The induction of pioneering World War II aviator Nadine Ramsey into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame on November 10 marks a significant milestone in a decades-long mission to preserve her story and that of her brother, Col. Edwin P. Ramsey, according to Dr. Raquel "Raqui" Ramsey, Nadine's sister-in-law and the driving force behind the preservation effort. The recognition brings national attention to Nadine's achievements as one of the pioneering Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) who flew military aircraft during World War II, including the formidable P-38 Lightning, at a time when women faced significant barriers in military aviation.
The path to the Hall of Fame was unexpected. Ben Sauceda, Executive Director of the Kansas Aviation Museum, attended a film premiere featuring Nadine's story and approached Raqui afterward, encouraging her to submit a nomination. She did, and Nadine was selected. For Raqui, it was another reminder that sometimes a single person encountering a story can help carry it somewhere entirely unexpected. The induction ceremony in Wichita also brought together Ramsey family members, including Barbara Stunz, 105, a cousin of Ed and Nadine, and Col. Edwin P. Ramsey, son of Ed Ramsey, and his wife, Monica Ramsey.
Raqui's preservation work began with a promise to her husband, Col. Edwin P. Ramsey, 26th Cavalry (PS), who led what is widely recognized as the last mounted cavalry charge in U.S. Army history before joining the guerrilla resistance against Japanese occupation forces in the Philippines. His experiences were documented in Lieutenant Ramsey's War and later brought to film through the documentary NEVER SURRENDER: THE ED RAMSEY STORY, with Raqui serving as executive producer. Ed encouraged Raqui to research Nadine's life, insisting that his sister possessed more courage than he did. Raqui spent three years researching and writing Taking Flight: The Nadine Ramsey Story, co-authored with Tricia Aurand. Nadine's experiences were also brought to the screen through the documentary TAKING FLIGHT: THE NADINE RAMSEY STORY.
The importance of this recognition extends beyond honoring one woman. Nadine's induction highlights the contributions of the WASPs, whose achievements helped expand opportunities for future generations of female aviators. It also demonstrates how individual stories can reach new audiences through museums, books, and film screenings. Raqui, now 80, spent 50 years in education, including a lengthy career with the Beverly Hills Unified School District, and since Ed's death and her retirement, she has become an author, historical researcher, archivist, and executive producer, working with museums, military organizations, and educational institutions. Her greatest satisfaction comes from young people who encounter Ed's story and are inspired to follow his example. As Nadine receives this latest honor, the stories Raqui has worked so diligently to preserve are finding new people willing to carry them forward, ensuring that the legacies of two extraordinary Americans will not disappear from public memory.
