KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — In 1970, the percentage of women serving on active duty in the Armed Forces was about two percent and their roles were limited. During her time in the service, Leslie Phillips had several unique jobs.
Air Force Airman Leslie Phillips began a six-year tour of duty in December 1969.
“It was a great day. We were finally done,” said Phillips about her graduation at Lackland Air Force Base. “I got to go home on leave the next day.”
She joined because there wasn’t much to do at her home in rural Oregon at the time. Her father had served in the Navy before World War II.
“He taught us that we owe America, that America doesn’t owe us anything. And, that we need to serve,” said Phillips.
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Women in the Air Force were called WAFS 55 years ago. Back then, their roles were very limited in the Air Force.
“No woman on the flight line. No women in the maintenance departments and stuff like that. There weren’t any female pilots or anything like that back then. We have come a long way,” said Phillips.