Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Washington National Guard Pilot Fulfills Dream to Fly By Joseph Siemandel,
                Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard
 CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Catherine Trujillo had always dreamed of flying helicopters. At the age of 35, she thought she had missed her chance. “Along the way in life, I put my family ahead of my career. But when my youngest daughter turned 3, I was like, ‘OK, now what do I want to do when I grow up,’” said Trujillo. “I knew I wanted to be an aviator. I was told I was too old, but I kept asking and figured I will keep going until I get a hard no.” The U.S. Army requires warrant officer candidates interested in becoming pilots to be at least 18 but not yet 33 years old at the convening of the selection board. Waivers are considered for applicants with exceptional qualifications. With a background in logistics, military police and public affairs, Trujillo didn’t have the right background. But she wasn’t going to accept no as the final answer until she exhausted every avenue. “I kept hearing from others that I couldn’t, but I could not not try. I cannot have that regret later in life,” said Trujillo. The basic requirements for an aviation warrant officer beyond meeting the age limitations are to have any military occupation specialty, pass the Selection Instrument for Flight Training test, pass a Class 1A flying duty medical exam in accordance with Army Regulation 40-501 approved by the commander, U.S. Army Aeromedical Center, and meet all the background and physical, behavioral and vision tests. “I jumped over all these hurdles except the age waiver,” Trujillo said. “I was a 35-year-old person, and the cut-off is 32. And really, you want to be 31 when you walk through the door at Fort Rucker. That is what they want, and I was nowhere near that. But I kept getting yesses, so I went through the flight evaluation board and I was selected. They gave me the opportunity.” That was all she wanted. Trujillo went on to finish Warrant Officer Basic Course One, Flight School and Warrant Officer Basic Course Two at Fort Rucker in Alabama before returning to the Washington Army National Guard and joining Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation, at age 38 as a warrant officer, Black Hawk pilot. “You go through a number of courses at the beginning, but after being given tests and trusted that we know how the helicopter works, we were given the opportunity to fly in a Lakota,” said Trujillo. “I got my first solo flight in a Lakota.” After completing the basics and flying the Lakota, Trujillo began classes for her advanced airframe, the UH-60M Black Hawk, a much heavier helicopter than a Lakota. “I learned all the things I would need to know if I were to fly in, say, Afghanistan or Iraq,” said Trujillo. “It was a beautiful experience. I got to meet people I would have never met before. I got to make relationships and connections with people. I came out of there with my commercial pilot’s license. It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.” For Trujillo, fulfilling her dream was a lot of work. She is now sharing that journey with others who might be interested but who worry they’ve missed their chance. “You can fly. Don’t ever tell yourself that you can’t. Don’t ever tell yourself that you are disqualified,” said Trujillo. “Other people are going to tell you that enough. Don’t let yourself speak those words and I can tell you, yes you can. There is always a way.”
 SHARE
 PRINT
  Washington National Guard
 Black Hawk
 pilot
 
 Malaysia, Washington Guard Strengthen Partnership at Bersama Warrior 2024
 By Joseph Siemandel,
  Washington National Guardsman Reconnects with Palauan Roots
 By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena,
  Washington Guard, Malaysia Conduct Air Assault Exchange
 By Joseph Siemandel,
  More
 After 80th D-Day Commemoration, Hokanson Looks to Future Guard News • yesterday
 106th Rescue Wing Conducts Comprehensive Rescue Training Guard News • 3 days ago
 Oregon Air Guard Security Forces Squadron Trains in Hawai'i Guard News • 3 days ago
 Alaska Air Guard Rescue Triad Conducts Water Rescue Training Guard News • 3 days ago
 Wisconsin National Guard Brigade Begins Major Training Exercise Guard News • 3 days ago
 2024 (179)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil