Vernice FlyGirl Armour
America's First Black Female Combat Pilot; Former Marine & Cop; Author, Zero To Breakthrough; and Consultant to Business
Combat tests you. Being a beat cop tests you. Life tests you. Three brothers and being the only girl...tests you. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour has been tested her whole life. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of “firsts” including America’s first Black female combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. After her military service, FlyGirl revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author of Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.
In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. Through that work, she helps individuals and organizations make gutsy moves and create breakthrough results by applying her “Zero to BreakthroughTM” Success Model –a mindset that helped to propel her career and kept her safe in air combat. FlyGirl regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a Gutsy Confidence Mentor for elite senior executive Women in Tech.
As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area.
As a Black gay woman and single mom, FlyGirl brings vital experience to her role as a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council.
FlyGirl has two honorary doctorates and has received numerous awards as a pioneering pilot, including honors for her commanding role in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour’s story has been featured in the media including on CNN, MSNBC, The View, FOX News, Oprah Winfrey and many more, along with being a running back for the San Diego Sunfire professional women’s football team and two-time title holder of Camp Pendleton’s Strongest Warrior Competition.
She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move.
VERNICE “FLYGIRL” ARMOUR –HISTORICAL FLIGHT PATH
How did it all start? Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. She received her first pony as a gift on the Christmas day following her fourth birthday and her dream quickly started to have a foundation in reality. In 1991, she graduated from John Overton High School for Creative and Performing Arts where she was very active in the music program, class vice president, a member of Mu Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society), and The National Honor Society.
In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. During an Army ROTC career day, the seed of becoming a pilot was planted when Vernice saw the image of a young Black female in an Army flight suit. “Now why didn’t I think of that!” was her first thought!
In June of 1996, after a brief stint as a Nashville Sheriff’s Department correctional officer, Vernice took a break from college to accept an invitation to the Nashville Police Academy. She graduated in December 1996 –and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Department’s motorcycle squad. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science.
With the aviation seed in full bloom, Vernice was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 12, 1998 and on her way to flight school. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot ranked No. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. She made the Naval Air Station’s prestigious Commodore’s List, received the Academic Achievement Award, was the top graduate in her class, and went on to make history as the Marine Corps’ first African American female pilot.
After flight school, Vernice was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA, piloting the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. While there she was Camp Pendleton's “Female Athlete of the Year” and two-time titleholder in their “Strongest Warrior” Competition.
Deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Vernice was recognized by the Department of Defense as America’s first African American female combat pilot. Vernice flew above the deserts of Iraq in her missile-equipped attack helicopter, engaging the enemy and scouting the roads from her cockpit, making sure they were safe for her fellow Marines and soldiers on the ground.
Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noah...her gutsiest move yet.
Important Note: FlyGirl was a combat pilot, not a fighter pilot, and she served in Iraq, not Afghanistan.
Combat tests you. Being a beat cop tests you. Life tests you. Three brothers and being the only girl...tests you. Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour has been tested her whole life. A gutsy trailblazer, her resume is an impressive collection of “firsts” including America’s first Black female combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine. She was also a diversity liaison officer to the Pentagon for Headquarters Marine Corps. After her military service, FlyGirl revved up her career in the private sector as an entrepreneur, consultant to business, and author of Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter. As a speaker, FlyGirl unleashes hard-hitting advice and amazing anecdotes from her adventures on the battlefield and in business. She helps individuals and organizations Get Gutsy and build a sustainable inner force and conviction, that results in accomplishing significant goals.
In 2007, FlyGirl launched VAI Consulting & Training, LLC. Through that work, she helps individuals and organizations make gutsy moves and create breakthrough results by applying her “Zero to BreakthroughTM” Success Model –a mindset that helped to propel her career and kept her safe in air combat. FlyGirl regularly takes her message to premier meetings and conferences worldwide and is a Gutsy Confidence Mentor for elite senior executive Women in Tech.
As her newest business venture, in 2020 FlyGirl started FlyGirl Construction, a General Contracting Firm in the Atlanta, GA area.
As a Black gay woman and single mom, FlyGirl brings vital experience to her role as a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council.
