Captain Lauren Venturini, USAF
Captain Lauren Venturini, USAF
I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan along with my two brothers. Looking back, I can’t say how we developed our interest in the military since neither of our parents had a military background. My older brother Aaron was the first to join the military when he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Shortly after, I joined the Air Force and then two years later, my younger brother Brandon was accepted into the United States Naval Academy.
As a high school student, I flew to Annapolis to visit my older brother Aaron and was hooked. The uniforms, discipline, and sense of camaraderie impressed me. When I got home, I applied for an ROTC scholarship. In my senior year of high school I was awarded a scholarship to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas. During my third year at Baylor, I participated in a semester-long study abroad program in Madrid, Spain. I loved Europe and vowed one day to return. I received my Pre-Physical Therapy degree in 2012 and joined the Air Force, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
My first assignment led me to Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri and I was eventually hired as an Executive Officer for the Wing Commander. I immediately thought I was in over my head. I hadn’t been in the Air Force that long, but my Wing Commander saw potential in me and offered me the job. That job opened my eyes about the functionality and broader scope of the Air Force. I learned that it’s not just the planes, but about the infrastructure of support that makes the entire operation possible.
Three years later my dream 
of returning to Europe came true. I was assigned as the Mission Support Flight Commander for the 704th Munitions Support Squadron at Ghedi Air Force Base in Italy. I spent the next two years in the beautiful town of Desenzano del Garda. While there, I was promoted to the rank of Captain and learned how the Air Force deals with our NATO partners.
In 2017, after a long interviewing process with Generals and a 12 person team, I was honored to accept the opportunity as the Executive Officer for the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds.
http://afthunderbirds.com/site/members/Officers/
My job is to manage the Thunderbirds’ cyber/knowledge operations, budget, training and force support actions. People joke that I run the place but it’s my duty to take care of the people and any business that needs immediate attention while my Commander is out flying. There are many logistics that go into our shows and my job is to coordinate with the partners and civilian organizations that help make our shows successful. Our schedule is set two years in advance.
I’ve always been motivated by the people I work with. I truly enjoy the camaraderie and professionalism; they make me want to be a better person. Our team considers itself the Face of the Air Force, America’s Ambassadors in Blue, as we seek to “Recruit, Retain and Inspire”. We get to interact with young people in the community who tell us we are what they want to be when they grow up. As we visit hospitals and schools and talk to kids, we encourage them to pursue their dreams and passion.
Getting here hasn’t been simple. When I first applied to join the Air Force, the Department of Defense turned me down due to my flat feet. I was devastated, but determined. Through a very lengthy appeals process, with the help of my parents, we were able to overcome this obstacle. I am grateful for the support of my parents and the resilience of my faith that allowed me to persevere during this period of time.
Note: As one of 18 females in our unit and the only female officer in our 12 member team, I am proud to say that I am treated equally. The Air force does a great job of leveling the playing field.
I believe that mentors are a key to success and I’ve been fortunate to have several. My family has been a huge foundation and support. My mom and dad taught me the value of hard work, high morals and discipline and my brothers taught me to be tough and persevere. I’m lucky to also have colleagues who’ve influenced and helped me along the way.
What’s next? I want to continue to make the Air Force a career and aspire to leadership such as the commander of a squadron. I will seek all the opportunities the Air Force extends to me. Post-military, one of my goals is to be a physical therapist with groups like the Wounded Warriors.
Wounded Warrior Project.org
What are some of the Lessons Learned?
- Always follow your dreams.
- Persevere, work hard and don’t accept no as a final answer. If you want something bad enough there’s other ways to get it, find them.
- Associate yourself with good people that will help encourage and support you - people with like-minded values.
- Give back to the community; do something for someone that can never give you anything in return.
- Inspire kids to live their dreams
- Work Hard, but don’t forget to take time to “Have Fun”. As an avid adventurer I seek fun. Whether riding my Harley in motorcycle rallies through Croatia and Austria, off-roading in my jeep, or fishing in Alaska with the team... I find time to enjoy life.
Women who have chosen to take the Road Less Traveled can anticipate amazing rewards. In Lauren’s case, she never took no for an answer, worked hard and stayed true to her principles. If you know someone that can benefit from Lauren’s experience, please share this article. It is our goal to inspire women to follow their dreams.
Lorraine Grubbs is an author, speaker and leadership development expert who works with companies to help them create Happy Workplaces. To read more articles like these go to her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorrainegrubbsinspiringpeople/
