Elevating women who are capable, unyielding, nurturing, and tough.
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM)
CENTCOM oversees military operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, focusing on critical defense and security interests in these regions. Women serving under CENTCOM have been instrumental in executing diverse missions, from counterterrorism to humanitarian aid and peacekeeping. Their expertise and leadership have played a vital role in maintaining stability and addressing complex challenges in some of the world’s most volatile regions, ensuring a continued U.S. presence in these key areas.
Marine Corporal Eloiza Zavala U.S. CENTCOM
20, of Sacramento, California, died March 10, 2020, in an incident involving a medium tactical vehicle replacement truck in the United Arab Emirates. Zavala was serving with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 at exercise Native Fury, as a motor vehicle operator deploying from Camp Pendleton, California. The incident is under investigation. Her
20, of Sacramento, California, died March 10, 2020, in an incident involving a medium tactical vehicle replacement truck in the United Arab Emirates. Zavala was serving with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 at exercise Native Fury, as a motor vehicle operator deploying from Camp Pendleton, California. The incident is under investigation. Her awards include a National Defense Service Medal and a Global War on Terror Service Medal.
Operation Inherent Resolve (2014 - Ongoing)
Launched to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Operation Inherent Resolve has seen countless brave women take up key roles in combat operations, medical support, intelligence, and more. These women exemplified leadership and courage in the fight against extremism, helping to liberate millions from ISIS control while maintaining their commitment to mission success and humanitarian efforts. The impact of their service continues to shape the Middle East’s recovery, and we honor their dedication to restoring peace and stability in one of the most challenging conflict zones of the 21st century.
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
30, of Parlin, New Jersey, died Nov. 27, 2020, in a non-combat related vehicle incident at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Leli was with the 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California. While deployed, she was assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary W
30, of Parlin, New Jersey, died Nov. 27, 2020, in a non-combat related vehicle incident at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Leli was with the 60th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California. While deployed, she was assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. Leli graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was on her first deployment.
Air Force Major Adrianna M. Vorderbruggen
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
36, of Plymouth, Minn.; died Dec. 21 near Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, when her patrol was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle. She was assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 9th Field Investigations Sq, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Air Force Major Phyllis J. Pelky
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
Air Force Airman 1st Kcey E. Ruiz
45, of Rio Rancho, N.M.; died Oct. 11 at Camp Resolute Support, Kabul, Afghanistan, in the non-hostile crash of a British Puma Mk2 helicopter. She was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Air Force Airman 1st Kcey E. Ruiz
Air Force Captain Kelliann Leli
Air Force Airman 1st Kcey E. Ruiz
21, of McDonough, Georgia; died Oct. 2 at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, when the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in which she was riding crashed. She was assigned to the 66th Security Forces Sq, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
Operation Freedom Sentinel (2015 - 2022)
Operation Freedom Sentinel was part of the enduring mission in Afghanistan, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts and training Afghan forces after the official end of combat operations in 2014. Women played a crucial role in supporting these objectives, from intelligence and logistics to direct combat support, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in the evolving landscape of modern warfare. Through their service, they helped build a more secure future for Afghanistan while contributing to the long-standing fight against global terrorism. Their stories of dedication and sacrifice are central to our mission of honoring all female veterans.
Navy Senior Chief Shannon Kent
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Anais A. Tobar
Air Force Staff Sergeant Alexandria M. Morrow
35, of Pine Plains, New York, died January 16, 2019 in a suicide bomb attack in Manbij, Syria. Also killed in the incident was Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida; and a civilian, Navy SEAL veteran Scott A. Wirtz, from St. Louis. A fourth casualty, a civilian contractor, has not been identified.
35, of Pine Plains, New York, died January 16, 2019 in a suicide bomb attack in Manbij, Syria. Also killed in the incident was Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida; and a civilian, Navy SEAL veteran Scott A. Wirtz, from St. Louis. A fourth casualty, a civilian contractor, has not been identified. Kent was assigned to the Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66 based at Fort George Meade, Maryland.
Air Force Staff Sergeant Alexandria M. Morrow
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Anais A. Tobar
Air Force Staff Sergeant Alexandria M. Morrow
25, of Dansville, N.Y., died March 22, 2017 in Jordan, while performing maintenance duties in support of combat operations.
Morrow, who was from Dansville, New York, was assigned to the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, but she worked for the 322nd Air Expeditionary Wing overseas, according to a spokesma
25, of Dansville, N.Y., died March 22, 2017 in Jordan, while performing maintenance duties in support of combat operations.
Morrow, who was from Dansville, New York, was assigned to the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, but she worked for the 322nd Air Expeditionary Wing overseas, according to a spokesman at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
WHEC in New York reported that Morrow died in Jordan while loading bombs onto a plane. According to WHEC, the airman's mother said something broke, causing a bomb to slip off the plane and hit Morrow in the head.
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Anais A. Tobar
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Anais A. Tobar
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Anais A. Tobar
25, died July 18, 2016 of non-combat related injuries in Southwest Asia, the Defense Department said in a release. The cause of death has not been released. The Defense Department did not specify where the incident occurred.
Tobar, a Miami, Florida native, was assigned to the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force
25, died July 18, 2016 of non-combat related injuries in Southwest Asia, the Defense Department said in a release. The cause of death has not been released. The Defense Department did not specify where the incident occurred.
Tobar, a Miami, Florida native, was assigned to the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The maintenance squadron, part of the 4th Maintenance Group, Air Combat Command, is responsible for equipment maintenance for the largest F-15E Strike Eagle fighter wing in the Air Force, according to the base.
Operation Spartan Shield (2011 - Ongoing)
Operation Spartan Shield is a strategic U.S. military operation aimed at maintaining a ready force presence in the Middle East. Women involved in this operation have served in a wide range of roles, from logistics and support to direct combat and command positions, ensuring the mission’s success. Their contributions help safeguard U.S. interests and provide stability in the region, exemplifying the critical role of female service members in maintaining defense and security across the globe.
U.S. Army Sergeant Holli Bolinski Operation Spartan Shield
37, of Pinkneyville, Ill., died after her vehicle collided with a civilian commercial truck in Kuwait on March 7, 2019. Also killed in the crash was Spc. Jackson Johnson. Both soldiers were assigned to the 657th Transportation Detachment based in Mount Vernon, Illinois, an Army Reserve unit. They were deployed to Camp Arifjan in support o
37, of Pinkneyville, Ill., died after her vehicle collided with a civilian commercial truck in Kuwait on March 7, 2019. Also killed in the crash was Spc. Jackson Johnson. Both soldiers were assigned to the 657th Transportation Detachment based in Mount Vernon, Illinois, an Army Reserve unit. They were deployed to Camp Arifjan in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Bolinski's awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, among others.
Operation New Dawn (2010 - 2011)
Operation New Dawn marked the official transition of U.S. forces from combat operations to stability and support missions in Iraq. Women played crucial roles during this operation, focusing on training and assisting Iraqi forces while also contributing to diplomatic efforts and nation-building. Their service in Operation New Dawn was essential in helping Iraq move toward a more secure and stable future, reinforcing the importance of women in all phases of military operations, from combat to reconstruction.
Navy Operations Specialist 2nd Class Dominique D. Cruz Operation New Dawn
26, of Panama City, Fla., assigned to the destroyer Halsey, homeported in San Diego but currently deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations; was found during search and rescue operations Jan. 19 in the Gulf of Oman after being reported missing Jan. 18.