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Women Veterans Program Quarterly Newsletter March-May 2024
Oklahoma Woman Veteran in the Spotlight, meetBrandi Rector
Brandi Rector's remarkable journey from the heartland of Indiana to the forefront of the aviation industry embodies a narrative of resilience, groundbreaking achievement, and exemplary leadership. Her career arc, from serving with distinction in the Marine Corps to establishing the first female veteran-owned helicopter flight school in the country, Semper Fly Helicopters, illustrates not just personal triumph but also a steadfast commitment to innovation and service.
Brandi's tenure in the Marine Corps commenced in 2008, where she excelled as an aerial gunner and helicopter mechanic/quality assurance specialist on the CH53E, culminating in 2014 after two impactful deployments. This foundation of discipline, expertise, and leadership in high-pressure environments seamlessly transitioned into her civilian career. After her military service, Brandi briefly contributed to Sikorsky, enriching her aerospace knowledge, before pursuing her true passion for flying.
Determined to soar to new heights, Brandi embarked on an educational and professional quest that led her to Saint Louis University. There, she not only pursued a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics but also graduated magna cum laude, a testament to her dedication and intellectual prowess. Balancing her rigorous academic schedule, Brandi simultaneously honed her practical skills as an A&P mechanic for Trans States Airlines and achieved her Certified Flight Instrument Instructor rating through Midwest Helicopter.
Brandi's journey took a pivotal turn upon her selection by Customs and Border Protection as an air enforcement agent, further solidifying her role in safeguarding the nation. However, the subsequent loss of her father to cancer marked a period of the darkest period of her life, facing homelessness and a profound search for purpose. Demonstrating unwavering resilience, Brandi emerged from this adversity to join General Atomics as a sensor operator on UAVs. Yet, the unpredictability of life struck again with a layoff during the COVID pandemic, propelling her towards achieving a master’s degree in Applied Intelligence from Georgetown University.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, Brandi’s path led her to Texas alongside her partner, Michael Sanford. February 2021 marked a significant milestone as they acquired Skyhunter Outfitters. However, Brandi’s entrepreneurial spirit soared beyond this venture. Brandi and Mike envisioned and brought to life Semper Fly Helicopters in the summer of 2023, not just as another business, but as a beacon of innovation and education in the aviation sector.
Semper Fly Helicopters stands as a testament to Brandi's visionary leadership and commitment to breaking new ground. As Oklahoma's first helicopter flight school attached to a university, and notably the country's first female veteran-owned flight school, Semper Fly Helicopters is pioneering a path for the next generation of aviators. This initiative not only bridges academia and industry but also embodies Brandi’s dedication to empowering individuals through education and opportunity.
Today, Brandi Rector is celebrated not merely for her achievements but as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and transformative leadership. Her journey from the military to the pinnacle of the aviation education sector continues to inspire, underscoring the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream and the profound impact of turning those dreams into reality.
Brandi Rector - USMC Veteran
Trailblazer, Veteran, and Visionary in Aviation
Oklahoma Woman Veteran in the Spotlight, meetLaRue Guoladdle
United States Army 10 yrs. – United States Army Reserves Retired
LaRue went to basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in November 1988. Advanced Training as a 31L – Wire Systems Installer, was at Ft. Gordon, Georgia. Her 1st Duty Station was with the 7th Signal Brigade at Mannheim Germany. They extended her tour due to Desert Storm. At that time her unit spent time on guard duty for Coleman Barracks. She then went to the Big Red One at Ft. Riley, Kansas with Charlie Company, 121st Signal Battalion. She then went overseas to Korea with the 307th Signal Battalion and went back stateside to the 40th Signal Battalion at Ft Huachuca, Arizona. She served a total of 10 years on active duty.
Ten years later she re-enlisted with the Army Reserves as a 92F – Petroleum Specialist or Fueler. She was with the 910th Quartermaster, out of Ada, Oklahoma. As of March 2022, she is officially out of the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently working with the Kiowa Tribe as the Director of the Tribes Veterans Office, she also is an accredited Service Officer representative and will be able to process claims for her fellow native military brothers and sisters. The office currently assists all veterans, their spouses with VA claims in the lower SW Oklahoma area. This also includes ride to appointments, funerals, participating in all military events and supporting all veterans. Future endeavors include a homeless shelter as well as establishing a safe environment for Veterans with PTSD.
