Master Sgt. Bonnie Rushing was the first in her family to graduate from college.
As a graduate student at the National Intelligence University, her thesis was focused on machine language technology, researching artificial intelligence and human needs.
Recently, she became the youngest noncommissioned officer to teach in any of the service academies.
A pioneer in military, aircrew and special operations fields historically male-dominated, Rushing has supported diverse employee resource groups in national security.
During her service on C-130 military transport aircraft, Rushing took part in missions that help protect America from terrorism. She delivered supplies to orphanages in Central America, trained allied troops on airborne assets, and was a sought-after signals analyst and linguist mentor.
She was the first airborne linguist to be an instructor for the Special Operations Squadron formal training unit and the first linguist aviator to fly onboard combat transport/special operations aircraft.
In addition, she and other Airmen have dedicated hundreds of hours to the San Antonio food drive, diaper bank collection, organizing events for Air Force members and their families, and supporting local community clean-up efforts.
A mother of two, Rushing and her husband are both ballroom dancers and have competed at a professional level several times. Her family has helped organize ballroom charity events, donating over one million dollars to national charities.
Rushing will be honored with the 2021 Women of Color Pioneer Award at WOC DTX 2021. The award recognizes her contributions in showcasing diversity and inclusion in military, intelligence, defense, and signals technology organizations.
Click here to register for WOC DTX 2021.
