Central Oregon Veterans to Discuss New Book on Women’s Air Force Academy Trailblazers
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Local authors have released a new book titled “Necessary Turbulence,” featuring more than 100 personal stories from female U.S. Air Force cadets.
The collection spans five decades, tracing history back to when the Air Force first began accepting women. It contains the stories of 108 female cadets who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Through the personal accounts, the book explores themes of authentic leadership, courage and making a difference. Beyond capturing military history, the collection presents stories of women learning important life lessons during their time in service.
Lt. Col. Lisa Christensen is one of the many co-authors of “Necessary Turbulence.” She says the
book captures more than just military history and presents the stories women learning important life lessons.
“This is a human story. It is the story of people persevering and having goals and finding their dreams,” Christensen said. “It is not just a military history story, although that's embedded in it. When each of us showed up and did our job, it changed the Air Force and it changed history and it changed the world. But this story is for everyone.”
Roundabout Books will host a panel discussion featuring the contributing authors of the book
The event takes place on Tuesday, November 11th, at Roundabout Books & Cafe located at 900 NW Mt. Washington Dr. Suite #110, Bend, OR 97703.
Tickets for the panel event are $5 for general admission or included with the purchase of a book.
The panel features five academy graduates from classes spanning 1991 to 2006. Featured speakers include retired Lt. Col. Carlene Perry, retired Lt. Col. Torree McGowan of the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, retired Lt. Col. Lisa (Jorgensen) Christensen, U.S. Air Force veteran Capt. Kristin (Hamlett) Berg and retired Lt. Col. MaxieJane Frazier.
During their military service, the panelists worked in roles as doctors, professors and pilots. They currently live in Central Oregon, serving as community leaders and volunteers in medicine, consultancy, higher education, commercial aviation and nonprofit work.
The narrative chronicles how women navigated environments where expectations were initially unclear and institutional systems were not designed for female cadets. The book traces their experiences handling pressure, establishing authority and carrying commitments into post-military leadership.
