Forging Victory: How West Texas Helped Win World War II

Chair

Rachael McClain, Ph.D.

National WASP WWII Museum

Presenter

Rachael McClain, Ph.D.

National WASP WWII Museum

Avenger Field and the Women Who Changed Military Aviation

This presentation will examine how Avenger Field became the only training base for the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Attendees will learn how more than 1,100 women trained in Sweetwater before flying over 60 million operational miles in military aircraft, freeing thousands of male pilots for combat duty. The presentation will also explore how the WASP legacy continues to influence military and civilian aviation while illustrating West Texas' role in expanding opportunities for women in service.

Presenter

Mikayla Spivey

12th Armored Division Memorial Museum

Camp Barkeley and the Citizen Soldiers Who Liberated Europe

This presentation will highlight Camp Barkeley's role in preparing the 12th Armored Division for combat and examine how the division became one of the most effective armored units in the European Theater. Through stories of training, leadership, and battlefield accomplishments, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for Abilene's contribution to victory in Europe and the importance of preserving veterans' experiences for future generations.

Presenter

Sharon McCullar

Silent Wings Museum

Silent Wings: The Untold Story of America’s Combat Glider Pilots

This presentation will explore the unique mission of military glider pilots and South Plains Army Airfield's role in preparing thousands of soldiers for some of the most hazardous operations of the war, including Normandy and Operation Market Garden. Attendees will discover how glider operations represented one of the most innovative and dangerous aviation programs of World War II and why Lubbock remains central to preserving this remarkable history.