Martha McSally
| Martha McSally | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona's 2nd district |
|
|
Assumed office January 3, 2015 |
|
| Preceded by | Ron Barber |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
March 22, 1966 Warwick, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater |
United States Air Force Academy (BS) Harvard University (MPP) |
| Website | House website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1988–2010 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands | 354th Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars |
Operation Southern Watch Operation Allied Force Operation Enduring Freedom |
Martha McSally (born March 22, 1966) is a retired United States Air Force Colonel and politician who is currently a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives. She was the first American woman to fly in combat following the 1991 lifting of the prohibition of women in combat, flying the A-10 over Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Southern Watch. She is the first woman to command a USAF fighter squadron, the 354th Fighter Squadron (354 FS) based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
After her military career, McSally ran for Congress in her home district three times. She ran in the April 2012 Republican primary for the special election in Arizona's 8th district, but lost to Jesse Kelly. Months later, she began the first of two races as the Republican candidate in the same district (renumbered as the 2nd district after redistricting), facing off against incumbent Democrat Ron Barber both times. In 2012, she narrowly lost. But in 2014, following a recount, McSally was declared the winner on December 17, by a margin of 167 votes.
McSally was born in 1966 in Warwick, Rhode Island, the youngest of five children. In 1978, her father, Bernard, a lawyer, died of a heart attack. Her mother, Eleanor, worked as a reading specialist to support the family.
McSally graduated at the top of her class at St. Mary's Academy, Bayview in 1984. She earned an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 1988. She earned a Master's degree from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government following graduation from USAFA and then proceeded to pilot training. McSally was first in her class at the Air War College.
...
Wikipedia