“Lead by example and that will always inspire others” says Liz McConaghy

Liz McConaghy’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. Originally from Northern Ireland, she joined the RAF on her 19th birthday, becoming the longest-serving female crewman on the Chinook Fleet. She was the youngest aircrew deployed to Iraq at just 21 and the only woman in her role for four years. Over a 17-year career, she completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, witnessing war from the skies.

But after leaving the military in 2019, Liz faced her toughest battle yet—PTSD, trauma, and a fight for her own life. Her powerful memoir, Chinook Crew Chick, became an Amazon bestseller, offering an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of her service and recovery. Now an award-winning speaker and mental health ambassador, Liz is proving that PTSD doesn’t have to define you—it can be a chapter that fuels growth.