Raleigh, N.C. — The first African-American female naval aviator in the Marine Corps visited Raleigh Wednesday.

Vernice Armour, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, spoke at the North Raleigh Hilton as part of the Speakers Showcase, presented by the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) and the Pinnacle Speakers Bureau.

“I’m standing on some amazingly strong shoulders. It's my job to prepare my shoulders for the next generation, so I can show them how to prepare their shoulders for the next generation,” she said.

Armour, who travels the country as a motivational speaker, gave thanks to the Tuskegee Airmen. She said the African American pilots, who flew during World War II, paved the way for her to become the first black, female combat pilot.