FlyGirl has two honorary doctorates and has received numerous awards as a pioneering pilot, including honors for her commanding role in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour’s story has been featured in the media including on CNN, MSNBC, The View, FOX News, Oprah Winfrey and many more, along with being a running back for the San Diego Sunfire professional women’s football team and two-time title holder of Camp Pendleton’s Strongest Warrior Competition.
She is currently working on her next book, The Gutsy Move.
VERNICE “FLYGIRL” ARMOUR –HISTORICAL FLIGHT PATH
How did it all start? Vernice was born in Chicago, IL in 1973, and moved to Memphis, TN after her parents divorced when she was three. By the age of four, she knew she wanted to be a police officer that rode a horse downtown. She received her first pony as a gift on the Christmas day following her fourth birthday and her dream quickly started to have a foundation in reality. In 1991, she graduated from John Overton High School for Creative and Performing Arts where she was very active in the music program, class vice president, a member of Mu Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society), and The National Honor Society.
In 1993, the future combat pilot enlisted in the Army Reserves and joined the Army ROTC program while at Middle Tennessee State University. During an Army ROTC career day, the seed of becoming a pilot was planted when Vernice saw the image of a young Black female in an Army flight suit. “Now why didn’t I think of that!” was her first thought!
In June of 1996, after a brief stint as a Nashville Sheriff’s Department correctional officer, Vernice took a break from college to accept an invitation to the Nashville Police Academy. She graduated in December 1996 –and later became the first woman of color on the Nashville Police Department’s motorcycle squad. She graduated from MTSU in December of 1997 with her B.S. in Physical Education: Emphasis in Exercise Science.
With the aviation seed in full bloom, Vernice was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 12, 1998 and on her way to flight school. When Vernice finally earned her wings in July 2001, the ambitious pilot ranked No. 1 out of both her class of 12 and of the last 200 to graduate. She made the Naval Air Station’s prestigious Commodore’s List, received the Academic Achievement Award, was the top graduate in her class, and went on to make history as the Marine Corps’ first African American female pilot.
After flight school, Vernice was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA, piloting the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. While there she was Camp Pendleton's “Female Athlete of the Year” and two-time titleholder in their “Strongest Warrior” Competition.
Deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Vernice was recognized by the Department of Defense as America’s first African American female combat pilot. Vernice flew above the deserts of Iraq in her missile-equipped attack helicopter, engaging the enemy and scouting the roads from her cockpit, making sure they were safe for her fellow Marines and soldiers on the ground.
Upon leaving the military after the completion of two tours in Iraq, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. She now resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter Noah...her gutsiest move yet.
Important Note: FlyGirl was a combat pilot, not a fighter pilot, and she served in Iraq, not Afghanistan.
ONE MISSION – ONE GOAL – ONE TEAM
Gutsy Leaders create Gutsy Teams that make Gutsy Moves. They’re proactive – not reactive; and create the future by summoning the courage to adapt and align. Drawing on her trailblazing career as a U.S. Marine combat helicopter pilot, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour unloads valuable lessons learned under the most stressful of circumstances – about leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication, execution, and building a culture of unshakable trust. FlyGirl’s storytelling lights up people’s...
Who Needs A Runway?!? Take Off From Where You Are!
(Vernice will always customize her keynote for your organization!)
Who Needs A Runway?!? Take Off From Where You Are!
The bottom line is that we have to move into action from where we are! Unfortunately, many people become paralyzed in the preparation phase. Decide what you want, put your stake in the ground and execute! Vernice calls this making a commitment to the commitment. Give your organization the boost...
Get Gutsy. LEAD Gutsy.
Security is the new risk. We know that real leadership takes courage. Guts. Bravery. A big pair of brass ones. Because the decisions that leaders make have a massive impact on everyone around us. It takes courage because true leaders always have something to lose.
FlyGirl's message can be shared virtually and professionally, LIVE or via a customized prerecorded video series, along with customized runtime. Presentation can range from short...
WHO NEEDS A RUNWAY? TAKE OFF FROM WHERE YOU ARE
Helicopter pilots spring into action from where they are. They don’t need a runway. It’s their edge in battle. Marine chopper pilot Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour believes this metaphor is perfect for uncertain times where speed and agility are survival skills. FlyGirl fires up audiences with her energy and storytelling – relating hard-learned lessons with tactics for quickly adapting to the forces of change. This presentation is perfect for audiences navigating uncertainty or looking to...
