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A Fighter Pilot Mom’s Journey to Congress: A Study in Resilience and Advocacy
Retired Lt. Col. Sarah Thompson, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, has a remarkable history as a combat pilot, having completed 89 missions targeting threats like Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Notably, she became the first woman to operate an F-18 in combat. Alongside her military career, she is also a dedicated mother to her children: five-year-old Lucy, three-year-old Max, and one-year-old Clara. Now, she has embarked on a new mission—running for Congress.
Thompson announced her candidacy with a powerful campaign advertisement that resonates with her determination. “At 12, I dreamed of flying fighter jets and landing on aircraft carriers, which I believed was the pinnacle of aviation,” she states. At 13, she reached out to her congressman to share her aspirations but was met with the discouraging response that women should be shielded from combat roles. “I never received a reply from my senator, Jack Rogers,” she adds.
Despite the initial setbacks, Thompson persisted by contacting all members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees to advocate for policy changes that would allow women to serve as fighter pilots. “I told them that if they met me, they’d see I was capable,” she recalls, although most responded with skepticism. Eventually, she gained admission to the Naval Academy, coinciding with a change in policy that opened doors for women in combat aviation.
Now, as a Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives in 2022, Thompson is challenging incumbent Congressman Bill Harris, who she labels as “a puppet of political elites” attempting to dismantle healthcare access for over a quarter million residents in her home state of Virginia. “Having witnessed my mother overcome polio and become a physician at a time when many believed she couldn’t, I understand the importance of fighting for healthcare,” Thompson states, drawing inspiration from her mother’s journey.
With her military background and personal experiences, Thompson aims to confront the entrenched politicians whose policies threaten the welfare of her constituents. After retiring from the Air Force in June, she felt compelled to enter public service. “We need fresh leadership that prioritizes the nation over party politics. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and strive to make a significant impact in Kentucky,” she explained.
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In summary, Sarah Thompson’s journey from combat pilot to congressional candidate exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to advocacy. Her experiences shape her mission to effect change and support her community in Virginia.