Supporters |
"Maggie Gee and I became friends in 1942 when we were both working for our Private
Pilot Licenses, (at our own expense) to become eligible to apply to the training program of the newly formed WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) in order to serve our country, newly at war. Both of us were accepted, wound up in the same class, and successfully completed the arduous training. Neither of us wound up serving for very long after our graduation as the WASP was dismantled with the questionable excuse that our jobs were needed by male pilots returning from war zones. (Congress enthusiastically agreed that women belonged in the kitchen and allowed this to happen.) Maggie, sadly disappointed returned to her Berkeley home and resumed her quest for a degree in Physics at UC Berkeley. Completing that, she went on to become a Physicist at Lawrence Livermore Lab where she worked until her retirement. In civilian life she was anxious to give back to the East Bay community...and was very active, serving on numerous committees and boards. She was well known and liked. To name the Oakland Airport after her would honor not only Maggie, but Women, Asian Americans, the WASP. All of whom are often ignored when recognition is being handed out." Jean Harman, Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), class 44-W-9 
"Maggie Gee was a true aviator born from a dream. To onlookers, she was one of the brave ones, the courageous ones, the fearless ones. Like all true heroes, however, she was unaware of her heroism, allowing her dream to bloom magnificently for all of us that share her legacy. Like all the great aviators in history, Maggie was a dreamer that made her dreams come true, against the odds.
Maggie Gee's dream is our dream. Her greatness lies not in that she's Chinese-American, a woman or endured injustice, but in that she was one of those rare individuals magically propelled by her dream to serve as a beacon for the generations to come. I wholeheartedly support the naming of Oakland Airport in honor of this true aviator." Julie Wang, Airline Captain and, in 2016, the first Asian woman to circumnavigate Earth in an aircraft. 
"Maggie Gee is an important historical figure for Asian American and American history by her contributions to the WW2 war efforts through joining the WASP. Her all women's group experienced dangerous and sometimes fatal activities and received only small recognition and very little benefits until recently. We'll always remember and cherish her contributions and spirit."
Harvey Dong, Lecturer, Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies, UC Berkeley 
"The WASP were trailblazers who broke barriers in order to serve their country. Women like Maggie Gee have been denied their rightful place in history for too long. Naming Oakland Airport after this local heroine would be a fitting tribute."
Matia Karrell, Academy Award nominated director and creator of Fly Girls - The Red Door Film "In a nation where every named Airport honors only men, it is time that an American woman was celebrated in such a way. The proposal to name the Oakland airport in honor of pioneer American aviator Maggie Gee will be the first step to correct this historic wrong."
Alan H. Rosenberg, Producer/Writer - "A Brief Flight," PBS Documentary about American pilot Hazel Ying Lee "Maggie Gee was an inspiring pioneer who deserves the honor of having Oakland Airport named after her. Oakland should be proud to claim her!"
Marissa Moss, publisher and author of "Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee" "This woman was phenomenal. She LOVED to fly. I had the privilege of illustrating a children's book based on her life, and in meeting her, was truly humbled by the beauty of her spirit, which was as expansive as the skies in which she flew. She deserves this like no other. In addition to naming an airport after her, they ought to throw in a constellation as well."
Carl Angel, illustrator of "Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee" |
