14 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The military is a crucial asset to the United States, and so is a female airman at McConnell Air Force Base.
“I have big shoes to fill for females that want to join the Air Force or become a Raven for security forces,” Staff Sergeant Amanda Estores said.
Sgt. Estores is the first female Raven at McConnell. She provides security for aircraft.
“Whenever we go to austere environments or just environments that are even more built up as far as security, helping out with the aircraft loadmasters when they’re taking off equipment or just going on those missions with the teams,” Sgt. Estores said.
She went through four weeks of rigorous training to become a Raven.
“To me, it kinda just means I was able to push through a lot of obstacles to get to where I’m at now,” Sgt. Estores said.
One of her supervisors says Sgt. Estores has exactly what it takes to do this job.
“She’s the tip of the spear. She stands out amongst all her peers, and she has proven time and time again that she is the right person for this job,” Master Sgt. Jacob Frierdich said.
From her perspective, Sgt. Estores sees the job as a challenge, but one she is up for.
“For females there’s not a shortfall of things that you can do. Like anything men can do, there’s a saying that women can also do. And for the military, we’re always pushing those boundaries,” Sgt. Estores said.