Zero To Breakthrough(TM): A Breakthrough Mentality Creates A Breakthrough Life!
Zero To Breakthrough(TM): A Breakthrough Mentality Creates A Breakthrough Life!
Put passion back in your life and design the path to your dreams with a 'Breakthrough Mentality.' Be inspired by Vernice's personal story of setbacks, challenges, adventure, success and triumph. Vernice takes you on an amazing journey through her life experiences and, most importantly, the lessons learned. Unleash the personal leadership power needed...
GET GUTSY – HARNESS A BREAKTHROUGH MINDSET
How you react to personal and professional obstacles, adversity, and disappointment is a choice. It also determines your future. Black, female, gay, and a child of divorce, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour learned this early in her pioneering journey from motorcycle cop to the Marines to becoming America’s first Black female combat pilot. FlyGirl’s energy rocks the house as she recounts for audiences her challenges, adventures, and ultimate triumph. Her authenticity, enthusiasm, and positivity...
24 recomendar Vernice FlyGirl
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Brooks Running
In situ
J.W., Senior Project Manager, Brooks Running
“FlyGirl did an incredible job driving home her message. She’s such a natural on stage and her stories resonated across our audience. From those who needed to be told to “GET GUTSY!” to those who were brought to tears listening to her stories of combat, our employees most certainly left the event last Thursday feeling hyped on FlyGirl and energized to engage.”
BlueRock Therapeutics
In situ
A., Attendee / Employee, BlueRock Therapeutics
“Vernice was awesome – she really connected with our company - and the care she took to speak with [leadership] in advance of her presentation to make sure she was hitting all the right notes was above and beyond.”
Franklin Templeton
In situ
A., Attendee / Employee, Franklin Templeton
“Vernice was amazing, we all want to be her best friend. She had people following her around for hours and then she joined us for dinner.”
Keller Williams
In situ
A., Broker, Keller Williams
“FYI you NAILED IT bringing Vernice to us. Such great feedback – “best keynote I have ever heard at a KW Event.”
Anheuser-Busch
In situ
A., Attendee / Employee, Anheuser-Busch
"Your keynote was inspiring, and we are proud to bring such talented voices to share experiences and insights with our team. You brought so much energy to the event, and really encouraged our audience to engage both in the comment section and in our work.”
US LBM Holdings, LLC
In situ
W.R., EVP, Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer, US LBM Holdings, LLC
“Vernice was awesome! Such passion and enthusiasm. The audience loved her!!"
Family First Life
In situ
A., Attendee / Employee, Family First Life
“[Vernice] came into Miami in a crowd of 14,000 people she absolutely lit everybody up…I can’t wait to have her back next year.”
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.
Virtual
A., Attendee / Employee, Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.
“… your delivery was remarkable with a message that resonated for its passion and connection…You made us think, you made us laugh, you made us go away better for hearing your story & sharing your time...leaving us impressed as well as inspired.”
Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC-MD, VA and DC)
Virtual
A., Attendee / Employee, Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC-MD, VA and DC)
“Vernice was a wonderful choice for inspirational speaker. She was on point, motivational and educational as well. I know our audience enjoyed her talk as they gave a 100% satisfaction for the event.”
National Conference of State Legislatures
In situ
G.R., Director of Communications & Marketing, National Conference of State Legislatures
“FlyGirl was amazing! Her energy from the start made us sit up and pay attention. She had a long line of people that wanted to talk with her after the show. Her presentation was tailored to our audience and well received. The stories that she told and the inspiration that she provided to our members is going to be something that they’ll take home with them and remember for a long, long time.”
Paylocity
Virtual
N.P., Manager, Client Events, Paylocity
“I’m sure you get this all the time, but Vee KILLED IT. Our clients loved her so much. GOOSE BUMPS.”
Fortune 100 Insurance Company
Virtual
A., Senior Event Planner, Fortune 100 Insurance Company
“Vernice is doing an AWESOME JOB with presentation today. She is hitting a HOME RUN. She did a super job hitting the messages we wanted her to hit”
CBRE
In situ
K.C., Marketing Director, CBRE
“WOW!!!!!! She is a-mazing - giving us an extra 15 minutes and no one is leaving the webinar - she is fabulous! Highly recommend her!”
