Marlena Ventresca Parker ’86 was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy following her graduation from GMA. Colonel Retired Parker served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years. She served active duty and participated in air-refueling missions over the Persian Gulf. Marlena began her next chapter as a commercial airline pilot for United Airlines in 1999, but returned to active duty in the U.S. Air Force shortly after the September 11th attacks. Marlena retired from the U.S. Air Force in April 2020. Marlena was awarded the Trocaire Leadership award for Government & Legal service this fall.