Shawna Kimbrell

Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Indiana. The youngest of four children, her mother and father, Eve ( Blackman) Ng A Qui and Dr. Norman Ng A Qui, emigrated to the United States and became naturalized U.S. citizens by the time she was born. The family moved to Parker, Colorado, and it was there, while attending fourth grade, that Kimbrell decided to pursue a career as a fighter pilot. Kimbrell also holds a Master of Business Administration from Touro University. ==Career==

Kimbrell received her commission in 1998 after graduating from the USAF Academy, later she attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB (Val Verde County, Texas) and was awarded her pilot wings in August 1999. She then completed Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training at Randolph AFB (Bexar County, Texas) in November 1999. In August 2000, she graduated from her initial F-16 training at Luke AFB (Maricopa County, Arizona) becoming the first African American female fighter pilot in the USAF. In July 2004, she graduated from the Joint Fire Control Course and was assigned to the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron. Later she deployed as the 2nd Brigade Air Liaison Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In June 2007, she was assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB Italy where she served as Assistant Director of Operations for the 555 Fighter Squadron. ==Personal life==

Kimbrell is married to Travis Kimbrell and the couple have two sons, Kade and Jakeb. ==Awards and decorations==

• Air Medal with one device • Meritorious Service Medal • Aerial Achievement Medal • Air Force Commendation Medal with one device • Army Commendation Medal • National Defense Service Medal • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal • Iraq Campaign Medal • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal • Korean Defense Service Medal ==References==