EVESHAM, NJ – Sandra Ortega, the first Black woman to achieve the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, currently resides in New Jersey. Ortega was a senior at Morgan State College, majoring in French, when in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded her a direct commission.
Ortega’s historic appointment marked a significant milestone in the U.S. military’s history. Her journey to this achievement, however, was not without challenges. As the first Black female officer in the Air Force, Ortega paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in the military.
Born in 1937 in Baltimore, Dr. Sandra Williams Ortega’s remarkable journey began long before her historic commissioning as a U.S. Air Force Officer. She lived in Baltimore for 21 years, attending Morgan State University. On July 4, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower commissioned her into the Air Force, marking her as Maryland’s first African American woman officer and Morgan State University’s first Air Force officer.
Dr. Ortega’s career spanned various roles, each marked by pioneering efforts and impactful change. She tackled issues ranging from family and community dynamics, mental health, substance abuse, emergency medical management, disaster relief, to education. Her work in the Air Force focused on breaking racial and gender stereotypes, fostering equality and inclusion in the military.
Notably, Dr. Ortega played a critical role in redefining the military family’s importance, contributing significantly to retention and mission accomplishment. She was instrumental in implementing drug and alcohol prevention and treatment programs within the Air Force, a testament to her dedication to the well-being of military personnel and their families.
Her expertise extended beyond the U.S. She consulted internationally, aiding post-Soviet Union countries, African villages in redesigning educational and health infrastructures, and shared counseling techniques in Cuba. Dr. Ortega’s efforts in disaster relief were highlighted during her deployment to New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, leading to the proclamation of “Dr. Sandra W. Ortega Day” by Mayor C. Ray Nagin in 2006.
Aside from her military and international contributions, Dr. Ortega has been an active community member in Evesham Township, New Jersey, serving as the Democratic Committee Woman. Her academic pursuits led her to roles as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Dr. Ortega’s educational achievements include a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Morgan State University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from La Salle University. She also founded Ortega Associates, providing consulting services globally for 20 years.
The Philadelphia Inquirer did a full feature this week on Mrs. Ortega.