Face of Defense: National Guard aviator protects skies, streets

By Capt. Jessica Donnelly, 59th Aviation Troop CommandMarch 14, 2017

Face of Defense
Army 1st Lt. Jenna Pitcher and Army Staff Sgt. Lauren Rhodes stand in front of an AH-64D Apache helicopter with Army Chief Warrant Officer Deborah Glenn at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, S.C., Aug. 4, 2015. The soldiers are assigned ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

EASTOVER, S.C. -- When Army 1st Lt. Jenna Pitcher, an AH-64D Apache helicopter pilot, isn't conducting aerial missions for the South Carolina Army National Guard, she's patrolling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, as a police officer.

Pitcher is the commander of Delta Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment.

"There's a lot of overlap between being a police officer and an Apache pilot in the Army," she said. "In both roles, your life and the lives of others depend on your situational awareness, proficiency and knowledge. Being an officer in the Army and a police officer reminds me daily to strive to be truly selfless."

BALANCING CIVILIAN, MILITARY OBLIGATIONS

Balancing civilian obligations and military commitments is a constant challenge faced by National Guard members, Pitcher said. However, serving in the Guard enables Pitcher to be part of something bigger than herself, she said, and also provides an opportunity to pursue her passion for flying.

Pitcher has served in the South Carolina National Guard for seven years, beginning her career as a carpentry and masonry specialist with the 122nd Engineer Battalion, 1221st Engineer Company. She decided to join the National Guard to stay in close proximity with her family.

Her older brother's decision to serve in the Army impacted her decision to join as well and contributed to her choice of career path.

"My older brother is in the Army. He was a huge influence in deciding to be an Apache pilot," Pitcher said. "He is an infantryman, and our job as Apache pilots is to protect and assist the ground forces."

Pitcher has always been fascinated by helicopters, and she expected that a career as a pilot would be challenging and rewarding.

'I AM NEVER BORED'

On any given day she could be flying tree-top level over Fort Jackson, South Carolina or landing on pinnacles at 12,500 feet in Colorado.

"I enjoy the variety of flying the Apache," she said. "My favorite part of being in the military is that it doesn't feel like a job. I enjoy being around my colleagues and there is always so much happening at one time I can honestly say I am never bored or looking for something to do."

Pitcher has made a favorable impression on soldiers who have served with her.

"1st Lt. Pitcher has accomplished many things throughout her career as an aviator," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Deborah Glenn, the aviation mission survivability officer for Bravo Company, 1-151st ARB, and a fellow AH-64D Apache pilot. "She is the first female company commander we have had. And, she recently got signed off as an air mission commander -- a really great accomplishment."

An air mission commander is the pilot in charge when multiple aircraft are conducting a mission. Pitcher completed the training in January, which included a week of classroom instruction and training on aircraft simulators. The simulator training provides pilots the opportunity to make mistakes in a controlled environment.

Pitcher attributes her success to her fellow citizen-soldiers.

"I'm surrounded by very knowledgeable and motivated soldiers that schedule and conduct aircraft maintenance, troubleshoot issues and arm the aircraft with munitions," Pitcher said. "They keep the fleet airworthy and are critical to the Apache's mission success."

Pitcher plans to serve in the South Carolina National Guard for as long as she can, all while balancing her Guard service with a civilian career.

"Pursue your goals with gusto," she said. "Be focused, vocal and make moves to achieve your goals. And, with enough persistence, it will happen."

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