Primarily documents the life of Linda Caulder Smith and her service with the United States Air Force. Smith recalls her childhood in North Carolina, helping out on her grandfather's farm, and her desire to get away and do something bigger than become a farmer's wife. She discusses being one of a few women working in the Lockheed C-5 jet engine shop, and the strain it put on her body. Smith describes witnessing the oppression of women while overseas in Bahrain, her personal difficulties with being away from her children, and the post-traumatic stress she experienced after returning from Saudi Arabia. Smith also discusses the educational opportunities she was provided by the air force, how the military made her a stronger and more determined person, and her belief that joining the air force created a better life for her and her children.