88th Air Base Wing Office of Public Affairs
Air Force Materiel Command
937-522-3252
09-12-04
December 10, 2009
www.wpafb.af.mil
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — Lt. Gen. Terry L. Gabreski, vice commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, United States Air Force and Dr. Heidi R. Ries, Dean of Research, Air Force Institute of Technology were selected to the 47th Miami Valley Ten Top Women through the Years.
The WPAFB duo was selected from over 100 nominations and honored, along with eight other winners, at a luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the Schuster Performing Arts Center. The Dayton Daily News sponsors the event which spotlights each woman’s inspiration for success, service to community, and dedication to their professions.
Lt. Gen. Gabreski, who started her career in the male dominated field of aircraft maintenance, remarked to the luncheon crowd, that her success was due in small part to ignorance. “It never occurred to me to be intimidated,” she said. “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Gen Gabreski retired from the Air Force this past November.
Dr Ries challenged today’s young women to aggressively pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Dr Ries said “It is up to the next generation of American women to advance and effectively compete in these STEM fields to ensure our country retains and grows the best and brightest scientist and engineers.”
AFIT Commandant, Brig Gen, Walter Givhan, asserted “"Dr. Ries does it all. In addition to the extensive support she provides the students and faculty at AFIT, she also serves on the American Society for Engineering Education's Engineering Research Council Board of Directors and as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools." He went on to add "Research at AFIT is critical to our students' education. In her position as the Dean of Research, Dr. Ries played a key role in the founding of five research centers at AFIT. These centers provide world-class educational opportunities for our students and faculty while also contributing substantially to our national defense."
Dr Ries and Lt Gen Gabreski have now joined the illustrious list of outstanding local women who have served the community while also serving as prominent role-models for the next generation.
AFIT Commandant, Brig. Gen. Walter Givhan, last offered “It's an honor and pleasure to have Dr. Ries as one of our AFIT leaders, and I'm delighted to see her win this award which recognizes her service to AFIT, higher education, the local community, and our country. Congratulations to Dr Ries and Lt. Gen. Gabreski"
