History was made in Henry County this week, as a pioneering figure in Georgia’s Air National Guard celebrated her journey with a sendoff in Stockbridge.

  First Lt. Andrea Lewis, the Guard’s first black female pilot, joined family and friends at Stockbridge City Hall Monday.

  Lewis said she was excited to share her story with those in attendance.

  “Through my travels, I get to give back and help young people achieve their dreams,” said Lewis. “The sky is the limit.”

  Lewis graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. She has maintained an interest in flying throughout her life, with her parents encouraging her to pursue a career in aviation. Her mother works as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, and her late father was a captain with American Airlines.

  Lewis’ military career took flight in 2010, when she was a flight attendant for the 73rd Airlift Squadron at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. She has supported missions transporting national leaders including congressional delegates and generals. In February of 2011, Lewis began working as a flight attendant for Delta.

  As a way to follow in her father’s footsteps, Lewis earned both her private pilot’s license and instrument rating in 2012, flying in a Cessna 172. She was chosen in 2015 by the 116th Air Control Wing to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training, and to fly the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System program at Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

  Lewis graduated Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., in April 2017. She also enjoys a strong connection to Stockbridge, as her sister works as an educator at Stockbridge Elementary School.

  The Stockbridge Main Street Program hosted Monday’s welcoming festivities. The event also featured an ice cream reception, as well as comments by Mayor Anthony Ford, members of the City Council and other government leaders in the area.   “We are proud of Lt. Lewis’ achievement, “ said Stockbridge Main Street Manager Kira Harris-Braggs. “Stockbridge is where community connects.”