AH-64 Apache Helicopter Pilots Laura Pangallo Fryar and Morgan Samuels on Army Flying and encouraging girls to Be Something Epic
- S3E22
- 57:59
- April 2nd 2025
In this episode of the Military Aviatrix podcast, host Liz Booker welcomes former Army Apache helicopter pilots Laura Pangallo Fryer and Morgan Samuels. These two trailblazing aviators share their journey from military aviation to becoming authors and illustrators of the empowering children's book, Be Something Epic.
Laura and Morgan discuss their experiences serving as women in a male-dominated field, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. They also dive into the creative process behind their book, which aims to inspire young girls to explore careers in aviation and beyond.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, representation, and the power of storytelling to shape future generations.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Laura and Morgan’s path to becoming Apache helicopter pilots
- The challenges and triumphs of being women in military aviation
- How Be Something Epic was born and what it means for young readers
- The impact of storytelling in inspiring the next generation
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Military Aviatrix
Military Aviatrix is a bold and uplifting podcast celebrating the extraordinary women of military aviation, past, present, and future. Hosted by Liz Booker, in collaboration with Literary Aviatrix, this series takes flight through powerful stories that illuminate the courage, resilience, and determination it takes to soar in a male-dominated field.
Each episode features inspiring conversations with women who have faced down adversity in pursuit of their wings; sharing lessons learned in the cockpit, on the battlefield, and beyond. You’ll hear from trailblazing aviators, rising stars, and the historians who help us honor the legacy of those who paved the way.
More than just a collection of stories, Military Aviatrix is a mission to open minds and ignite dreams. Whether you’re a young woman dreaming of flight, a seasoned pilot, or someone who believes in the power of representation and perseverance, this podcast offers fuel for your journey.
Plug in. Take off. And be inspired to rise.
Because every woman who flies writes a new chapter in history.
Meet the Host
Liz Booker transitioned to full-time writer in 2019 after a 28-year career as a Coast Guard helicopter pilot and foreign diplomat. She holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She continues to fly, pursuing an extensive aviation bucket-list—a.k.a. ‘research’.