The Riveting Rosies

WARNING: we both cried in the episode. Maybe don’t listen to this episode if you need to look presentable right afterwards 😭😂

Janna Lambine

In the small town of Norwood, Massachusetts, in 1951, a remarkable journey began for Janna Lambine. Born to retired Navy Commander Oscar Lambine and Alberta Lambine, Janna’s story unfolded as she carved her path in history as a trailblazer in the U.S. Coast Guard and later found a second career in fitness.

Early Life and Education:

Janna’s early years were shaped by her time in East Walpole, where she attended Walpole High School. The school’s robust girls’ athletic program, ahead of its time, provided the perfect platform for Janna to excel in basketball, softball, and field hockey. After graduating, Janna pursued her passion for geology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, earning her degree in 1973.

Coast Guard Aviation Trailblazer:

Janna’s heart belonged to the sea, and her initial plan was to serve as a crew member on Coast Guard cutters. However, the world of Coast Guard aviation beckoned, and Janna shifted her focus to the skies. After enrolling in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Officer Candidate Program and completing Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Virginia, she began flight training at Naval Air Station, Whiting Field in Milton, Florida.

On March 4, 1977, Janna achieved historic milestones, becoming CG Aviator #1812 and the first female helicopter pilot in Coast Guard history. She even made history by being the first female pilot to land a helicopter on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, showcasing her determination and breaking through barriers.

Dedicated Service and Reserves:

Following flight school, Janna’s first assignment was at Air Station Astoria, OR, where she earned promotions, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant. Later, she transitioned to the reserves in Portland, OR, joining the Marine Safety Office and eventually becoming the Reserve Commanding Officer of Station Newport, OR.

While in the reserves, Janna pursued higher education, earning her MBA from Portland State University. Her diverse career included roles at the American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services and temporary active duty positions on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, CA.

Post-Retirement Pursuits:

Upon retiring as a Commander from the Coast Guard, Janna and her wife, Lisa, returned to Yarmouth Port, MA, where Janna embarked on a second career in fitness. Over 16 years, she passionately worked as a rehab exercise instructor, fitness and Pilates instructor, and personal trainer for seniors.

Legacy of Heroic Rescues and Community Involvement:

Beyond her military and fitness career, Janna was actively involved in her community. A passionate sailor, she spent countless days on the water aboard her Laser sailboat with Lisa. Together, they received Coast Guard Achievement medals for a heroic rescue during a kayaking adventure.

In Memoriam:

Janna Lambine, fondly known as “Sparky,” passed away on Oct 21, 2021, surrounded by loved ones in the same room where she and Lisa first met over 30 years ago. Despite facing glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer), Janna’s spirit and determination never wavered. As we remember her, we echo the sentiment: “Rest easy Janna, we have the watch.”

Conclusion:

Janna Lambine’s legacy lives on as a pioneer, breaking gender barriers in Coast Guard aviation and leaving an indelible mark on the world of fitness. Her story serves as an inspiration to those who dare to dream and push boundaries. As we celebrate her achievements and remember the impact she had on the Coast Guard and her community, Janna Lambine’s trailblazing spirit continues to guide and inspire us all.

References:

Junko Tabei

In the picturesque town of Miharu, Fukushima, on September 22nd, 1939, a trailblazer was born. Junko Tabei, the fifth daughter in a family of seven children, would go on to defy expectations and redefine the limits of human achievement.

Early Passion for Climbing:

Despite being considered frail in her early years, Junko discovered her love for mountain climbing at the age of 10. A class trip to Mount Nasu ignited a passion that would shape her entire life. Climbing offered her a unique escape, allowing her to appreciate the serene beauty of her surroundings.

Educational Pursuits and Discrimination:

Junko attended Showa Women’s University from 1958 to 1962, studying English and American literature with dreams of becoming a teacher. However, her old hobby of mountain climbing beckoned, leading her to join men’s climbing clubs. Unsurprisingly, she faced discrimination from those who doubted her capabilities, but she persevered.

Founding the Joshi Tohan Climbing Club:

Junko’s resilience led her to found the Joshi Tohan all-women’s climbing club in 1969. Fueled by the motto “Let’s go on an overseas expedition by ourselves,” the club embarked on international climbing expeditions. The pivotal 1970 ascent of Annapurna III marked the first successful female ascent and the first successful Japanese ascent of the mountain.

Chasing Everest:

The desire to conquer higher peaks led the Joshi Tohan club to set their sights on Mount Everest. Facing resistance and skepticism from a patriarchal society, Junko tirelessly fundraised for the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition. Despite a perilous avalanche, Junko and her team persevered, and on May 16, 1975, she became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Beyond Everest: Seven Summits and Environmental Advocacy:

Junko’s adventures didn’t stop with Everest. She went on to become the first woman to ascend the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. Her climbing career extended to at least 44 all-female mountain climbing expeditions globally. Postgraduate studies at Kyushu University focused on the ecological impact of climbing, and she became the Director of the Himalayan Adventure Trust of Japan, advocating for mountain preservation.

Legacy and Honors:

Junko Tabei’s contributions extended beyond climbing. An author of seven books, she organized guided expeditions and led cleanup climbs. Diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2012, she continued climbing until her last expedition in July 2016. Honored with an asteroid, a Google Doodle, and a mountain range on Pluto, Junko’s legacy lives on as a historic pioneer who crossed new horizons in the exploration of Earth, sea, and sky.

Conclusion:

Join us in celebrating the indomitable spirit of Junko Tabei, a woman whose passion for climbing reached unparalleled heights. Through her resilience, determination, and groundbreaking achievements, Junko inspires us to break through barriers and pursue our quests, reminding us to “keep on our quest” and never give up.

References:

Biography – Junko Tabei, Climber