AECOM
Virtual
J.L., SVP, National Governments, AECOM
“She was outstanding!!!!!!!!!!”
Kimberly-Clark
Virtual
Z.S., Executive Producer, Image Media, Kimberly-Clark
“Vernice was a homerun!! She delivered a terrific presentation, high energy and engaging. The chat was blowing up during her presentation. She was really easy to work with, too!!”
ASPIRE
In situ
K.R., Regional Manager, Medtronic and ASPIRE chair, ASPIRE
“Your impact from our ASPIRE National Meeting is lasting! Your message resonated with so many and has fueled many to step forward and into their BOLD! ‘Get Gutsy’ is such an incredibly energizing tag and call to action! We thank you for bringing our Medtronic women and ASPIRE members that awesome energy, and permission to embrace their ‘gutsy’ and run with it! We have had many speakers, and I can tell you that what you brought stood out. Your authenticity, engagement and connection with the audience and your ‘real talk’ was truly a call to action.”
Berkshire Hathaway
Virtual
D.D., VP, Global Conference & Meeting Services, Berkshire Hathaway
“Absolutely Love Love Love her! I have seen and heard and hired many speakers in my career and Vernice is more than a speaker. I have watched her recording four times now and still she kept me engaged, made me smile every time and made me really feel good. For her to be able to do that through a recording is a magic I have never experienced with any other speaker.”
DLL
Virtual
A., Country Sales Manager, DLL
“Your talk was everything that I needed. I cried, laughed, yelled, jumped up and down, all from my basement while listening to you.”
Element Fleet Management
Virtual
J.M., EVP & CPO, Element Fleet Management
“I can’t thank you enough for joining our Senior Leadership Forum and sharing your incredible energy with us! When I reflect on your messages – and there were so many great ones – what really stood out for me – especially given the past year – is ‘Acknowledge the obstacles - do not give them power.’ Pause, be curious and have the courage to overcome those obstacles, without letting them overtake you. It’s a clear, simple and relevant call to action as we continue to live in uncertain times. I was also impressed by your authenticity; despite being online, you created an experience that connected us all --- and left us inspired and motivated.”
Evanta
Virtual
L.K., Senior Program Manager, Evanta
“You are engaging, thoughtful, funny and genuine. Immediately following our virtual session focused on how to actively transform a company, culture and country; C-level executives were raving about how they felt engaged the entire time and felt like they walked away with specific actionable items. The level of passion and customization of your message targeting their specific challenges and leadership level, were a pleasant surprise for many.”
Iron Mountain
Virtual
A., Attendee / Employee, Iron Mountain
“You have been beyond an inspiration! You are so engaging, motivational, unique, and powerful. We all felt your energy through the screen.”
Stanford Women in Business
Virtual
A., Attendee / Employee, Stanford Women in Business
“Your energy and message started the event off on such a high note, and we are so grateful for that! The attendees felt so empowered and motivated after listening to your story—they definitely feel gutsy now!”
Evanta, a Gartner Company
In situ
J.W., Group Vice President, Evanta, a Gartner Company
“We have worked with many speakers over the years, and Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour is among the absolute best. She was more than efficient and capable, and truly exceeded our expectations, from the pre-event prep call, until she walked off the stage into an audience of freshly motivated and energized employees. She absorbed and addressed their challenges and concerns as if they were her own, and expertly incorporated an impressive command of our internal language, culture, and objectives. All while infusing bits of humor and contagious energy. She's on top of her game and industry trends and understands our current corporate climate as it parallels with leadership strategies. Her step-by-step breakthrough mentality model is relatable, and what is more, executable. And we're off to the races getting gutsy because of her. She gave my team permission to engage, and I'm excited and braced for a no limits 2018.”
UBS Investment Bank
In situ
T.H., Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Americas, UBS Investment Bank
The audience was absorbed by your stories of grit, determination and your lessons learned; you clearly connected with every individual as I could see how engaged people were...thank you for demonstrating that we can make dreams happen and seize the joy that awaits us in this life adventure."

















