In this archival photo, Ann Avant, the first female non-prior service enlisted Airman at Duke Field, Fla., is congratulated by a base officer moments after taking the oath of enlistment back in May 1972. Ms. Avant put a career of nearly four decades of military and federal civilian service behind her as she retired Dec. 4. The Defuniak Springs, Fla., native launched her career when the base's 919th Special Operations Wing was in its infancy. (Courtesy photo)