McGrath, who played on the women’s soccer team during her years at the Academy, was the first female Marine aviator to drop ordnance in Iraq. Sponsored by the Capt. Joy Bright Hancock Organization, the event offered an opportunity for Midshipmen to talk to a female fighter pilot with combat experience.

During the event, Homstedt read excerpts from her book, including passages of McGrath’s story. Holmstedt emphasized her mission in writing the book, highlighting the contribution women are making to the war effort. McGrath then took the floor, insisting Midshipmen ask hard questions regarding her roles as a woman, Marine, and aviator.

The Midshipmen obliged. ‘‘What personal sacrifices have you had to make to in order to pursue your career choice?” ‘‘How do you deal with the feelings that result from knowing you have killed people in combat?” ‘‘What can we do here at the Academy to prepare ourselves for the Marine Corps or to be a fighter pilot?”

The Capt. Joy Bright Hancock Organization strives to provide Midshipmen with opportunities for professional development. During McGrath’s visit, aviation and Marine Corps hopefuls were able to glean insight into their prospective fields through interaction with the decorated pilot.

After earning her degree in political science, McGrath went on to train as a Marine Corps Weapons System Officer for the F⁄A-18 Hornet. During her tenure as a back-seat aviator, she performed numerous flight missions under several military operations including Operation Bright Star and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was during this period that she became the first female Marine aviator to fly into Afghanistan. In 2004, McGrath underwent transition training from NFO to pilot. She earned her wings in March of 2006 and has since logged over 1,300 F⁄A-18 hours.

Major McGrath’s decorations include a Navy⁄Marine Corps Achievement Medal, eight total Strike Flight Air Medals (five from Afghanistan, three from Iraq), a Presidential Unit Commendation, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two National Defense Service Awards, Afghani Campaign Medal, Iraq Service Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary medal, two Sea Service Deployment ribbons, Airborne jump wings, as well as her Marine Corps Naval Aviator and Marine Corps Naval Flight Officer wings of gold.