Martha McSally is a fighter, a survivor, a leader, and a champion of never giving up. In DARE TO FLY, McSally shares inspiring life stories and timeless principles on how to overcome obstacles and adversity. She believes that none of us is born either courageous or afraid, but rather we all possess the ability to see opportunity in obstacles, cultivate inner resilience, and to succeed when others expect us to fail.
At age twelve, McSally was devastated by the sudden death of her father. His dying words, "make me proud,"became her motto, and she turned to them to inspire her to break barriers and overcome fear. She went on to excel at the Air Force Academy, and, despite initially being rejected for pilot training because she was too short, McSally become America's first female fighter pilot to fly a jet in combat and the first woman to command a combat fighter squadron. She flew 325 combat hours and rose to the rank of Colonel. And she did it while having to face friendly fire: sexism, harassment, and worse by her peers and even her commanders.
She fought for others too, in and out of the cockpit. As a young officer, McSally sued the Pentagon-and won-to free American servicewomen stationed in Saudi Arabia from archaic restrictions requiring them to travel fully veiled in traditional, black Muslim abayas, ride in the backseats of cars, and be treated more like property than valued service members. Determined to serve her country and to defy her detractors, McSally excelled in the Air Force andwas deployed six times to the to combat zones, earning the Bronze Star and six Air Medals.
After her retirement from active duty, McSally has continued to serve America, first in the House of Representatives, and now as a U.S. Senator from Arizona.
In DARE TO FLY, McSally shares deeply personal stories and gems of advice, such as: 'Do Things Afraid,' in which she recalls a white-knuckle, manual combat run in an Afghanistan canyon to rescue American troops unde fire after her plane's entire electronic targeting system failed. In 'Don't Hesitate to Call a Knock It Off,' she discusses mental health, suicide, and the devastating losses of friends and colleagues. In 'Thrive Through the Darkness' McSally shares deeply personal episodes of grief, abuse and assault, and how she found her own way through the darkness. In 'Thanksgiving in Botswana,' she shares uplifting stories of other pioneers and boundary-breakers. Throughout the book she delves into the importance of faith, family, perseverance, learning how to get yourself to the first water station, and more.
DARE TO FLY takes you into the cockpit and across the world with Martha McSally as your guide to discover your personal courage. Filled with candor and insight, readers will be inspired to break barriers, endure turbulence, thrive through darkness, and soar.
"Like the A-10 aircraft she flew in combat, retired colonel and fighter pilot Martha McSally is a gritty individual who loves our Air Force and personified its core values of excellence, integrity, and service before self,while standing up to make it a better institution for everyone who serves. How to be resolute, do the right thing, persevere, find gratitude, and learn compassion are just some of the lessons in her inspirational life story." -Ron FOGLEMAN, General (ret.), U.S. Air Force; former Air Force Chief of Staff
"I was honored to be in the very first group of US women military pilots as a World War II WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). I have known Martha McSally for decades, and am proud of how she has preserved and carried on our legacy. She is a fighter and leader who still serves our country. A woman who is as good as her word and gets things done. Congratulations Martha on your book and your life." -Nell Bright, WWII veteran, U.S. Airforce Service Pilot (WASP)
"Martha McSally paved the way for others, endured hardship, and exuded courage. The lessons she learned and the stories she shares are inspiring for anyone - in and out of the cockpit."-Heather Wilson, Captain (ret) U.S. Air Force, former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force
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