A great piece. 31 years of service, flew AF H-3s and finished teaching at the National War College. Taught combative to first cadre of women at the USAFA. SecDef is a fucking idiot and so is the president. Keep fighting and know many support you.
Thank you for this! I, too, was so angry when I heard Trump & friends blaming “DEI” for the crash. I may be quoting you in the future -“a penis is not necessary to fly a Blackhawk”—nor is it necessary for many other activities as well. Well stated!
I am not in your field, but I cannot count the number of times some man has ignored me to talk to my co-worker (even though I was the boss) or insisted that I needed help backing up my RV (something that a penis is definitely not needed for).
😆😆 Can confirm that a penis is definitely not needed when reversing a caravan. We (two women) have a caravan here in Australia and it gives us wings when men stop what they're doing to watch us reverse the van into tricky positions in a single, smooth arc. No thanks. Don't need your advice, men.
What a fantastic read. I’ve had friends and acquaintances that were in the military…..some women and some male. Only a few made derogatory remarks. And only once because I called them out. My daughter was in the military and my son-in-law. I have great respect for our service members. I also know some allow the power to go to their heads and not to their brain. With trump all women are “less than” when it comes to competence and leadership. HE IS A MAN - where is the leadership and competence in him??? We need to replace him with a woman….!
Thank you LNathan for the compliments and support. And 100% agree it was time for women in power generations ago and the failures of men who were never qualified for the positions of power they hold is tearing our country apart. We must keep fighting for change.
Well Done! The National Guardsman doesn’t know the first thing about struggle and working twice as hard. That weight is a burden to us marginalized. These culture war pussies think that hanging out with our juiced up spec ops operators will give them some credibility. They are the last ones to get cred from. They live in a different, closed off space with unlimited money and hazardous missions and training. They’re highly motivated, highly skilled stone cold laser focused killers. That is their job and I am grateful for them until they start giving us their closed minded political opinions. Amy I salute your resilience. Enjoy putting that sauna together.💪🏾🫡❤️
No explanation necessary. All honest, decent women (and men) know what you say is true. The current circus in DC merits no credibility. Especially the tiny weeny secdef
@Amy Martin, this breakdown is so necessary. Not just because of the expertise you bring in analyzing the accident itself, but because no one else is doing it. While mainstream media drowns in state-sanctioned narratives, different perspectives like yours are the only way to cut through the fog and bring actual clarity.
What you highlight isn’t just about aviation—it’s about power, control, and the relentless attempt to erase those who don’t fit the old mold. The weaponization of this tragedy to push an anti-women agenda isn’t just dishonest, it’s dangerous. You name what so many of us already know: competence has no gender. Gravity doesn’t check what’s between your legs before deciding whether or not to pull you down.
The real weakness isn’t diversity—it’s the fragile egos of those who can’t handle it. And as you said, the military, like any institution, is made strong not by exclusion, but by those who stand up, speak out, and refuse to let people like Hegseth and Trump rewrite reality.
Thank you for your voice. It matters more than ever.
Jay this is probably one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received on something I’ve written. Thank you so much! This just fuels me to keep on fighting.
Amy, that makes me so happy, and I’m feeling joy with you! You should be fueled—your voice is powerful, necessary, and cutting through where others stay silent. Keep fighting, keep writing, and know that there are people who see exactly what you’re doing and stand with you, even if they aren’t able or willing to express it.
That seems to be part of the general culture of disengagement shaped by “classic” social media—where interaction is reduced to a like, maybe a short comment if there’s time. But that’s not what communication was designed to be. Real engagement, real exchange, is what makes a difference. And you are making one.
Thank you for your commentary on how hard a woman has to work to do a “man’s” job. You reminded me that in so many professions a woman has to do the Ginger Rogers balancing act ( do the exact dance as her male partner but backwards & in heels). I am a retired general surgeon who completed my training in 1983 in a program that was a notorious pyramid. I had hoped that misogyny would be a thing of the past by now. I keep getting proven wrong.
Virginia, I keep hoping misogyny will die out as well but it just keeps resurging. Same with racism. Humans can be so disappointing, but I believe talking about it can help bring people to the light. .
My daughter is retired Army and a veteran of Iraq. She works at the EPA and may lose her job if President Musk has his way. She would completely understand what you’ve struggled with over the lack of a dick.
