Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell, the first black female fighter pilot in the U.S. Airforce was assigned to the 13^th Fighter Squadron in Misawa, Japan. She was deployed in support of Operation Northern and Southern Watch, becoming the first female pilot to fly combat missions.

Rising to become a Major and now a Lieutenant Colonel, Kimbrell shattered racial barriers by becoming the first black female in the career field.

Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Ind., on April 20, 1976, to Guyanese parents who were naturalized U.S. citizens by the time she was born. Her parents had moved to the U.S and as it turned out, her father earned a degree from Howard University and a doctorate from Purdue University, which in turn earned him a job offer in Parker, Colo.

Kimbrell and her three older siblings spent their school years in Parker. “Education was the thing that opened doors. If you got your education, you could do whatever you wanted to do. That was how our house was run,” Kimbrell said.

In her early years, Kimbrell didn’t think she’ll end up as a fighter pilot. While still young, she wanted to be an astronaut and even wrote a letter to NASA asking how she could join the program.

But as she grew and learned more about joining the astronaut corps, she realized that wasn’t a career she wanted. “I decided to focus on something I could do every day versus maybe going to the moon one time which would be awesome, but it’s just one time,” the major said. “So I started to look at the jets and flying fighters.”

She was eventually accepted into the Air Force Academy after joining the Civil Air Patrol, working at air shows and earning her private pilot’s license. She knew there were no female fighter pilots, but still pursued her dream.

Whereas women gained admittance to the U.S. Air Force pilot training program in 1976, it was only in 1993 that they were permitted to train as fighter pilots, following the order of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

“I think what kept me on the straight and narrow is that I didn’t give myself any other options,” Kimbrell said. “I didn’t think about a back-up plan; I didn’t think about a ‘what if it doesn’t work out plan.’”

Kimbrell graduated from the Academy in 1998 and was accepted into pilot training. She earned her pilot wings in August 1999.  She had tough times but never gave up.

“There were times when I didn’t think that I was going to make it through. It was in those times I learned to be humble and realize there is a point in everyone’s struggle, no matter how strong they are, when they need help, and the key is to seek it out before it is too late.”

Her hard work earned her an Air Medal with one device, an Aerial Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

She was stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and now Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. And she also flew combat sorties in Operation Northern Watch.

In 2008, Kimbrell received a distinction as the first female African-American fighter pilot. She is currently the course manager for the Air Liaison Officer Course at Nellis AFB and she teaches pilots how to work with the Army in air-to-ground integration.

Whenever Kimbrell isn’t on duty, she dedicates her time to speak to children about dreaming big. She’s observed that a lot of children aren’t told that they can achieve their dreams and don’t realize that a lot of barriers have been knocked down.

“It’s really awesome to be able to go out and talk to them and have them light up and say, ‘I’ve heard people say that you can do whatever you want, but now I can put a face to the story and I can see that it can be done, which means I can go out and do whatever I want to do.’ That is what I focus on and what I think is really important,” she said.

She urged both adults and kids to set goals and put those goals into context. “Nothing’s easy,” she said, adding, “Expect road blocks, expect that there are going to be people out there who don’t want you to succeed, expect people are going to tell you no. But the desire that comes from within- if it’s something that you really want -will carry you through.”

Source: Face to Face Africa

Even though the Coronavirus isn’t a death sentence for everyone who contracts it, there are certain individuals that are considered high-risk and are more likely to succumb to their symptoms. The elderly, individuals severely obese, people living heart disease, AIDS and other immunocompromised illnesses like cancer, are all members of the COVID-19 high-risk community according to the CDC. This makes the coronavirus even scarier for women.

“As a woman currently living with blood cancer, Multiple Myeloma, I understand just how vital a strong immune system is. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I made it a habit to consume food and supplements that boost the immune system. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer in 2017, I was experiencing many unexplained illnesses that should have been indicators that my immune system wasn’t in the best shape. However, it wasn’t until I learned that I had cancer that the small aliments made sense and I begin to educate myself on how I could give my immune system a boost.

The immune system is spread throughout the body and involves many types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues and is essential for our survival. Without an immune system, our bodies would be open to attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. Although I am not cancer-free, my cancer is currently in a smoldering phase, this means that my numbers are extremely low and I am asymptomatic. Since the only treatment, I have received for Multiple Myeloma was iron infusions due to a deficiency caused by excessive bleeding (thanks to a huge fibroid), I am confident that my lifestyle change deserves full credit for what my oncologist consider a great report.

