Upper Adams Intermediate students in Arendtsville heard firsthand about the opportunities and experiences of military service when retired U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ashley Carrier shared her story today as part of the school’s annual Veterans Day program.
The 5th and 6th grade band kicked off the program with a prelude under the direction of Ben Arnold. Principal Sonia Buckley gave welcoming remarks and Ann Gerlitzki, music instructor, directed the UAIS chorus in singing America, For Me. The students and visitors next sang the Star Spangled Banner accompanied by Patti Fetrow followed by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. To honor those who died in service, Arnold played taps.
Capt. Ashley Carrier, who is the niece of physical education teacher, Mrs. Yargar-Reed, spoke about her years in the service. Carrier, who served nine years on active duty in the Marine Corps after spending four years as a student at the U.S. Naval Academy, spoke about what inspired her to serve, her experiences traveling the world, and the importance of teamwork and leadership and paving the way for others.
Growing up outside Washington, D.C., Carrier was influenced by her family’s military background. Both of her grandfathers served; one in the Navy and the other in the Air Force. Her paternal grandfather was in Pearl Harbor just two days before the attack on Dec. 7, 1941, while her maternal grandfather served as a boom operator refueling aircraft during the Korean War.
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, also played a significant role in her decision to serve. Carrier was in seventh grade when the terrorist attacks occurred. Watching friends’ parents and other military members respond to the attacks and deploy overseas strengthened her desire to give back to the country. “I wanted to give back because they kept us safe, and I wanted to do the same thing for our future generations,” she said.
Carrier’s interest in the military began even earlier. As a third grader, she attended a football game at the Naval Academy in Annapolis with her father. Watching the midshipmen march into the stadium in formation, wearing their uniforms and saluting during the national anthem, left a lasting impression. “I was like, I want to join that group of people right there,” she recalled.
Carrier attended the Naval Academy, where she majored in oceanography, studying the ocean, atmosphere, and environmental conditions that affect military operations. She also participated in athletics, including soccer and track, and developed a strong appreciation for the teamwork and camaraderie that military service provides.
After graduating, she became a Marine Corps officer and was selected to become an MV-22 Osprey pilot.
The Osprey is a unique aircraft that combines the capabilities of a helicopter and an airplane. It can take off and land vertically, allowing it to operate from ships, confined areas, and locations without runways, while also traveling long distances.
Carrier described one of her most memorable flights, traveling from Hawaii as part of a long journey to Australia. The nine-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean required aerial refueling. Arriving at Wake Island, a remote island with a significant World War II history, gave her an appreciation for the generations of military aviators who had traveled similar routes before her.
Her military career also took her to Kuwait, Iraq and various states in the US. She enjoyed traveling while participating in deployments and training exercises. She had opportunities to work alongside military personnel from Japan, Great Britain, and other nations.
One of the aspects she valued most about military service was the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and work together toward a common goal.
“The biggest team that our nation has is the military,” she told students, explaining that service members develop bonds that go beyond their individual backgrounds.
Carrier also spoke about being a trailblazer for women in military aviation. She humbly spoke about being part of an all female unit that demanded respect and focused on their capabilities rather than identity.
When she first reported to her squadron in San Diego, she was the only female officer and female aircrew member. By the time she left, the squadron had four female pilots and four female crew chiefs.
Her unit accomplished the first all-female combat flight of MV-22 Ospreys during Operation Inherent Resolve. They also completed an all-female section flight, involving two aircraft flying together on a mission.
Carrier described trailblazing as making it easier for those who follow to pursue opportunities that may not have previously been available to them.
She emphasized that the military offers opportunities for people with a wide range of interests and abilities, whether they want to fly aircraft, operate tanks, work as mechanics or pursue other specialized careers.
“The Marine Corps has opportunities for everyone,” she said.
During her presentation, students also learned that Carrier had appeared on the cover of Vogue. During a training exercise while in Hawaii, by chance, a photographer was nearby and Carrier’s Commanding Officer said, “take her picture” and captured her walking toward her aircraft, preparing for a flight.
Carrier is now a military spouse. Her husband, Darren, is a Marine lieutenant colonel and helicopter pilot. The couple met while stationed in Hawaii and now live in southwestern Illinois near St. Louis with their three young children.
Small flags were given to attendees to honor this special day. Additionally, they were invited to walk the decorated hallways to see posters commemorating this patriotic holiday. The posters contained photographs and information about the students’ family members who were or are in the service.
Students and attendees learned that Veterans Day is always designated as November 11 because it marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. It was officially ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Today also serves to honor the more than19 million men and women who have served in the US military.
