U.S. Air Force Retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal is an African American pioneer in military aviation. Merryl has shattered barriers and redefined excellence in her military and aviation career. Earning the title of “The Dragon Lady” as the first African American woman to pilot the iconic U-2 spy plane, she stands as a testament to courage and leadership. Her remarkable journey as a pilot, military leader, and philanthropic force.
As a child growing up in The Bronx, New York, she was fascinated by aircraft and dreamed of becoming an astronaut. She excelled in grade school and high school in math and science. She earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Haven, one of only three women in the program. Sheh also played basketball and participated in ROTC at college. Her military career began in the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer after graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1994. She flew the SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter and served in the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. She also trained both Navy and Air Force students to fly the T-34C and T-6A. She transitioned to the Air Force, becoming the first African American women (and only so far) to fly the U-2 spy plane (also nicknamed Dragon Lady), accumulating over 1,000 flight hours. The role requires more than being a good pilot; it requires a blend of technical proficiency, actual mental endurance, and an unwavering spirit. U-2 pilots undergo intense training to adapt to the high-altitude conditions. Throughout her career, she continued her education; she earned master’s degree from Embry-Ridding Aeronautical University and advanced her training at the Air Commend and Staff College and the Air War College.
Beyond flying, Merryl held significant leadership roles within the military including Chief of Flight Safety for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Director of Operations for the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, and Commander of Warner Robbins Air Logistics Center. Her last post was as Director of Inspections at the Pentagon where she managed the Nuclear Surety Inspections program for the U.S. Air Force.
After retiring from military service in 2017, Merryl focused on sharing the importance of women and minorities in STEM and aviation. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from her alma mater. Merry was inducted into the 2019 Air Force Gathering of Eagles Foundation in 2019 as an aviation pioneer. She published her first book, a memoir called “Shatter the Sky: What Going to the Stratosphere Taught me about Self-Worth, Sacrifice, and Discipline” in 2021, recounting life lessons from her military career, motherhood and marriage.
Giving back is also very important to Merryl. She’s a board member of Sierra College. She dedicates a portion of the proceeds from her book to the Legacy Flight Academy which focuses on providing aerospace education to underserved communities. Exposing young people of color to flight and STEM programs is a core mission of this organization committed to upholding the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. She also directs all the profits from merchandise sales from Mission 22 to supporting veterans. Her motivational speeches and lectures are also a critical part of her work in retirement. Merryl spends time a motivational speaker. At the 2024 Student Veterans of America conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Merryl shared this advice, “Embrace the challenges that come your way. They are opportunities for growth, not setbacks. Remember that your ability to overcome obstacles and learn from setbacks will ultimately propel you towards success.”
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