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AETC’s Torch Athena members to hold inaugural rally, fly-in Sept. 19-21

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Nadia K. Rossin
  • Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Office of Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas-- AETC members are planning the first Torch Athena Rally & Fly-In to be held Sept. 19-21, 2023.

The three-day event features an itinerary with guest speakers, to include Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, and culminates with a closer look at some of AETC’s aircrafts at Kelly Field in San Antonio.  The third day features the inclusion of youth from San Antonio school districts, in celebration of Girls in Aviation Day. 

Speakers’ topics include: current impacts on force diversity, leadership, female fitment, and family life in the military.

The goal of the event is to build camaraderie and outline critical issues that Torch Athena participants plan to conquer as part of the team, according to event organizers.

“I love that the MAJCOM (major command) is taking this initiative to give young females and males role models to look up to,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Danielle Downs, senior enlisted leader at Kirtland AFB, N.M and Torch Athena Rally Lead.

Torch Athena is a women’s initiative team, specific to AETC and their mission is to promote women’s empowerment by educating, inspiring and empowering the next generation. Athena initiatives have been established across other major commands including Air Combat Command’s Sword Athena and Air Mobility Command’s Reach Athena.

What can media expect during their time at the Torch Athena Girls in Aviation event?

  • Access to the flightline to interact with Airmen.
  • Interview opportunities with AETC leaders and guest speakers.
  • Speakers discussing topics to include diversity, empowerment and the future of aviation
  • Interviews with Torch Athena members and Air Force Recruiting Service leaders explaining their roles for interacting with the American public to highlight Air Force opportunities.

Media interested in attending the event should contact the AETC public affairs office at (210) 652-4400 or aetc.pao@us.af.mil, no later than Sept. 15, 2023.