Academy supt. honored as ALA Woman of the Year

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Academy's Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson received the 2014 American Legion Auxiliary Woman of the Year Award Aug. 29 during the ALA National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.

Johnson, the 30th recipient, was recognized for her positive impact on the lives of service members and their families, and for exemplifying ALA values and ideals - upholding strong personal integrity and family values and providing truthful open communication in dealing with the public and ALA members, according to award guidelines.

"General Johnson's work throughout her military career aligns perfectly with the mission and programs of the American Legion Auxiliary," ALA National President Nancy Brown-Park said in an ALA news release. "She exemplifies the best of America's military and it is an honor to recognize her as the American Legion Auxiliary 2014 Woman of the Year."

During the luncheon, Johnson spoke to ALA national officers on her eye-opening opportunities through ALA and far-reaching career in the Air Force. She said her involvement in the Iowa Girls State program during high school was transformational.

"Sometimes we don't recognize opportunity when it knocks," she said. "I was so caught up in the program that I ran for governor and didn't win. This was one of my first big reinforcements of the notion that success is not the absence of failure."

Although Johnson lost the race, she was able to attend ALA's Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, when a joint Boys and Girls Nation session was held in Washington, D.C.

"This was a breakout opportunity, as it was my first airline trip and first exposure to other students from across the U.S." she said.

In 1965, President Gerald Ford signed a legislation allowing women to attend federal military service academies, enabling Johnson to attend the Academy in 1977. She was a part of the second coeducational class here consisting of 12 percent women among 4,440 cadets.

"This was an object lesson in perseverance," she said. "Also key in my career progression was the English Parliament changes to Cecil Rhodes scholarship requirements that year, allowing women to be Rhodes Scholars. I was in the first wave of the change which was eye opening."

Johnson, the first woman to lead the Academy, told attendees she is honored to serve a hybrid-role as superintendent here.

"This military academy term 'superintendent' is a mix of a college president and military commander," she said. "It is our responsibility at the Academy to graduate leaders of character for our Air Force and nation. I want to assure you that we are committed to our nation and the core values of our Air Force: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. I am holding my staff and our entire Academy accountable for enhancing our culture of commitment to those core values and our climate of respect for all."

Johnson thanked the ALA for caring about developing youth into good citizens and generously giving of their time, talent and resources.

"Thank you for launching me on this journey that has taken me beyond my ken as a teenager in Spencer, Iowa, to being here with you today, relying on the lessons of a lifetime to face the today's challenges."