On A Positive Note: U.S. Taps First Woman to Ever Lead Largest U.S. National Guard

Cheddar News is highlighting Major General Denise Donnell, who is the first woman to ever lead the largest Air National Guard in U.S. history. Major Gen. Donnell takes viewers on a tour of the aircraft she now leads that helped Afghan refugees escape from the Taliban. "It was emotional. It was not only making a lot of decisions in a chaotic environment, they were getting shot at," Major Gen. Donnell said. "And then you're entrusted with taking care of hundreds and hundreds of people. It was a very, very difficult three weeks."

A lot of training goes to being prepared. It's an incredible journey and I wouldn't have given up for the world. Her name is Major General Denise John and this is her first sit down interview since becoming the first female ever to lead the largest Air National Guard in the United States. Yes, no pressure. Our morning begins, we're going to go into the airplane with a tour and you can set up here too if you want. You don't have to ask me twice of ac 17 Globe master have a seat with a storied past. This thing is massive. It is a big, big aircraft, we can put seats on the floor that would replicate an airline. So for example, when we evacuated people from Afghanistan, they were what we call floor loaded, you heard, right? This is the actual cargo plane that came under fire During the chaotic rescues at the Kabul Airport two years ago, split second decisions made by the pilots. Donald now commands helped Afghan allies escape the grip of the Taliban. This was the refugees first taste of freedom. Yes, it was emotional. It was not only making a lot of decisions in a chaotic environment they were getting shot at and then you're taking, you're instructed with taking care of hundreds and hundreds of people. It was a very, very difficult three weeks. Another one of Donald's elite units even found themselves unexpectedly assisting in the takedown of the rumored Chinese spy balloon. They shot at a few weeks ago, I have seen it in the faces of our airmen, how proud they are. That pride and that competence is powerful but leadership in the face of danger and risk is where this highly decorated military aviator thrives. And her vast experience kicks in Don has flown 4.5 1000 Hours in this pilot seat with 280 of those hours in combat. What were some of the most difficult moments for you during those 280 hours? You're constantly scanning the horizon and your instruments to make sure that you and the aircraft and the people who have impressed their lives with you are safe.