.P Asbury, I’m so sorry to hear your daughter is in the crosshairs of this administration. I’m hearing from many people who are in similar situations just trying to do their jobs in much needed positions being cut just to cripple our nation.
Thank you for calling them out even if you named no one, they know who they are. I was in the Navy, late 70s. I was trying to become a CT, but since those jobs were all aboard ship, I didn't qualify at the time. Now my daughter is an IS2 and deployed on the Carl Vinson. I couldn't be more proud, third generation Navy.
This well written piece emanates clarity and integrity. As do your responses to comments. We need this approach in this moment more broadly, as rabid emotions, name calling, hate, dehumanization or ‘othering’ just keeps citizens apart which is the intention. Thank you for your service and your seasoned perspective on a heart-wrenching tragedy co-opted for cruel propaganda.
Wonderfully written!!! Thank you for your service to our country and so very very sorry you’re not held in the high esteem you deserve…..there’s just no excuse!
Thank you for your service. Women are still devalued and attacked without consequences. The media helps to propel this agenda. It’s disgusting and disgraceful. Appreciate your explanation about the tragedy on the Potomac. May the travelers and service members rest in peace. 🙏🏼
A great piece. 31 years of service, flew AF H-3s and finished teaching at the National War College. Taught combative to first cadre of women at the USAFA. SecDef is a fucking idiot and so is the president. Keep fighting and know many support you.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! We all need to keep fighting and keep supporting each other.
66 yo white cis hetero Army Vet hillbilly here. Fuck Hegseth your post is spot-on.
Thanks Taras.
Thank you for this! I, too, was so angry when I heard Trump & friends blaming “DEI” for the crash. I may be quoting you in the future -“a penis is not necessary to fly a Blackhawk”—nor is it necessary for many other activities as well. Well stated!
I am not in your field, but I cannot count the number of times some man has ignored me to talk to my co-worker (even though I was the boss) or insisted that I needed help backing up my RV (something that a penis is definitely not needed for).
Stay strong, sister!
Thank you so much Connie for your kind words and support. I’m glad I’m not alone in my anger. It gives me hope.
😆😆 Can confirm that a penis is definitely not needed when reversing a caravan. We (two women) have a caravan here in Australia and it gives us wings when men stop what they're doing to watch us reverse the van into tricky positions in a single, smooth arc. No thanks. Don't need your advice, men.
Love this CarlaH. Keep reversing with grace and skill. Great job!
I do it so much better than my husband. We know our shit:)
Blocking you and reported you.
me too
Thank you. We all know a troll when we see one.
Me too
Same. Stupid troll.
It is always amazing that women must withstand so much abuse and humiliation to still be called weak, while it breaks so many men.
In the River we remember by Krueger, Charlies says that when confronted men shatter like rock where women remain flexible
Oh I love this.
Ann I couldn’t agree more.
What a fantastic read. I’ve had friends and acquaintances that were in the military…..some women and some male. Only a few made derogatory remarks. And only once because I called them out. My daughter was in the military and my son-in-law. I have great respect for our service members. I also know some allow the power to go to their heads and not to their brain. With trump all women are “less than” when it comes to competence and leadership. HE IS A MAN - where is the leadership and competence in him??? We need to replace him with a woman….!
Thank you LNathan for the compliments and support. And 100% agree it was time for women in power generations ago and the failures of men who were never qualified for the positions of power they hold is tearing our country apart. We must keep fighting for change.
I can see Hegseth read this and order the installation of penis keyholes on all military craft…
Oh I can also see that happening.
Well Done! The National Guardsman doesn’t know the first thing about struggle and working twice as hard. That weight is a burden to us marginalized. These culture war pussies think that hanging out with our juiced up spec ops operators will give them some credibility. They are the last ones to get cred from. They live in a different, closed off space with unlimited money and hazardous missions and training. They’re highly motivated, highly skilled stone cold laser focused killers. That is their job and I am grateful for them until they start giving us their closed minded political opinions. Amy I salute your resilience. Enjoy putting that sauna together.💪🏾🫡❤️
Than you Lawrence and thank you for your support. Let’s keep up the fight together!
Damn you dumb. I didn’t understand a damn thing you said. Take a deep breath and retype it. Please no acronyms.
