LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia –
Some say leaders are born. Others may say leaders are made. Regardless of how one may look at it, one thing’s for sure -- leaders unselfishly motivate and encourage others to always do their very best.
Tech. Sgt. Kathy V. Shaw has been quietly leading by example for 13 years in the Air Force.
Throughout her career she has always remained humble and loyal to her team mates. She is the epitome of a real life G.I. Jane. While deployed to Iraq, she made history as the first female in the Air Force to lead a tactical combat convoy as a convoy commander.
While under her command, her convoy came under hostile fire during a routine mission.
The Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP) promotee was about to face one of the most horrendous and unforgettable experiences of her life and prove why she earned that stripe. Not only was she filling a role that an Army officer normally performs, but she was about to unknowingly prove to everyone her miraculous strength -- mentally and physically.
As her convoy came under attack, Sergeant Shaw displayed courage and vigilance by her quick actions and decisive thinking. Her spirituality, training and experience were her guidance as she helped rescue a fellow Airman.
“I could not ask for better leadership, without her I probably would not be here,” said Senior Airman John Chege, 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron. “It’s one of those things you hold very high and dear to your heart. She was an awesome boss to work for in protocol as well as during the deployment. Her professionalism remains high and is always above standards.”
She has remained very humble throughout her trying ordeal, relying heavily on her faith.
“I am really not the bragging or show boat type,” Sergeant Shaw said. “I would do more to get someone else the recognition they deserve than to stick my chest out on my accomplishments. The whole experience in Iraq was a deep spiritual one. My strength was not just my own. My demeanor and an outsider’s first impression is that of a quite, meek individual; however when its time to perform then it is on! I can bark with the big dogs!”
She was awarded a Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service as a convoy commander and squad leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. Sergeant Shaw displayed the utmost professionalism throughout the deployment. Her strong focus on mission accomplishment, along with her caring attitude towards the Airmen in her squad was paramount to the company’s overall success.
She handled the most stressful situations with steadfast calmness, directing the actions of those around her swiftly and accurately.
Sergeant Shaw said her role as one of the first commanders of a convoy is an indicator of the changes happening throughout the military.
“This is a big step for the Air Force as we go into the new Fit to Fight concept and a change of the times because female are being more accepted into the combat role and are no longer hidden or left behind.”
Sergeant Shaw said that in past wars, the contributions of women were often overlooked.
“In the past, there were many women, which are starting to get their recognition after many years for there part that they had in the past wars,” she explained. “Some women in the past Civil Wars even went as far as to change their image so that they could pass as a man to fight for what we believed in.”
She went on to say that women will see more combat in the future.
“Though Americans really still do not want their women or ‘future mothers’ to be put in combat situations, there are women steadily making history, showing that they can do their art as well to serve their country,” she said. “We can shed the same blood, sweat and tears to fight for something that they believe in. This vision has become more and more apparent in the Air Force.”
Sergeant Shaw said she hoped people’s perspectives will change as time goes by.
“The acceptance might be the hurdle for some of the old school way of thinking,” she said. “I have seen accomplishments within the past few months on the Air Force Link that females are showing what they can do in support of the War on Terrorism.”