Ms. Sarah M. Deal - Director

Sarah is an accomplished fixed wing and rotary wing aviator.  Before graduating from Kent State University in 1992 with a major in Aerospace Flight Technology, Sarah had already earned her Private and Commercial Pilot Licenses along with her Instrument, Multi-engine and Certified Flight Instructor ratings. 

Sarah’s love for aviation was rivaled by her desire to be a Marine.  In 1991, Sarah joined the Marine Corps and completed Officer Candidates School — notwithstanding the fact that at that time women were not permitted to serve as Marine Corps aviators.  In early 1993, the Secretary of Defense announced that women would be permitted to fly combat roles.  Soon thereafter, Sarah was competitively selected for flight school.  On 21 April 1995, then First Lieutenant Sarah Deal was winged as a Naval Aviator, thereby becoming the First Female Marine Corps Aviator.

Sarah’s 28-year military career in both the active and reserve components included multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as two deployments to Okinawa, Japan.  Sarah chose helicopters in flight school and flew the CH-53E Super Sea Stallion.  Sarah’s service includes key leadership billets with: multiple aviation squadrons and Marine Air Groups; Marine Corps Recruiting Command; The Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School, Fleet Aviation Specialized Operations Training Group Pacific; the MCAS Miramar Air Show; Marine Forces Pacific; and, NATO ISAF Headquarters in Afghanistan.  

Sarah’s volunteer service includes work with the American Youth Soccer Organization and leadership positions with the Boy Scouts of America.  Her experience includes working with Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts in Afghanistan.  

Sarah is married to Philip Burrow, a retired U.S. Navy Officer and F-14 pilot.  They have three sons: one a Cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy; another son is attending college in San Diego as well as enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve; and, their youngest will be finishing high school soon.