Women Airforce Service Pilot celebrates 100th birthday at JBLM

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Naomi Shipley
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Dorothy Olsen, former Women Airforce Service Pilot, celebrated her 100th birthday at Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Washington, on July 10, 2016.

Olsen is a part of living, breathing military history and she’s a century worth of it.  

During World War II, Olsen flew fighter aircraft, her favorite being the P-51 Mustang, across the country to contribute to the war effort at home while male pilots were overseas fighting.

Olsen received a Congressional Gold Medal in March 2010 for her service during World War II.

At her birthday celebration, Olsen was accompanied by three fellows WASPs: Alta Thomas, Betty Dybbro and Mary Jean Sturdevant as well as their families, wing leadership and Olsen’s good friend, Debbie Jennings.

“I met her in 2003 when the Seattle Museum of Flight was opening their WASP exhibit, which I was in charge of developing,” said Jennings. “I’ve just went through the years with them [WASPs] as good friends, hearing their stories and it’s been so fun.”

Jennings was there when Olsen and 200 other female aviators received their Congressional Medal in 2010.

“Their accomplishments were superb,” Jennings said. “They flew every kind of aircraft that came off the assembly line. Unfortunately, a lot of people still don’t know what they did and I hope to change that. It’s a very small part of history that has never been told. It’s a really unique story that needs to be told.”

As for her description of Olsen’s personality Jennings said she is as feisty now as she was when they met.

“Dorothy is a hoot,” said Jennings. “And she’s very opinionated and will tell you what she’s thinking.”

Jennings worked with Carter Teeters, a local pilot, to coordinate a P-51 Mustang fly-by and static for Olsen at McChord Field for this event.

Olsen used to fly the aircraft and she said she loved it, so seeing the Mustang was a reunion of sorts. She expressed her excitement and gratitude with her smile.

“It’s such a beautiful plane,” said Olsen.

Lt. Col. Elizabeth Scott, 4th Airlift Squadron commander and C-17 pilot, shared her gratitude for Olsen and the other WASP’s service.

“Thank you ladies on behalf of all us female pilots for everything you’ve done to make it possible for us,” said Scott.