USAF Basic Military Training Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas (1997)

The first combined BMT flight of women and men, enduring all aspects of training together (except sleeping arrangements), began training. Flight 323 W025, January 1997

I was able to sneak in a photo with my own camera while cleaning the “stairwell.”

MISSION: Motivate, Train, & Inspire the next generation of Airmen with the foundation to deliver 21st Century Airpower

VISION: Be the world’s unrivaled Basic Military Training institution

WHAT IS AN AIRMAN? Air Force Doctrine Document 1-1 defines “Airman” as “any U.S. Air Force member (officer or enlisted, active, reserve, or guard, along with Department of the Air Force civilians) who supports and defends the U.S. Constitution and serves our country. Air Force Airmen are those people who formally belong to the U.S. Air Force and employ or support some aspect of the US Air Force’s air and space power capabilities. An Airman is any person who understands and appreciates the full range of air and space power capabilities and can employ or support some aspect of air and space power capabilities.”

Source: Air Force Basic Military Training

After completing basic military training in Texas, Jennifer was bussed to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where she would get six months of training on Satellite and Wideband communication systems.

I didn’t invite anyone to my BMT graduation in San Antonio and I really felt it when everyone else’s family showed up. But nonetheless the training was done and it was a great accomplishment. I got quite a few letters and cards while I was going through the training and that really lifted my spirits. I couldn’t wait to have a drink and a cigarette given I was 24.

Jennifer’s father saved this newspaper clipping therefore we do not know which newspaper this was published in or when but we are assuming it was in The Bethel Citizen.

Jennifer graduates from basic training

San Antonio, Texas — Air Force Airman 1st Class Jennifer [Norris] has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

[Norris] is the daughter of ADC of Portland, and WRS of Dixfield.

The airman is a 1990 graduate of Telstar Regional High School, Bethel, and a 1994 graduate of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.