Be Unbreakable: Lessons from America's First Female Fighter Jet Commander

Join Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) for our next D'Aniello Speaker Series where we will hear from Martha McSally, First U.S. woman to fly an Air Force fighter jet in combat and command a fighter squadron; U.S. Senator and Representative (2015-2020); Author.
Colonel McSally will speak on her experience overcoming adversity and fear to succeed. In this inspiring session, Colonel McSally will share her journey of overcoming adversity and fear to achieve success. Gain powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and courage as she reflects on her groundbreaking career and the lessons that shaped her path.

Date

Thursday, April 10th

3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

L ocation

Syracuse University

Daniel & Gayle D'Aniello Building

National Veterans Resource Center

K.G. Tan Auditorium

101 Waverly Ave. Syracuse, NY. 13244

Event Details

This event will be in-person only and live stream will not be available. Please join us for a reception in the Bisignano Grand Hall immediately following the program.

Parking
Parking is available at University Ave North and South open lots (Across from University Ave Garage) or Harrison lot.

RSVP

RSVP by Monday, April 7, 2025.

Questions?

For questions, please email [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!

About Col. Martha McSally, USAF (Ret.)

Colonel (Ret.) Martha E. McSally is a pioneering combat-proven leader, inspiring speaker, and celebrated author. Overcoming the loss of her father at 12 and surviving sexual abuse, she became the first U.S. woman to fly an Air Force fighter jet in combat and command a fighter squadron. During her 26-year military career, she deployed six times, flew 325 combat hours, and earned the Bronze Star and six Air Medals. McSally was a key leader in planning initial air operations in Afghanistan post-9/11 and helped establish U.S. Africa Command. She fought an 8-year battle against discriminatory policies towards servicewomen and won. McSally holds advanced degrees from Harvard and the Air War College and served in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. An accomplished athlete, she has completed marathons, triathlons, and summited major peaks. She authored "Dare to Fly," motivating readers to overcome fear and adversity.

Host or Publisher Institute for Veterans and Military Families