HILL AIR FORCE BASE—Moving into the new century brought new challenges and new opportunities for Hill Air Force Base employees and personnel. The attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, brought increased air security worldwide an uptick in air activity from Hill, increases in technology, and an ever-shifting geopolitical landscape have necessitated extraordinary effort from many extraordinary people.

From those early days when operations at Hill Field helped support both flyers and the aircraft they flew, to the modern era where many trailblazing aviators have passed through the gates, Hill Air Force Base has been a staple of Air Force operations from the very beginning. Since the 1930s, until today, many amazing people have walked through those gates and helped in many ways to make the USAF what it is today.

People who were pioneers in their field, like Col. Regina “Torch” Sabric. Col. Sabric was the first female commander of the 419 fighter wing, and the first female pilot in the entire US Air Force reserve to fly the F-35A fighter jet. As of 2020, Col. Sabric had flown 11 different aircraft over the course of her 24 years of flight experience. Col. Sabric’s trailblazing work in military aviation has paved the way and served as an example for the entire military, and points the way forward for American women interested in careers in the military.

Though leaders like Col. Jenise Carroll, who currently serves as the Senior Military Advisor to the Director of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity in Washington, D.C., and who was the commander of the 75 Air Base Wing at Hill. Col. Carroll continues to serve as an inspiration to those she serves with and is a highly decorated officer in the United States Air Force. Col. Carroll also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration Leadership and travels extensively giving inspiring motivational speeches geared toward helping those in attendance reach their full potential.

Whether it’s people like Major General Sharon K.G. Dunbar, who was the first female to serve as Commanding General of the Air Force District of Washington, or Col. Gail Halvorsen, the famous “Candy Bomber,” or any of the other amazing figures addressed in the “Hill History” series, it’s clear that Hill Air Force Base has a legacy of cultivating personnel and civilians that are outstanding in their field and in every way. 

People who go above and beyond, people who rise above, and fight for right, people who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to distinguish themselves, and serve as an example for generations to come. It’s safe to say that Davis County is proud to play host to one of the most outstanding Air Force installations in the history of the branch, and looks forward to seeing what Hill alumni will accomplish next.