06/11/2026
Aviation moves forward when more people have the opportunity to participate, contribute, and lead. This , we celebrate a shared love of flight and the individuals who make the skies a more welcoming place.
Wings values respect, curiosity, and the exchange of ideas because they drive growth, innovation, and progress. Pictured above are aviators who broke barriers, championed others, and helped open the skies to more people and perspectives.
Helen James – Helen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952 during the early years of the Cold War. She served as a radio operator and later became a crew chief, earning the rank of Airman Second Class. In 1955, she was investigated because of her sexual orientation during the Lavender Scare, a time when the U.S. government removed employees who they suspected of being gay or le***an.
Robina Asti – Robina was a pilot, flight instructor, World War II veteran and advocates for transgender rights. She was active in the Ninety-Nines and in 2020, at age 99, Asti earned two Guinness World Records as the world's oldest active pilot and oldest active flight instructor.
Leonard Matlovich - A decorated Vietnam War veteran who earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. In 1975 he purposely outed himself to the Air Force to challenge the ban on gay service members.
We’re thankful for the many voices that make our community stronger this month and every month.
