JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas – Reserve instructor pilot Lt. Col. Daniela M. Martian, 43rd Flying Training Squadron, Columbus AFB, Miss., has been named the Air Force Reserve Command's 2021 Brigadier General Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award winner.
The award was created in honor of Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught for her outstanding service and dedication to the Air Force and the nation during her career and after her retirement. It is presented annually to Airmen from any career field or occupational series who exhibit the innovation, commitment and a selfless spirit of service to others that Vaught demonstrated and inspired in others, and whose personal, innovative efforts have inspired others and significantly improved the integration and opportunities for women in the Air Force.
As a leader, Martian was lauded as the first-ever 43rd FTS female operations officer; a role that increased her ability to mentor fellow aviators and staff members. A key member of the southeast region female Civil Air Patrol board, she also mentored 40 CAP cadets, empowering young women to pursue careers in aviation.
Her focus on innovative efforts to implement remote pilot training processes helped "rescue pilot production" and secure traditional Reservists' off-site participation, according to Lt. Col. Jason Barlow, 43rd FTS commander.
"Her aggressive work to advance student training through the pandemic was evident, and the result has been measurable in the number of student pilots we've been able to train and graduate," Barlow said.
Barlow calls Martian a "total force integration superstar" for her leadership as an Air Force officer in the regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Reserve.
"She is a senior leader in an industry that is less than 8 percent female," he said. "She continues to foster a culture of inclusiveness, mentoring squadron members and breaking down stereotypes. The result is visible in accountability and morale."
In addition to her commitment to service as a uniformed member, Martian is a commercial airline pilot who has helped empower and educate women in an under-represented aviation career field. “Her efforts will long be visible in the commercial industry,” Barlow said