LaRue Guoladdle - US Army Reserves Retired
VETERANS JOB CLUBApril 10th, 2024 12:30 pm – Workshop2:30 pm – Employer IntrosFor more information, contact Casi Martin, Northeast Area Manager.405-764-4721 | Casi.Martin@oesc.ok.govEMPLOYERS ATTENDING INCLUDE:Tulsa Teachers Credit UnionTulsa TransitNOV: Global Energy ServicesMeet with employers one-on-one for employment opportunities and networking. Come dressed ready to interview, with copies of your resume on hand.Event is open to active or transitioning service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, and spouses.Oklahoma Works14002 E. 21st St, Suite 825Tulsa, OK 74134Please register using the QR Code or athttps://www.eventcreate.com/e/vet-job-club-tulsa02
The recent enactment of SB1215 has removed the July 1, 2023, deadline for any 100% permanently disabled veterans or their surviving spouses to be eligible for their annual Sales Tax Exemption *if previously registered and denied by OTC *Some Veterans & Surviving Spouses Will Be Mailed Their New Cards Automatically! No Further Action If: • Veteran and/or surviving spouse submitted registry verification letters to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC), but were denied new Exemption Cards because they missed the registration deadline of July 1, 2023. • Veteran and/or surviving spouse filed a protest or requested a hearing in response to the denial letter for new Exemption Cards. To Register: • To register with the Oklahoma Veterans Registry, please visit: https://registry.odva.ok.gov/registration • Once registered, to request your Sales Tax Exemp-tion Letter, please visit: www.oklahomaveteransregistry.com Submissions for processing with OTC can be made via mail, electronically on OKTap, or in-person at the Taxpayer Resource Center. Mail to: Oklahoma Tax Commission Attn: Registration Oklahoma City, OK 73194 OKTap: https://oktap.tax.ok.gov/oktap/Web/_/ Taxpayer Resource Center: 300 N Broadway Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Senate Bill 1215 Talking Points
OKC VA HealthCare SystemVeterans Coffee Socials enhance communication and foster bonds amongVeterans, Service Members, their families/caregivers and supporters in thecommunity. They are a place to meet friends, find resources, and have fun withother Veterans and community members. Questions? Contact: bryan.rich@va.govScan for other locationshttps://tinyurl.com/OKVeteranCoffeeSocial1st Tuesday of the month 0800-0930 251 S Harrah Rd. HARRAH , OK 730453rd Thursday of the month 0900-10302208 SW 104th MOORE, OK 73159
Communications & Public Affairs April 5, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Rep. David Smith Phone: (405) 557-7376 Smith to Host Second Veterans Campout OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, is holding a Veterans Campout June 1-2 at the Scipio Campground, 4701 N Four Corners Road, McAlester. The event is free of charge. It is endorsed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). Smith, an Army veteran, said any veteran in the state and their family members or supporters are invited to attend the campout, the second he's held. The event he hosted in 2022 drew several hundred veterans and their families from across the state. "Our community loves our veterans, and this is just a way for us to recognize their service and dedication," Smith said. "I want to give them a place they can come and relax, have some fun, enjoy some free food and get to hear from other veterans as a way to thank them and encourage them in their daily lives." Keynote speakers are Brig. Gen. Christopher A. Eason with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and Col. Chris Kannady, who serves as the deputy state staff judge advocate for the Oklahoma Air National Guard as well as a state representative. The 45th Infantry Division also is planning to be a part of the weekend as is Erica Traxler, Commander of the VFW Department of Oklahoma, and the nonprofit Flagpoles Honoring our Veterans. Lunch and dinner Saturday, and breakfast Sunday will be provided. Entertainment is planned for Saturday night as well as activities and prizes throughout the campout. There are some RV spots available, but they are first-come, first-served. Tent camping is encouraged. A sunrise church service will be preached Sunday morning by Pastor Bart Patterson. RSVPs are appreciated by calling David Smith (405) 557-7376 or emailing David.smith@okhouse.gov. Sponsors include Sam Wampler of Freedom Ford in McAlester, real estate agent Kevin Beaty of Keller Williams SEOK, and Pruett Food Stores. Tulsa Trail Riders is donating the campgrounds for the event. -END-