Maria S. Harrison-Dooley
Chair, Katahdin Wings Chapter of The Ninety-Nines
15 Mackworth Ln.
Cumberland Foreside, ME 04110

September 13, 2019

Colonel Kim Campbell
Chair, Airpower Innovation & Integration
US Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Colonel Campbell,

I hope this message finds you well. I am honored to invite you to be the guest speaker at The New England Section Spring Meeting of The Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots. The event will be held on May 15th and 16th, 2020, at The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Words cannot describe how humbled, honored and proud I was, as an American, a Woman and Aviator, when I heard you speak at WomenVenture in Oshkosh this summer. You brought tears to my eyes. Your story is an inspiration that every woman, aviator, and American deserves to hear.

My Chapter – The Katahdin Wings, will host this event. We expect our audience to be about 50-60 women pilots, along with some spouses, from throughout New England and the Northeast. As host, my goal for this meeting is to bring women within the aviation community together to inspire them to “think outside the box” and show them that “whatever their dream”, it can be achieved.

I was first introduced to aviation and the US Military over 50 years ago through my brother, USAFA ’69. Bill flew C130s in Southeast Asia. Many years later it’s been through my-now husband, a retired Army Major, observer on OH58s, private pilot, and former Air Traffic Controller.

Most recently I’ve become even more aware of military flying through my CFI, a retired Air Force Major, who was a B52 pilot. Yes, “I’m a late bloomer” when it comes to flying. I’m working towards my Private Pilot’s License at the age of 69.

However, all of this, and my own story (https://YouFlyGal.org), pale by comparison to how much you humbled and inspired me this summer. Therefore, it would be a great honor and privilege if you would participate in our event.

Knowing you are in Colorado, we would cover your travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. We will also provide you with a personal assistant, who will take care of all your arrangements, airport transfers, etc., and be on hand to deal with your needs during your stay.

Please let me know by October 1st. whether you would be able to accept this invitation. Also please advise me of any requested speaker fee. Attached is a sample schedule of the event and some background information on The 99s.

I greatly appreciate your consideration of this invitation.

With deep gratitude for all you’ve done for our country,

Maria S. Harrison-Dooley
Chair, The Katahdin Wings Chapter of The 99s
Founder, You Fly Gal Inc. (https://YouFlyGal.org)
(703) 629-3933