MAGA troll. 🤣🤣🤣
No explanation necessary. All honest, decent women (and men) know what you say is true. The current circus in DC merits no credibility. Especially the tiny weeny secdef
Amen, Amy. I used to teach basic and advanced instruments at Ft Rucker and know well how that world was. Hats off to you, sister!
Thanks Helinka. And good to meet you.
If you ever get to New Mexico, I’d love to host you.
Thank you I’d love that. What part of Mexico?
Albuquerque!
Oh NEW mexico. I totally misread. And yes that would be lovely thank you.
Likewise!
@Amy Martin, this breakdown is so necessary. Not just because of the expertise you bring in analyzing the accident itself, but because no one else is doing it. While mainstream media drowns in state-sanctioned narratives, different perspectives like yours are the only way to cut through the fog and bring actual clarity.
What you highlight isn’t just about aviation—it’s about power, control, and the relentless attempt to erase those who don’t fit the old mold. The weaponization of this tragedy to push an anti-women agenda isn’t just dishonest, it’s dangerous. You name what so many of us already know: competence has no gender. Gravity doesn’t check what’s between your legs before deciding whether or not to pull you down.
The real weakness isn’t diversity—it’s the fragile egos of those who can’t handle it. And as you said, the military, like any institution, is made strong not by exclusion, but by those who stand up, speak out, and refuse to let people like Hegseth and Trump rewrite reality.
Thank you for your voice. It matters more than ever.
Jay this is probably one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received on something I’ve written. Thank you so much! This just fuels me to keep on fighting.
Amy, that makes me so happy, and I’m feeling joy with you! You should be fueled—your voice is powerful, necessary, and cutting through where others stay silent. Keep fighting, keep writing, and know that there are people who see exactly what you’re doing and stand with you, even if they aren’t able or willing to express it.
That seems to be part of the general culture of disengagement shaped by “classic” social media—where interaction is reduced to a like, maybe a short comment if there’s time. But that’s not what communication was designed to be. Real engagement, real exchange, is what makes a difference. And you are making one.
Thank you and I’m now subscribed to you as well. I can see you’re someone to collaborate with for sure.
Thank you for that Amy. I appreciate you for each word and beyond.
So well said.
The real weakness is inside those who push others down. They can only feel strong when trampling on others.
Thanks Laurie.
I appreciate you, Laurie. Thank you.
Thank you for your commentary on how hard a woman has to work to do a “man’s” job. You reminded me that in so many professions a woman has to do the Ginger Rogers balancing act ( do the exact dance as her male partner but backwards & in heels). I am a retired general surgeon who completed my training in 1983 in a program that was a notorious pyramid. I had hoped that misogyny would be a thing of the past by now. I keep getting proven wrong.
Virginia, I keep hoping misogyny will die out as well but it just keeps resurging. Same with racism. Humans can be so disappointing, but I believe talking about it can help bring people to the light. .
My daughter is retired Army and a veteran of Iraq. She works at the EPA and may lose her job if President Musk has his way. She would completely understand what you’ve struggled with over the lack of a dick.
.P Asbury, I’m so sorry to hear your daughter is in the crosshairs of this administration. I’m hearing from many people who are in similar situations just trying to do their jobs in much needed positions being cut just to cripple our nation.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays out!
Thank you for calling them out even if you named no one, they know who they are. I was in the Navy, late 70s. I was trying to become a CT, but since those jobs were all aboard ship, I didn't qualify at the time. Now my daughter is an IS2 and deployed on the Carl Vinson. I couldn't be more proud, third generation Navy.
Thank you Alyce. And it does feel like progress when we see the next generation with more rights. I’m proud of her with you!
This well written piece emanates clarity and integrity. As do your responses to comments. We need this approach in this moment more broadly, as rabid emotions, name calling, hate, dehumanization or ‘othering’ just keeps citizens apart which is the intention. Thank you for your service and your seasoned perspective on a heart-wrenching tragedy co-opted for cruel propaganda.
Thank you Deb, I appreciate your comments and support. Let’s all fight this together.
Wonderfully written!!! Thank you for your service to our country and so very very sorry you’re not held in the high esteem you deserve…..there’s just no excuse!
Thank you so much for your support Michael.
Thank you for your service. Women are still devalued and attacked without consequences. The media helps to propel this agenda. It’s disgusting and disgraceful. Appreciate your explanation about the tragedy on the Potomac. May the travelers and service members rest in peace. 🙏🏼
Thank you Melinda.