LSU has become synonymous with excellence on the football field, and that extends to scores of alumni who are at the top of their respective fields, including Lt. Gen. Terry Walter Gabreski - the highest-ranking woman in the United States Air Force.

The daughter of Louisiana natives, Gabreski moved around frequently as a child of two USAF veterans, but when it came time for college, she knew she'd really be at home in Louisiana. Since graduating from LSU in 1973, she has spent the last 35 years climbing the Air Force’s ranks to her current position as vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command, or AFMC, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where she oversees research, development, test and evaluation, and provides acquisition management and logistics support necessary to keep Air Force weapon systems ready for the nation's defense.

Q: How do you feel your time at LSU helped to prepare you for your career in the Air Force?
There is great value and a direct relation between the kind of college education LSU gave me and being able to deal with the challenges of an Air Force career. For me, LSU opened doors of opportunity in many areas. I learned about trying new things, academically and personally. I learned about service and commitment by participating in a variety of organizations, including Delta Delta Delta sorority, Scotchguard, and student government. I learned about leadership as president of Herget Hall and of the LSU Delta Omega chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority. I also learned a lot about life, organization, goals and follow through-all of which have been tremendously helpful during my time with the Air Force.  

Q: Can you tell us more about what you do, day-to-day, for the Air Force?
I grew up in my Air Force career as an aircraft maintenance officer, repairing and servicing fighter aircraft and being "hands-on" engaged in the Air Force mission.

As an aircraft maintenance officer, I had the opportunity to lead hundreds of Airmen from the very beginning, be at the heart of flightline activities providing combat-ready aircraft to our pilots and our nation, and staying ready to fight and win our nation's wars. As I rose in rank, my responsibilities increased and expanded across other activities, to include supply, transportation, and logistics plans at the unit level as well as at higher headquarters. Later, this broadened into political and military work on the Joint Staff. I've had the opportunity to direct logistics for two major Air Force commands, and once during time of war during Operation Allied Force, I directed logistics support for that entire air war over Serbia. I've even had the opportunity to direct aircraft maintenance activities for the entire Air Force at the Pentagon. The Air Force has given me opportunities I could never have imagined.

Currently, as the vice commander for the AFMC, I share responsibility for leading approximately 75,000 people - active-duty service members as well as civilian employees. In that capacity, I help shape policy, procedures, training, discipline, and enforcement for all the competencies AFMC provides the Air Force and our nation: Leading-edge technology, research and development, developmental testing of USAF systems, acquisition of new systems, and maintenance of all Air Force aircraft and weapon systems.

Q: Do you have any words for current LSU students?
Treasure your time at LSU and take advantage of every last opportunity. At graduation, you'll look back and wonder where the time went, but the academics, lessons, and friendships - and LSU football - will be part of your fiber. These will form the basis of whatever you choose to do in life. Your destiny is in your own hands. Don't be afraid to think boldly about what you want to do in life, and always expect great things of yourself. Your college education at LSU will prepare you to achieve great things in whatever career you choose. Geaux Tigers!

 

Related links:

Department of Military Science: http://appl003.lsu.edu/artsci/milscience.nsf/index

Department of History: http://www.artsci.lsu.edu/hist/

United States Air Force: www.airforce.com