Latter-day Saint Woman

4 min read 

At the end of their training, fighter pilots receive an official nickname, known as a call sign, and it is a major event.

These badges aren't something pilots can choose for themselves; they're assigned by their peers and are usually based on personality, a weakness, or even an embarrassing mistake—all as part of military camaraderie. Once assigned, that badge generally accompanies the airman throughout their career.

Contrary to movie nicknames like "Maverick" or "Iceman," it's more common to receive names like "Meatloaf," "Bus," or "Sidewalk," each with a memorable story behind it, according to a 2022 news report.

When First Lieutenant Savannah Raskey was about to receive her call sign, she was prepared to accept anything. However, she prayed repeatedly that it would be something that would help her represent her faith and her identity as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .

“I prayed for a calling sign that I could use to reflect God’s light and love,” Raskey said. “I didn’t serve a traditional mission, but I feel like I was put here to serve in another way.”

Her prayers were answered when she was assigned the call sign “Sista” (little sister), a name with deep spiritual significance for her. This nickname has become an essential part of her identity , not only as a fighter pilot but also as an ambassador for her faith.

“It’s amazing to wear that label every day ,” she commented. “When I attend air shows or meet people, I introduce myself as 'Sista,' and that constantly reminds me of my priorities and how I should interact with others in a way that pleases God . ”

An unexpected path to the heavens

Interestingly, being a fighter pilot wasn't part of Raskey's original plans. She grew up in Orlando, Florida, in a predominantly Latter-day Saint family, with a non-member father who was also a pilot.

Although her father wanted her to fly, Savannah dreamed of studying opera and becoming a singer.

At 18, she joined the Utah Air National Guard, intending to challenge herself and be part of something bigger, performing maintenance duties. Ten years passed before she decided to give flying a try, after her father stopped pressuring her. That's when she took a flying lesson, and everything changed.

“I was hooked immediately,” she said. “I realized that what was holding me back was thinking I wasn’t capable enough. But something inside me knew that, with hard work, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.”

Although her passion for singing remained, in 2017 she auditioned for America's Got Talent and advanced to the first round. However, when her second audition coincided with an interview for a pilot position, she had to make a decision.

“I thought about what would bring me the most joy at the end of the day, and I knew that serving my country was the right thing to do,” she explained. “I wanted to do my best to protect those who defend us, my family, and our freedoms in this incredible country . ”

Strengthened by faith

During her Air Force career, Raskey has faced challenges that have strengthened her faith . One such moment was during boot camp, where she prayed every night by her bedside. Her fellow soldiers, noticing her habit, began asking her to pray for them as well.

“I discovered that this connection with God was something special that not everyone had, and I realized how much heavenly support She could offer ,” she recalled.

The path to becoming a fighter pilot wasn't easy, but her faith was her rock. In the midst of the hardships of training, she decided that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be her number one priority.

“When I put my faith above my desire to be a pilot, my testimony blossomed ,” she explained. “What matters most is what lasts forever, and that is my testimony. I don’t base my worth on being a fighter pilot, but on being a daughter of God . ”

In the military, Raskey has had to stand firm in her beliefs. On one occasion, she was told she wouldn't be accepted as a fighter pilot if she didn't drink alcohol . She remained true to her principles.

“Sometimes it seems like you have to fit into a mold to be accepted, but I’ve found that the more I hold to my faith, the more respect I receive . ”

Inspired to rise

In times of difficulty, Raskey has found comfort in messages from Church leaders, such as Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, whose experience as a pilot inspires her. In addition, words spoken by the late Jon M. Huntsman, an Area Seventy, during a BYU devotional have served as guidance:

“God didn’t put us here to fail. You and the Lord, working together, can accomplish anything.”

As she flies through the skies, Savannah Raskey feels a special connection to her Creator. She loves the challenge of her work, and even more so, the certainty that her true identity lies in being a daughter of God .

“Being a fighter pilot is what I do, but being a disciple of Jesus Christ is who I am,” she concluded. “Seeing God’s hand in every struggle and triumph is what truly strengthens me . ”

resorce  Deseret News

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