4th FW pilot becomes first female to receive Gabreski Award Published July 3, 2008 By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- An F-15E Strike Eagle pilot from the 4th Fighter Wing shattered a barrier when she became the first female to be awarded the prestigious American Fighter Aces Association's Francis S. Gabreski Award, June 27 at an awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. Captain Shannon Lippert, currently a member of the 336th Fighter Squadron, competed against pilots of all aircraft types Air Force-wide for the honor of most outstanding performer of the year during a basic course in a formal training unit. "Captain Lippert is the first female Gabreski Award winner, which is an amazing honor in itself," said Lt. Col. Neil Allen, 336th FS commander. "She maintains the highest standards in all that she does, whether it be in the air, on duty at Seymour Johnson, or around the Goldsboro community. The Rockets are extremely proud of Captain Lippert." Before she arrived at the 4th FW, Captain Lippert was an accomplished T-38 Talon pilot and instructor at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. She received her F-15E pilot training here as a member of the 333rd Fighter Squadron. The Columbus, Ohio, native graduated the Basic Operational Training Course in February 2007 as the top air-to-air pilot and distinguished graduate for class 06-CBE. While in Austin to receive the award, Captain Lippert received an opportunity of a lifetime to meet 27 aces from previous eras in Air Force military history. They were all extremely nice and supportive, Captain Lippert said. It was very interesting to talk to the three aces who were part of the 4th FW at some point in their careers. One was from one of the original Eagle Squadrons on base. They told her stories about flying by Colonel Don Blakelee's side, or in fighter-pilot jargon, "on his wing" and stories about Captains Don Gentile and John Godfrey, two key figures in Rocketeer history. Despite achieving a significant milestone, Captain Lippert remains humble about the experience. "I was really surprised when I found out I had won," Captain Lippert said. "I almost felt like when they were reading what had been submitted, that they weren't talking about me. I was like, 'Man, that person sounded pretty good,' but I didn't really associate it with myself."