TOPEKA (KSNT) – At 19-years-old, many people are enrolling in classes and prepping for school dances. But at 19, Charlotte Grim says her motivation to serve led her to the Air Force.
Over the course of 20 years, she worked in air traffic control and protected some of the nation’s most valuable assets.
“We had people stealing airplanes,” Grim said. “We had people stealing engines from our T-38 airplanes. We had this space shuttle come visit. So, they had me dressed in civilian clothes with a weapon doing crowd control.”
While overseas, Grim and her fellow soldiers became some of the first women to ever don combat gear and weapons.
“I think a lot of women are intimidated to go in the military,” Grim said. “They think, ‘well I have to act like a man, I can’t wear my make up.’ You can still be a lady and wear a uniform. Nothing stops you from doing that.”
Veteran Salute: Inspecting and test-flying airplanes
During her reserve and retirement years, she felt compelled to help other veterans.
“I hear people say, ‘I don’t want those benefits, and I don’t need those benefits.’ And I say, ‘If we don’t use them, we lose them.’ All we have to do is sign up.”
Now, Grim said she carries on the fight for vets to claim their benefits and get help they deserve for their service.
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