Young lady rejected several times in her country gets accepted into the US Air Force, gets higher ranking
- More than four times, Winnie Wanjiru tried to join the Kenyan military to pursue her childhood dream and passion, but all attempts were rejected
- When she won the Green card lottery in 2015, she relocated and was accepted into the US air force
- Within five years, she has risen through the ranks to the position of Staff Sergeant Winnie Adipo at the pilot training base
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Winnie Wanjiru's passion for the military started when she was still a young girl; influenced by her dad who would take them to the showground to watch the disciplined forces perform.
Source: UGC
She made it a point to do all she could to be among those men and women performing in combat uniforms.
Speaking exclusively to Legit.ng, she remembers trying so hard to join the military while pursuing her undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi but was rejected more than four times.
"I remember at one point I got someone who was really connected to the government and was demanding for KSh 200k. Mark you, at that point in time I only had like KSh 1,000 with me for pocket money lol."
With her dreams seemingly becoming sinking sand, she applied for the diversity lottery visa, commonly known as the Green-card, and relocated to the US in 2015.
A year later, her hopes got a new lease of life when she applied and was accepted into the US military. She added:
"Being African and a woman in the military took a lot to push my way up, but things are easier these days courtesy of programs like diversity inclusion and leadership which offer more opportunities to explore."
This being her fifth year in service, Winnie has risen through the ranks to the position of Staff Sergeant Adipo at the pilot training base.
Three years ago, she got married to Denise Adipo with whom they now have a son.
Source: UGC
Juggling a military career, motherhood and marriage have not been easy, but she credits her husband for being the rock that the family has hinged on.
"Doing life with him has been the most enjoyable journey. I don’t struggle at all with juggling between work and family responsibilities because he helps a lot."
Winnie advises young men and women planning to relocate to ensure the immigration is legal as it makes the transition smooth.
She is, however, quick to add that success is not only abroad as there is so much to do in Kenya as long as one is hardworking and focused on whatever their passion is. She concludes:
"If there’s one best decision I have ever made in my life apart from salvation and marrying my husband, it is joining the military."
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported how a young lady set a historic record in the Nigerian Air Force.
Her name is Flying Officer Oluwadamilare Oke and she is one of the 15 student pilots undergoing Basic Flying Training at the school.
She has successfully conducted her first solo flight on the L-39ZA Jet Trainer Aircraft and she is the first female pilot to do so in the history of 403 FTS.
Victor Duru is a Legit.ng journalist with more than three years of working experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management Studies from Imo State University, where he was a Students' Union Government Director of Information. Victor is a Human Interest Editor, Strategic Content Creator and a Google-certified Digital Marketer. Connect with him on Twitter @DuruCVictor2
Source: Legit.ng
Khadijah Thabit (Copyeditor) Khadijah Thabit is an editor with over 3 years of experience editing and managing contents such as articles, blogs, newsletters and social leads. She has a BA in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Khadijah joined Legit.ng in September 2020 as a copyeditor and proofreader for the Human Interest, Current Affairs, Business, Sports and PR desks. As a grammar police, she develops her skills by reading novels and dictionaries. Email: khadeeejathabit@gmail.com
Victor Duru (Editor) Victor Duru is a Reuters-trained award-winning journalist with over 4 years of working experience in the media industry. He holds a B.Sc in Management Studies from Imo State University, where he was a Students' Union Government Director of Information. Victor is a human interest editor, strategic content creator, freelancer and a Google-certified digital marketer. His work has been featured on US news media Faith It. He can be reached via victor.duru@corp.legit.ng
