Kudos to Captain Shannon Lippert of the United States Air Force, of the 336th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. She is the latest winner of the American Fighter Aces Association's Francis S. Gabreski Award, and the first-ever woman to win this recognition as a top fighter pilot.Captain Lippert joins a pantheon of excellence. Fighter pilots must combine a high order of physical conditioning with intelligence, quick response time, and of course bravery, among other demanding qualities.  All this honed to a fine edge with personal disipline. Congratulations to a warrior who protects us all.Hat tip: Dennis Sevakis (Read Full Post)