Bump In The Road podcast

Caroline "Blaze" Jensen: Pilot Extraordinaire

0:00
35:59
Rewind 15 seconds
Fast Forward 15 seconds
As a private pilot, I am in awe of our military pilots. Their training, perseverance and bravery are second to none. I am please to share this conversation with Caroline "Blaze" Jensen.   Meet A Trailblazing Pilot   Carolyn Jensen's fascination with the skies began at a young age. Growing up in Wisconsin, she vividly remembers the moment that sparked her dream of flying. At just six years old, she watched a biplane dance through the clouds on her parents' TV, That set in motion a passion that would guide her career. Inspired by the (Women Air Force Service Pilots- From 1943 to 1944, over 1,000 women flew over 60 million miles ferrying aircraft and personnel, towing targets, and other transport duties as part of the WASP) and the iconic movie "Top Gun," Caroline set her sights on flying combat aircraft. In 1993, the combat exclusion policy for women was lifted, opening the door for Carolyn to fly. (Learn more about the incredible story of these World War II pilots ) At the Air Force Academy, she earned her wings. From flying gliders to becoming an instructor, she embraced every opportunity to hone her skills.  She flew the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, and eventually the F-16 Fighting Falcon. With over 200 combat hours in Iraq, Carolyn's aerial resume is formidable. Then she joined the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's elite demonstration team. She credits her extraordinary career success to harnessing failures as stepping stones and seeking mentorship from inspiring figures like the WASP and her own father, a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Carolyn's story doesn't end with her military career. She authored a children's book, inspired by her experiences and the bond with her son during her time with the Thunderbirds. The book serves as a touching tribute to military families and the challenges they face. In reflecting on her journey, Carolyn emphasizes the importance of determination, leveraging failures, and seeking mentorship. Her transition from military service to the corporate world brought new challenges, but the lessons learned in the Air Force proved invaluable. Carolyn's story is about the power of following our dreams, with persistent and joy. Enjoy this conversation with an amazing and accomplished woman. Here's a link to a short video with Caroline: https://youtu.be/7ENJRVTkJ5M?si=KgRO90RK_20NQ1uR     What they're saying:   “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove   “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”   –Gary Hensel   Learn more at   Follow Bump on: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️   

More episodes from "Bump In The Road"