EP:190 Breaking Barriers: The Extraordinary Life of Valerie Andre, medevac helicopter pioneer and the first woman to fly a helicopter in combat

Coming Home Well

Dive into the thrilling world of aviation and military history as we explore the awe-inspiring life of Valerie Andre with acclaimed author Charles Morgan Evans. A woman of unparalleled courage and determination, Valerie Andre shattered gender stereotypes to become the first female pilot and doctor in the Vietnam War serving in the French Air Force. This episode is an exciting deep dive into the pages of Charles' riveting book "Helicopter Heroine, Valerie Andre: Surgeon, Pioneering Rescue Pilot, and Her Courage Under Fire."
Charles meticulously examines Valerie's extraordinary career, detailing her heroic missions, her staunch resolve and the significant impact she had on the creation of the Hiller Aviation Museum. With an infectious fascination, he shares the intriguing story of his personal encounter with Valerie, offering a glimpse into her life and the influential figures she interacted with. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Charles takes us on his journey of publishing, revealing the challenges and triumphs of bringing Valerie Andre's story to life on paper.
Adding a fresh perspective, we conclude by discussing Valerie's return to France and her unique insights into the conflict between the European and Algerian populations during her service in Algeria. This episode, rich in aviation and military history, is also a remarkable testament to the power of tenacity and courage. So buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the life of Valerie Andre, a true heroine of her time.
Liz Booker is a retired Coast Guard helicopter pilot and writer for young adults. She hosts the Aviatrix Book Club and the Aviatrix Book Review Website and Podcast. This episode is a rebroadcast of the Aviatrix Book Review in collaboration with Coming Home Well. You can find Liz @LiteraryAviatrix on social media.
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Chapters

1. EP:190 Breaking Barriers: The Extraordinary Life of Valerie Andre, medevac helicopter pioneer and the first woman to fly a helicopter in combat (00:00:00)

2. Aviatrix Book Review (00:00:10)

3. Valerie's Heroic Medical and Aviation Career (00:15:07)

4. Fascination With Stanley Hiller and Aviation (00:20:08)

5. Valerie Andre's French Military Legacy (00:24:39)

6. Publishing and Promoting a Book (00:35:45)

7. Valerie André's Military Career in Algeria (00:43:12)