On behalf of the FAA, thank you, Ventris, and all the people of the US Mint who have brought “Brave Bessie’s” story to life. Not only is the coin itself beautiful, but it represents a significant milestone for Black and Native people, women, and aviation. And highlighting Bessie Coleman’s history is only half of it.

Around the FAA, lots of us have stories about what landed us in this field. I like to share how, playing outside one day as a small child, I heard helicopters in the distance. From that moment, I was completely hooked! I became a pilot the minute I could, and I’ve never stopped loving aviation since. Across the agency, I often hear similar stories from others. The details usually vary—someone recalls their first flight over here, another watched a space shuttle landing over there—but the resulting life-long love of aviation is always the same. 

The point is, there’s no telling what will spark a child’s imagination and literally make them take flight. As someone who’s concerned about ensuring the aviation workforce will meet our country’s needs in years to come, I’m always buoyed by these stories and how they’ve brought people to the agency. 

I know that passion is only one part of what makes a talented workforce …but it’s an important part. The Bessie Coleman coin puts a significant piece of history in the hands of millions, many of them children, and some of them future aviation professionals. And I have a feeling that this coin will be a part of someone’s aviation story one day soon.

Again, thank you, Director Gibson, and thank you, US Mint employees. We appreciate this gift and, even more, the way you’re keeping Bessie Coleman’s legacy alive for the future.