A career of service
The Angermann family – Meghan, Will, Collin (14) and Katelyn (12) at a soccer tournament in Vail last October.
When Meghan Angermann was in high school in the suburbs of Chicago, her dad suggested she sign up for the Navy ROTC program as a way to pay for college. Her response was, “What is ROTC?” Today, Meghan is retired from the Navy after a 21-year active-duty career, is a Pampered Chef consultant and enjoying life in The Canyons neighborhood with her family. Meghan and her husband, Will, love to cheer their kids, Collin (14) and Katelyn (12), on from the sidelines of the soccer field.
“I never imagined being in the military, but I immediately found a really tight community in my ROTC unit,” Meghan shared. Meghan became a commissioned officer upon graduation from Marquette University in Milwaukee. When it came time to choose what to do within the Navy, Meghan said, “I thought flying jets sounded fun.”
At the completion of flight school, Meghan chose to fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet. As she imagined, flying jets off aircraft carriers was really exciting and fun. “It is completely an adrenaline rush and it takes 110 percent focus every time you do it.”
Soon after marrying her husband Will, Meghan was deployed on the USS Enterprise as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Meghan shared, “It is truly rewarding to do something for a greater purpose than yourself.”
In reflecting on her career, Meghan expressed how supportive the military community was. “We joke that when you move to a new base and meet your next-door neighbor, you say, ‘Hi, nice to meet you. You’re now my kids’ emergency contact at school, and can I borrow an egg?’ You rely on each other. You don’t have family nearby and you become each other’s family.”
After having children, Meghan became a full-time flight instructor. “It was a way I could still serve but remain mostly shore-based.” Meghan understated her accomplishment as the first woman to command a jet training squadron in the Navy, insisting the focus go to encouraging the next generation. “I want kids to know they can do this. There are a lot of great opportunities out there and if you’re willing to work hard, you can get there.”
Meghan retired as a Commander in 2021. Will is a pilot and an instructor with United Airlines. He served 33 years in the Navy, both active duty and reserve. Meghan said they chose a new home in The Canyons because “it felt like home to us,” and they have easily found a community here.
Although Meghan Angermann’s primary aircraft in the Navy was the F/A -18F Super Hornet, this photo was taken in a T-45C Goshawk.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Meghan Angermann
