Following Dreams

Taylor: What specifically do you do as a Brigadier General?

Gen. Fedder: As a Brigadier General, I oversee maintenance for all Air Force planes in the United States. Airmen are stationed all over the world to help take care of the mission of the United State Air Force.

Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Laura Ropelis joins us duing the interview.

Taylor: How long have you been in the Air Force?

Gen. Fedder: I’ve been in the Air Force for almost 29 years.

Taylor: What are the steps to becoming a Brigadier General?

Gen. Fedder: You are required to be an officer so you have to have a bachelor’s degree from college. You can then enter the Air Force as a Lieutenant. Over the years, you learn to lead and get experience as you receive higher ranks.

Taylor: What school did you go to and what did you study?

Gen. Fedder: I went to Michigan State University and I studied dietetics because I thought I wanted to be in nutrition and work in a hospital.

Taylor: Where are some of the places you have been while in the Air Force?

Gen. Fedder: The Air Force is a great opportunity to live all over the world. I’ve been fortunate to live in some pretty exciting places. I’ve also lived in places such as the Pan Handle of Florida, Alabama, Washington D.C., and Virginia. I’ve also been stationed in Germany for four and a half years, Italy for two years, and a few others.

Flag was flown over Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Taylor: At the age of twelve, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Gen. Fedder: I decided I wanted to be a nurse because I liked the idea of working in a hospital.  I wanted to take care of people, so that’s what I set my sights on until I had to apply for college.

Taylor: What influenced you to change?

Gen. Fedder: In high school, I was very interested in nutrition which is very similar to nursing. In my senior year, I decided that I wanted to go into dietetics (diet and nutrition) and work in a hospital. That’s why I got my bachelor’s degree in that field.

Taylor: What hobbies did you have when you were a girl?

Gen. Fedder: I loved to read Nancy Drew and any mystery book. I still like those kinds of books today! I also loved to ride my bike. We lived in a small town, so I was able to ride my bike everywhere.

Taylor: Were you in any school programs or sports?

Gen. Fedder: I was in the band from fifth grade to my senior year and I played the alto saxophone.  In seventh through twelfth grade I was also a cheerleader.

Taylor: What are some fun memories you have from growing up?

Gen. Fedder: My father was in the army and we lived in Alaska, so I remember going to school when it was 32 degrees! It wasn’t funny at the time, but now it seems really funny!

Taylor: If there are any girls out there that want to be Brigadier Generals when they grow up, what advice do you have for them?

Gen. Fedder: Do well in school! Do as well as you are capable of doing and set your sights on going to college. Think about what being in the military service means and think about the opportunity to serve America.

Gen. Fedder was on the receiving team in Oklahoma that welcomed President Bush.

Taylor: You are going to be talking to girls everywhere through girlZlikeme.com. Do you have anything you would want to say to them?

Gen. Fedder: You need to have an idea about what you’re interested in. However, as you go off to college, your idea might change, so don’t be afraid to change your dream!

Click to play a "shout out" from Gen. Fedder