Female Military Pioneer Running for Congress

By Elise Cooper

Colonel Martha McSally, a Republican candidate running for Gabby Giffords' former congressional seat, has an interesting and highly decorated past. In January 1995, she became the first woman in U.S. history to fly a combat aircraft into enemy territory when she flew her initial mission into Iraq to help enforce the United Nations' "no-fly zone." She was part of the team that helped plan and execute the U.S. air operations over Afghanistan shortly after 9/11. In July 2004, McSally took command of the 354th Fighter Squadron, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to command a combat aviation unit. While defending her country she has received numerous honors, including being recognized by the University of Arizona and "Women Who Lead," in addition to receiving the Tucson YWCA Women on the Move Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Center on Women in Policing. American Thinker interviewed her about her fascinating career and why she decided to run for the seat previously held by Congresswoman Giffords. Her no-nonsense attitude.... (Read Full Article)