Several articles have recently highlighted the accomplishments of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, who flew a variety of non-combat roles during World War II with the goal of allowing men to deploy to war.  In July 2009, President Obama signed a bill awarding the group the Congressional Gold Medal for their accomplishments.  A few weeks ago more than 200 gathered for a presentation of the medal to the group.

What some may not realize is at least one WASP played an integral part in the early days of missionary aviation, including a direct role in the creation of Mission Aviation Fellowship.  The MAF was founded by US military pilots and has provided air transportation for humanitarian and missions needs to remote locations for decades.  Betty Greene, a former WASP, would eventually fly its first mission ferrying two Wycliffe workers to a remote location in Mexico in 1946 (as noted on the MAF’s history page).

The relationship among missions, aviation, and the military is a long and historical one.

Also at the MAF’s website.