The Mattoon CUSD #2 JROTC Corp of Cadets recognized Master Sergeant Rachel Reed (Air Force and Air Force Reserve) and SPC5 Margaret Meunier Blair (Women's Army Corps) at the November 14th, 2023 Board Meeting.
Master Sergeant Rachel Reed served on the Air Force and Air Force Reserve from 2001-2014. Rachel was a flight medic on fixed wing aircraft. She has served on C-141 Starlifter, C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotaker, C-17 Globemaster and the C-5 Galaxy. The crews consisted of 3 medics and 2 nurses. Rachel helped provide a "hospital in the air" that oversaw medical treatment from the onload, takeoff, inflight, descent, landing and offload of injured military members. She was mobilized for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom providing medical transport stateside and overseas and has been to many countries and unique places.
Reed stated, "Time moves faster than you could ever imagine. Being truthful is paramount. Make helping others a standard in your life. Doing the bare minimum when you are able to do more is simply lazy. There is honor in a job well done. Be honorable."
SPC5 Margaret Meunier Blair was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington D.C. from 1974-1976. She treated active duty and retired soliders. The Women's Army Corps was a branch of the U.S. Military with active duty status, created in 1942. In 1978, the Women's Army Corps was disbanded and female soldiers were integrated into the male units.
Both women were presented a plaque for their service to the country and the community.
The JROTC chooses a local veteran(s) involved in the community each year to honor.
Pictured above L to R: Margaret Meunier Blair and Rachel Reed.
