1st Lieutenant Roslyn “Roz” Schulte’s journey began on March 18, 1984, in St. Louis, Missouri. From a young age, it was clear that she possessed an exceptional spirit and an unwavering commitment to serve her country. She was destined for greatness, and that destiny led her to the United States Air Force Academy, where she excelled academically and militarily, earning both academic and military honors.
But it wasn’t just her achievements that set Roz apart; it was her character. She was a leader from the start, serving as Wing Superintendent and Group Commander at the Academy, and as captain of the women’s lacrosse team. Her rare combination of determination, compassion, and competitive spirit made her an exceptional athlete, and an even better military officer. She led with a rare combination of strength and kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
After graduating from the Academy, Roz embarked on a journey that took her to the 613th Air and Space Operations Center at Hickam Air Force Base on the island of Oahu. She led the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance collection operations element in support of the Joint Force Air Component Commander airborne intelligence collection program. It was a great responsibility for a young officer, but she yearned to serve overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
She volunteered for a deployment to Afghanistan in February 2009. Assigned to the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (CSTC-A) at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Roz took on the role of the command’s foreign disclosure officer. Her mission was to facilitate information sharing between the coalition forces and their Afghan military partners. It was a critical mission and she dedicated herself to it.
Roz worked tirelessly to improve information sharing among Afghan forces, often venturing into remote and dangerous regions to support tactical forces. She willingly accepted the risks, understanding the importance of her mission in helping the Afghan military achieve self-sufficiency.
Tragically, on May 20, 2009, Roz’s life was cut short when an improvised explosive device struck her vehicle. Her sacrifice, her unwavering dedication, and her incredible contributions did not go unnoticed. She was posthumously awarded the National Intelligence Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
First Lieutenant Roslyn Schulte was the first female Air Force Academy graduate to die in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2010, the Air Force Academy established the prestigious Lt. Roslyn Schulte Cadet Award, a tribute designed to honor a cadet who exemplifies the same unwavering commitment to impeccable character, steadfast leadership, and an unyielding spirit of service that characterized Lieutenant Schulte throughout her remarkable life and career. This enduring legacy serves as a testament to her enduring influence and the indelible mark she left on the hearts and minds of those she touched.
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