Shaw's Col. Edmondson reflects on 20-plus years of service on Women's Armed Services Integration Act anniversary

On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act into law, marking a historic moment in United States military history. This legislation officially allowed women to serve as permanent members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and, at the time, newly established Air Force. This act was a pivotal step forward toward gender equality in the military. It laid a foundation for countless women to make their mark in ways previously unimaginable, fostering a legacy of service, leadership and sacrifice that inspired generations.

Recruitment initially was slow. In June 1950, only 3,200 women were on active duty. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense reported 228,966 active-duty women in the armed forces.

Seventy-six years after the signing of the act, its impact is reflected vividly in the bravery and commitment of women at Shaw Air Force Base - like Col. Angela Edmondson. Graciously fulfilling her roles as a mother to a son, 11, and daughter, 8, as well as a wife, she also serves as commander of the 20th Maintenance Group at Shaw. Her decades-long journey in the Air Force is filled with opportunities to learn more about herself, her country and how essential her service is, locally and nationally, from assignments to South Korea, Japan and across the United States to earning the Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among many other awards.

Hailing from Altoona, a small town in south-central Pennsylvania, Edmondson grew up with the desire to serve, although she didn't quite know what that entailed at the time. Watching old World War II movies with her dad played a significant role in shaping her desire. However, a pivotal moment for her came in 1993, when the Air Force lifted the prohibition on women serving as combat aviators. At age 13, young Edmondson realized the potential path available to her, and she was determined to pursue it.

Practical aspects, such as financial support for education, also influenced her decision, and 26 years ago this June, she started her journey at the Air Force Academy and, according to Edmondson, it was the best decision she ever made.

Like every decision we make, there are bound to be challenges. Many of Edmondson's challenges were not specific to her gender. The demands of leading airmen, managing resources and making critical decisions would be a challenge for any military officer. However, she acknowledges the unique challenges associated with being a woman in the service from balancing a dual-military household - her husband recently retiring from the Air Force - to navigating pregnancy and motherhood while active duty.

"When I was pregnant, there were places, things that I couldn't do in my job because they were dangerous for my baby," she said. "It was more personally challenging for me because I wanted to be where my airmen were, and I think I overcame that challenge by recognizing that there are some boundaries around what I can do; that just means I need to invest heavily in those other areas. Rather than look at what can't I do, focus on what could I do?"

This shift in mindset and push toward determination led to various fulfilling moments. Alongside the Air Force providing her the opportunity to travel and pursue an education - earning her bachelor's degree and multiple graduate degrees - she also gained experience in leadership. The chance to lead a diverse group of airmen - though it didn't seem so in the beginning - was an opportunity unlike any other.

"To lead the largest group on base, somewhere between 1,800 to 2,000 people, I think there are definitely days where I sit down and pinch myself and say, 'I can't believe they actually let me do this,'" Edmondson expressed, heartfelt emotions settling in her words. "I think women have always been capable of doing things, and we've progressed as a society and as a department. The smartest thing we can do is to allow the most capable people to do the jobs that we need them to do. I think that that opportunity to meet my potential, regardless of what my agenda is, is the opportunity that I am most grateful for."

There have been many women, in all capacities, who have paved a way for Edmondson to do what she has, is and will continue to do throughout her career.

Her determination to show up for her crew and herself day in and day out will hopefully have the same impact on the next generation of armed service members as it had on her, from single mothers to new divorcees to blissfully single women and many more.

"Leading is not about being in charge; leading is about influence. It doesn't matter what rank you hold … you have the power to influence [those] around you and the environment around you," Edmondson said. "I think that's the message I'd like to leave with young women is that you don't give up that power to anyone else; you have the power to make it better."