The contributions to aviation history of retired Air Force Reserve Col. Kathy Cosand were celebrated March 18, with the unveiling of a fine art oil painting of her at the Women in Aviation International Conference in Nashville.
"I am so honored to be part of this historical moment with the unveiling of Col. Kathy Rambo Cosand's portrait today," said Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander of U.S. Transportation Command. "In 1976, the U.S. Air Force opened pilot training to women. After maxing out the score for the pilot exam, Kathy was accepted as the only Reservist in the first class of pilot-trained women in the U.S. Air Force. She has been shattering glass ever since."
During her 30 years serving as a reserve Airman, Cosand achieved many firsts to include being the first woman to fly the C-141 Starlifter, to be awarded the Air Medal, to attend aircraft commander training, and to receive a waiver to fly during her pregnancy.
"In her 40 plus years of flying, both for the military and as a civilian, Col. Kathy Cosand has empowered and encouraged the next generation of women aviators — and to her, we say thank you," Van Ovost said.
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