BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After a career of breaking barriers, Lt. Col. Custodio retired from the Air Force without taking part in one last tradition among pilots: her fini-flight. Team Beale celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural presentations, dancing, food and a visit from the first female Hispanic pilot in the military, retired Lt. Col. Olga Custodio. Originally from Puerto Rico, Custodio served 24 years between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
“I have over 40 years’ experience as a pilot and aviator, I continue to stay in the profession because I feel it’s important to stay visible and accessible to students,” said Custodio. “You can’t share what you know with them otherwise.”
Custodio spoke for Beale Air Force Base’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. She discussed her heritage and career, bringing up the 23-year career of her father in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II and being a member of the-all Hispanic 65th Infantry Division during the Korean War.
![First Female Hispanic Pilot Shares Her Journey, Suits Up after 40 Years]()
