Maj. Gen. Betty Mullis retired from the Air Force Reserve after serving 33 years in all components of the Air Force, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. She attained the aviation rating of command pilot and logged more than 4,900 flying hours in military aircraft. She participated in worldwide air refueling and airlift operations including Desert Storm, Provide Hope and Joint Endeavor. She still is actively flying as a civilian airline pilot.

Gen. Mullis transitioned to the Arkansas Air National Guard (ANG), where she was among the first women in the ANG to earn her wings. She flew KC-135s and C-130s in the ANG, then transitioned to the Air Force Reserve in 1988, returning to the KC-135. In 1993, Gen. Mullis became the first woman in the Air Force Reserve to command a flying squadron-and the second within the entire Air Force. In 1996 she became the first woman in the entire Air Force to ever command a flying wing.

Gen. Mullis was the first pilot female officer in the Air Force to attain the rank of Brigadier General in 2000 and Major General in 2002. The sea of military uniforms seen at WAI conventions is a direct result of the General's vision, dedication and endless efforts to afford women a better opportunity than she had to pursue an aviation career. She fully understands the need for mentorship and has a keen appreciation for the courage of those individuals who provided support and encouragement to her and other women military aviators early on. She not only mentors others herself, she inspires fellow officers and aviators to do the same, a sign of a true pioneering spirit who helps open doors of opportunity for other women.