq, the country is rebuilding both its civilian and military aviation sectors. Now that all legal restrictions on women in aviation careers have been removed, Iraqi women now have opportunities to excel in this field, and Horizon East is working to make that a reality.

"We want to effectively outline paths to aviation careers and encourage Iraqi women to seek them," Lieutenant Short said. "By engaging women here, we improve American-Iraqi ties, counter terrorist recruitment efforts and strengthen Iraqi capabilities. Even if only a few women enter the industry, they alone become powerful role models and resources for their community."