I know there are millions of women like me with preexisting illnesses that are ultra-sensitive about their health during this time. With the panic of COVID-19 in mind, I am here to offer a bit of information. Below you will find food and supplements great for building your immune system to assure that your body is capable of fighting off illness now and in the future“.

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FOOD

• • Red Bell Peppers: rich in beta carotene, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. While boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help maintain healthy skin and beta carotene promotes healthy eyes and skin.
  • Broccoli: supercharged with vitamins and minerals, broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber; because of this, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.
  • Citrus Fruit: With almost all citrus fruits being high in vitamin C, it is no question why it is an automatic go-to during cold/flu season.
  • Yogurt: A great source of vitamin D, yogurt brands fortified with vitamin D regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defenses against diseases.
  • Almonds: Rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is the key to a healthy immune system a half cup of almonds provides 100 percent of the daily recommended amount.
  • Shellfish: Many types of shellfish are packed with zinc and our bodies need it so that our immune cells can function as intended.
  • Papayas: Packed a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects, papaya is also loaded with vitamin C. The fruit is also has a decent amount of potassium, B vitamins, and folate, all of which are beneficial to your overall health.

Supplements

• • Astragalus: A prominent herb in Chinese medicine, that contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties; the root can boost resistance to infection.
  • Turmeric: While turmeric is known as a spice, it can be purchased in pill form and is a proven anti-inflammatory commonly used to treat both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Green Tea: Green tea is packed with the antioxidant flavonoids, it is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, which aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.
  • Black Seed Oil: Studies show that this oil offers many health and cosmetic benefits, such as aiding weight loss, improving skin conditions, and even treating cancer, diabetes, and many other illnesses, thanks to the antioxidant thymoquinone.
  • Elderberry: One of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world, elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry syrup is also packed with antioxidants and reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol while reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Sea Moss: Like chia seeds, aloe, and okra, sea moss is a mucilaginous food. It is great for healing/soothing mucus membranes in the body, including in the respiratory and digestive systems. Sea moss also increases fatty acids in the colon, gets rid of bad bacteria in the gut, and improves overall gut health and immunity.
  • Dandelion Root: Full of potent antioxidants, Dandelion root is also packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It fights inflammation, helps control blood sugar and reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure.

Understand that eating just one of these foods won’t be enough to help fight off the Coronavirus or any other illness, even if you eat it constantly but, variety and proper nutrition play a major role. Pay attention to serving sizes and recommended daily intake so that you don’t get too much of a single vitamin and too little of others.

Lastly, be sure to do your research and consult with your medical team before beginning a regimen especially if they have you on prescription medicine. Not all medicines and supplements work well together.

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Source : Women Africa

Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina has disclosed that the president will address the nation today by 7pm.

”President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to the nation Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 7p.m,” he said.

He advised electronic media outfits to hook up to the network service of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

“Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

Today is all we have. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. All you really have is today, so relax. Do not be controlled by the news you hear.

Although, it may look like you haven’t got what you want yet. But know this, whatever what you want in life would come to you. All you have to do is believe. Refuse fear. We know fear doesn’t add any good to us only harm. The world may be taking a new turn in this new phase but do not let that trouble you.

In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to give us our daily bread, not tomorrow or next month’s bread. God is a daily provider who provides for our needs today. You should come before God every day of your life and thank Him for the provisions. Your response and attitude should be a daily life of praise and thanksgiving to Him for His grace and loving kindness.

In the Bible, God provided the Israelites with manna and it was only for a day. When they tried to keep it for tomorrow, it got rotten. God provides according to our needs and He knows that you have needs on a daily basis.

You need to trust God one day at a time and not become anxious over what you may require tomorrow. He will be there tomorrow with more than enough grace to help you in your time of need. But He does not provide tomorrow’s grace today. He only gives grace for today’s issues.

Make good use of this time you have today to be right with God. Live your today to the fullest and do not give room to the devil. Remember God has identified you as His own so get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words as well as all types of evil. Instead, be kind to each other and trust God to be your daily provider.