Jet Girl

by Caroline Johnson

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served our country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I.

But then World War II and the Korean War were fought, so on June 1, 1954, at the urging of veterans service organizations, Congress changed the word “armistice” to “veterans” so the day would honor American veterans of all wars.

World War I was a multinational effort, so our allies also celebrate their veterans on Nov. 11. The name of the day and the types of commemorations differ, however.

Canada and Australia both call Nov. 11 “Remembrance Day.” Canada’s observance is pretty similar to our own, except many of its citizens wear red poppy flowers to honor their war dead. In Australia, the day is more akin to our Memorial Day.

Great Britain calls it “Remembrance Day,” too, but observes it on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11 with parades, services and two minutes of silence in London to honor those who lost their lives in war.

Salute and honor the veterans you know by thanking them and flying your flag.

Add something special to show your gratitude: 

a special treat, helping their families, sharing their stories,

 or volunteering for the many community services that aid veterans.

Released on November 5, 2019. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. 

A fresh, unique insider’s view of what it’s like to be a woman aviator in today’s US Navy―from pedicures to parachutes, friendship to firefights. 

Not just a memoir, this book also aims to change the conversation and to inspire and attract the next generation of men and women who are tempted to explore a life of adventure and service.

JENA’S REVIEW

Jet Girl: My Life in War, Peace, and the Cockpit of the Navy’s Most Lethal Aircraft by Caroline Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“My Life in War, Peace, and the Cockpit of the Navy’s Most Lethal Aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet” reads the subtitle of this powerful memoir by a young American hero. She truly believed the sky was not the limit, but the start of her dream job, serving her country.

For all her extraordinary skills and accomplishments, she presents herself as a down-to-earth, fun young woman. Her openness and eager enthusiasm makes for an engaging and relatable story. Except very few people could relate to what she’s accomplished- succeeding at every goal she set for herself in a demanding environment.

Her story begins in June, 2005, when she enters the United States Naval Academy. Every few chapters, the story skips a few years, switching to the times encompassing her training, and her years on active duty. This time sequence was easy to follow, but a chronological progression of her story would have been just as effective.

When Caroline Johnson graduated from the Navy Academy, she entered the rigorous flight school training and then was selected to join the prestigious Blacklion squadron. She deployed on the USS George H.W. Bush to Afghanistan and Iraq for 9 months. This is a massive warship, over 1,000 feet long, with 90 airplanes and helicopters. She was the Weapon Systems Officer and flew in the Super Hornet. Her descriptions of this plane that can go 500 mph, as she took off and landed on the ship-Tailhook!-and as she flew over the Taliban and ISIS are incredibly exciting.

Author Johnson shares the everyday details of her life, contrasted with detailed military stories, which gives us a broad picture of what it was like for her during school, training and deployments. Many of her school and training experiences were arduous and difficult and took great focus and determination. She was very driven to succeed, she always aimed to be #1, yet she she also enjoyed hanging with her girl friends.

She was fully committed to her mission and believed that the evil of ISIS had to be stopped. However, when she returned home, she experienced a difficult time. She gives us much to think about as to how the military can better support women and I commend her for doing her part to make improvements.

I always try to thank military members when I see them, and I thank Caroline Johnson for her dedicated and committed performance and for sharing her military life in a book that is even more exciting than Top Gun.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

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