First Lt. Rosyln L. Schulte died of wounds from a roadside bomb explosion near Kabul, Afghanistan. Schulte was the first female USAF graduate killed in action in either Iraq or Afghanistan. See photos and a video below.
1st Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte
Known as “Roz” to her friends, Lt. Schulte was 25 years old and traveling to Bagram Airfield to an intelligence sharing conference on May 20th, 2009 when a roadside IED detonated taking her life. Schulte was deployed with the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, assigned to the 613th Air and Space Operations Center, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces Command at Hickam Air Force Base.
While at the Air Force Academy, Roslyn majored in political science. She became a “group commander,” said to be one of the academy’s “highest positions, and she was captain of the lacross team, as she was during her high school years where she achieved all-American-lacross-player-status. After graduating the academy in 2006, she went into military intelligence teaching others to gather and interpret intelligence.
Lieutenant Schulte is praised for her leadership, and characterized as “brilliant” by one of her co-workers:
While working with her, I can speak for several Airmen by saying that we all respected her, and would follow her anywhere. She commanded respect: although she was young, she was a brilliant leader - she handled pressure better than any other officer that I’ve worked with - and yet she was humble, and listened to those who she led.
Schulte’s father speaks of her as a “natural leader” who “didn’t want to be President, she wanted to be a leader.” Her commanding officer, Col. Terrence O’Shaughnessy said she was a “heroic airman.” Read more personal accounts of Lt. Schulte at The Ladies of Liberty.
First Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte is the first female USAF Academy grad to die in combat in Afghanistan or Iraq, but a total of ten graduates have been KIA in the War on Terror.
USAF Academy Photos
Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte - USAF Academy Grad Video
May 24th, 2009 at 10:30 am
There are no words to express my sympathy to Lt. Schulte’s family. Your daughter was a brilliant officer, a beautiful person and Great American. I thank you for your daughters selfless commitment to her God, her Country and for her sacrifice. Though she is no longer with us she will remain forever in our hearts and minds as a great American Hero. May Almighty God Bless you and your Family.
Sgt. Valdez II
United States Marine Corps
May 27th, 2009 at 3:10 am
My sincerest sympathies and heart go out to the Schulte family during this time of tragedy.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Lieutenant Schulte in the fall of 2008. Although brief, she left an outstanding impression on me and so many others. Not enough can be said to her professionalism, charisma and fortitude. Her passing is not only a loss to the Air Force, but all services and to the entire nation.
It was pure happenstance that I heard of her death on CSPAN on the 20th of May. Perhaps, by chance again, I may run into the Schulte family to relate an interesting and uplifting story about their wonderful daughter. Told by a Naval officer that learned a lot from an outstanding young lady who proudly wore the blue uniform of an Air Force officer.
Very respectfully and my best wishes,
//TC//
Tavis C. Howery
Lieutenant Commander
United States Navy
May 27th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
As a family friend of Lieutenant Schulte, I can see she will be greatly missed. She was a great young lady who should be an inspiration to all young women today.
May 28th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
As a Naval Academy midshipmen, this really brings it close to home. All gave some, some gave all. My heart goes to the family.
VR
Phillip D. Jones
MIDN 3/C USN
May 29th, 2009 at 10:20 am
To Rosyln’s parents
You have been on my heart and in my thoughts and prayers since our son informed us of your loss. He too,is an AFA Grad 2007 and is in Hawaii, in intellegence. He told us how he knew your daughter and how wonderful she was. She helped him when he first went over there. She is a true hero. My prayer are with you.
AFA Mom