First African American Woman To Fly For The U.S. Coast Guard.

Lt. J.G. La'Shanda Holmes Getting Pinned

She is the first African American woman to ever fly helicopters for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Lt. J.G. La'Shanda Holmes is the pride of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Holmes is a success story from the foster care system; she grew up in with more than a dozen siblings.
"I didn't grow up with a silver spoon and it wasn't perfect for me," says the young pioneer.
The 25-year-old pilot works on search and rescue missions in southern California, and inspires others through her work. 

Photo courtesy of Holmes family.

"I am the most junior pilot here, I have a lot to learn," says Holmes, indicating that she has new barriers to break and challenges to overcome. Los Angeles is Holmes' first duty station and was in fact, her first choice. Her pioneer status was highlighted in JET magazine. Out of 1,200 pilots in the Coast Guard, only 85 are female. Colleagues believe that Holmes will serve as an inspiration for other young women.

 Photo courtesy of Holmes family.

“I know I’m the first, but nothing has sunk in yet. People may have expectations, but for me, mainly, it is about taking on responsibility and knowing I have something to prove [as a pilot]. I just want to keep flying well and working hard to make my community, family and sisters proud of me.”

"If you don't put a limit in what you want out of life, and you just keep dreaming and going for things anything is possible."

(U.S. Navy photo by Ens. Ryan Trespalacios)

 
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