Fight Like A Girl
These next two women and twin sisters are flat out heroes. Between Cara and Danielle Pozun, they have served multiple tours with the Air Force over seas, including three tours in Afghanistan. Danielle graduated from the Air Force Academy, and Cara graduated from West Chester University. Both are currently Captains in the Air Force. I don't know that I can accurately put into words how strong these two women are which is saying quite a bit as I really enjoy words. While I complain about planking for a minute, they are running full marathons in gear with weighted bags. While I get annoyed by the lack of respect given to the comma, they are fighting for our country and human rights. They give me a great deal of perspective. I am and will always be grateful for the sacrifices they make. The sacrifices they and their family make are significant, and I am sincerely in awe of both of them. Let's talk about what it really means to fight like a girl.
What was the first thing you wanted to be when you were a child?
Danielle: I wanted to be a doctor or chef in the Army.
Cara: I think I wanted to be a scientist in 5th grade. I really liked my teacher and actually enjoyed science. Those feelings went away quickly as I realized all of the science genes went to my brother, Zach. I enjoy the science of the human body and topics such as Anatomy and Physiology, but I can’t comprehend the concepts of chemistry. Anyways, I wanted to be a scientist and then there was a long period of time when I wanted to be an actress which also went away when I realized I couldn’t act!!
What made you get into the Air Force? Your bravery and athleticism astounds me. I know how many marathons you do. I tried to do half of your workout one day with you, and I could barely climb stairs for a week after that. I suspect I would make it two minutes in the Air Force. Maybe less.
Danielle: When I was about 8 or 9, my cousin Joe commissioned in the Army and became a Green Beret. I wanted to be just like him. Then, after going to the Air and Space Museum in D.C, I decided I was going to join the Air Force.
Cara: You would make it in the Air Force! I think I always wanted to be in the military. I wasn’t sure it what capacity, but I knew it was a good fit for me. I think that had to do a lot with my cousin Joe, who would have Danielle and I grab on his legs as he did pull-ups from a tree. He wrote me a letter when he was in basic, and I clearly remember seeing military time in the corner and it was really interesting to hear his stories. Danielle always wanted to go to the Academy, so she talked to me. In between my first and second semester of college, I decided to apply to an Air Force ROTC unit and join the Air Force.
What are your goals now?
Danielle: In June, I will switch to the Marine Corps, and my goal is to be an expert at my job and take care of my Marines. After the military, I plan to start a n0n-profit organization helping at-risk teenagers.
Cara: I’d like to continue to further my education and get a master’s degree, and I want to keep running marathons and ultra marathons. My 2015 goal is to run the Arkansas Traveller 100 mile race here in the Ouachita National Forest. I’ve also been taking Shanty to dog school and she’s about to start the Good Citizen Class. My goal (andDanielle’s) is to get her certified as a therapy dog. They have opportunities for her to be a therapy dog at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and there’s a program called “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” that helps children who have difficulty reading. Basically, they read to a dog because dogs are nonjudgemental so they feel more comfortable!
What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
Danielle: I struggled with eating issues for years. It took me a long time to realize that the number on the scale doesn't make me any more or less of the person I want to be. I've learned to be more compassionate and forgiving toward my body.
Cara: Going through Undergraduate Pilot Training was a huge challenge for me. Very rewarding, but very challenging. We were always reminded by our instructors that we were only three flights away from being washed out of the program. It was really hard to manage my time with the mass amount of things I had to study and regurgitate and then go demonstrate in the airplane. Most of the time, I felt like I was treading water, which is what they expected from us, but it was a challenge. I’m glad it’s over. :)
Who are some of your female role models?
Danielle: I worked for a a female General who led the entire Libyan Air Campaign in 2011. For months, she survived on 2-3 hours of sleep per night and sometimes slept in her office. She was under a significant amount of pressure from the President and government, but she always remained calm and thought through every decision. In the midst of this, she still managed to tell us every day that she was proud to be our commander and proud of our efforts. She was the first female to lead a large-scale campaign, but never faltered.
Cara: Definitely the females in my family… my mom, Danielle, you. At work, I’ve been lucky to have a mentor who is a few years older than me and is my “go-to” for a lot of advice. I think there are a lot of very strong women in the world right now. Athletes, politicians, teachers, doctors, etc. Women who are using their talents to better the world and society.
What advice would you give to a 13 year old girl?
Danielle: Don't be afraid to fail. Remember that your life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Step outside what you're used to and reach for your deepest desires. There will always be people who tell you that you can't do something...forget about them. Listen to the people who tell you that no matter the obstacle, you are strong enough, smart enough, and good enough to achieve greatness. And finally, "Think Global. Act Local." You don't have to find the cure for cancer to change the world. Start small. Use your talents and do what makes you come alive.
Cara: I would tell her to ultimately love herself, accept her flaws, and embrace who she truly is. I would encourage her to find things that make her happy and pursue them. I think there are a lot of strong young women out there to follow as role models, and it’s a good time to be a 13 year old girl. The “glass ceilings” are being shattered by women who don’t agree with society’s expectations of women and I think it’s an exciting time in history for women to follow their dreams!
