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Gardiner Area High School in Maine recently hosted an assembly featuring members of the U.S. Air Force, designed to inspire and inform young women about careers in military service. The event, Facilitated by DistrictWON, was attended by female athletes from various sports teams, highlighted the opportunities, leadership potential, and diverse career paths that the Air Force offers.
Nate Stubbert, Athletic Director at Gardiner Area High School, expressed his enthusiasm for the assembly, emphasizing the value of exposing students to new opportunities.
“I think it’s extremely important for all of our student-athletes to be exposed to as many potential career options as possible,” Stubbert said. “The Air Force is probably a career path that many, if not all, of our female athletes have never thought about. Having them come into our school and speak with our students opens their eyes to the possibilities.”
The assembly aimed to dispel common stereotypes and misconceptions about military service, especially for women. Lt. Victoria Fairbanks, a Gold Bar Recruiter with the U.S. Air Force, shared her personal journey and insights. She noted that having more women in the military provides confidence and representation for others who might consider it.
“The most significant impact that the female recruiters had was that they were relatable,” Stubbert shared. “They shared the same interests for athletics that our female athletes do.”
This relatability, combined with the recruiters’ stories and experiences, helped inspire attendees to envision themselves in similar roles.
“They were most surprised by the fact that they could retire in their mid-30s,” Stubbert said, highlighting the unique benefits that military service can offer, such as early retirement, leadership development, and paid education opportunities. These perks were eye-opening for students who may not have previously considered such paths.
“The benefits for women joining the military are innumerable,” Fairbanks said. “Some of these include leadership development, character growth, a career, retirement, and health care.”
Fairbanks emphasized that while some roles in the military may be physically demanding, many positions do not pose significant risk, and women can indeed have families while serving. “Women can join the Air Force and have children,” she explained. “Not every job places an Airman on the front lines, and the Air Force’s mission is often more supportive than combat-focused.”
For female students contemplating a future in the military, Fairbanks offered words of encouragement:
“You can do it! Whatever doubts you have can be addressed—just apply and see what opportunities the military has to offer. Joining the Air Force was one of the best decisions I made.”
The assembly was a powerful opportunity for young women to see themselves as future leaders, in the military or beyond. The event reinforced the importance of exploring diverse career paths and finding the courage to pursue them.