Since Cara and Danielle were exceedingly humble in their answers, let me say that I can't even imagine the courage and dedication it takes to do their jobs. Moreover, they both take the time to volunteer despite having very busy schedules. I'd like to thank them for all they do.
Next week, we will hear from Susie Meister who has a PhD in religious studies. Known from her days on MTV's Road Rules and The Challenge, Susie now hosts one of my favorite podcasts in addition to working on writing her first book.
What was the first thing you wanted to be when you were a child?
Danielle: I wanted to be a doctor or chef in the Army.
Cara: I think I wanted to be a scientist in 5th grade. I really liked my teacher and actually enjoyed science. Those feelings went away quickly as I realized all of the science genes went to my brother, Zach. I enjoy the science of the human body and topics such as Anatomy and Physiology, but I can’t comprehend the concepts of chemistry. Anyways, I wanted to be a scientist and then there was a long period of time when I wanted to be an actress which also went away when I realized I couldn’t act!!
What made you get into the Air Force? Your bravery and athleticism astounds me. I know how many marathons you do. I tried to do half of your workout one day with you, and I could barely climb stairs for a week after that. I suspect I would make it two minutes in the Air Force. Maybe less.
Danielle: When I was about 8 or 9, my cousin Joe commissioned in the Army and became a Green Beret. I wanted to be just like him. Then, after going to the Air and Space Museum in D.C, I decided I was going to join the Air Force.
Cara: You would make it in the Air Force! I think I always wanted to be in the military. I wasn’t sure it what capacity, but I knew it was a good fit for me. I think that had to do a lot with my cousin Joe, who would have Danielle and I grab on his legs as he did pull-ups from a tree. He wrote me a letter when he was in basic, and I clearly remember seeing military time in the corner and it was really interesting to hear his stories. Danielle always wanted to go to the Academy, so she talked to me. In between my first and second semester of college, I decided to apply to an Air Force ROTC unit and join the Air Force.
What are your goals now?
Danielle: In June, I will switch to the Marine Corps, and my goal is to be an expert at my job and take care of my Marines. After the military, I plan to start a n0n-profit organization helping at-risk teenagers.
Cara: I’d like to continue to further my education and get a master’s degree, and I want to keep running marathons and ultra marathons. My 2015 goal is to run the Arkansas Traveller 100 mile race here in the Ouachita National Forest. I’ve also been taking Shanty to dog school and she’s about to start the Good Citizen Class. My goal (andDanielle’s) is to get her certified as a therapy dog. They have opportunities for her to be a therapy dog at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and there’s a program called “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” that helps children who have difficulty reading. Basically, they read to a dog because dogs are nonjudgemental so they feel more comfortable!
What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
Danielle: I struggled with eating issues for years. It took me a long time to realize that the number on the scale doesn't make me any more or less of the person I want to be. I've learned to be more compassionate and forgiving toward my body.
Cara: Going through Undergraduate Pilot Training was a huge challenge for me. Very rewarding, but very challenging. We were always reminded by our instructors that we were only three flights away from being washed out of the program. It was really hard to manage my time with the mass amount of things I had to study and regurgitate and then go demonstrate in the airplane. Most of the time, I felt like I was treading water, which is what they expected from us, but it was a challenge. I’m glad it’s over. :)
Who are some of your female role models?
Danielle: I worked for a a female General who led the entire Libyan Air Campaign in 2011. For months, she survived on 2-3 hours of sleep per night and sometimes slept in her office. She was under a significant amount of pressure from the President and government, but she always remained calm and thought through every decision. In the midst of this, she still managed to tell us every day that she was proud to be our commander and proud of our efforts. She was the first female to lead a large-scale campaign, but never faltered.
Cara: Definitely the females in my family… my mom, Danielle, you. At work, I’ve been lucky to have a mentor who is a few years older than me and is my “go-to” for a lot of advice. I think there are a lot of very strong women in the world right now. Athletes, politicians, teachers, doctors, etc. Women who are using their talents to better the world and society.
What advice would you give to a 13 year old girl?
Danielle: Don't be afraid to fail. Remember that your life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Step outside what you're used to and reach for your deepest desires. There will always be people who tell you that you can't do something...forget about them. Listen to the people who tell you that no matter the obstacle, you are strong enough, smart enough, and good enough to achieve greatness. And finally, "Think Global. Act Local." You don't have to find the cure for cancer to change the world. Start small. Use your talents and do what makes you come alive.
Cara: I would tell her to ultimately love herself, accept her flaws, and embrace who she truly is. I would encourage her to find things that make her happy and pursue them. I think there are a lot of strong young women out there to follow as role models, and it’s a good time to be a 13 year old girl. The “glass ceilings” are being shattered by women who don’t agree with society’s expectations of women and I think it’s an exciting time in history for women to follow their dreams!
Since Cara and Danielle were exceedingly humble in their answers, let me say that I can't even imagine the courage and dedication it takes to do their jobs. Moreover, they both take the time to volunteer despite having very busy schedules. I'd like to thank them for all they do.
Next week, we will hear from Susie Meister who has a PhD in religious studies. Known from her days on MTV's Road Rules and The Challenge, Susie now hosts one of my favorite podcasts in addition to working on writing her first book.
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