Wally Funk

Mary Wallace Funk, widely known as Wally Funk, is a pioneering American aviator, space enthusiast, and Goodwill Ambassador. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Funk has made significant contributions to aviation and space exploration. She holds the distinction of being the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, a groundbreaking role that paved the way for women in aviation safety.

Funk was also the first female civilian flight instructor at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, showcasing her commitment to training and mentoring aspiring pilots. Additionally, she made history as the first female inspector for the Federal Aviation Agency, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in a male-dominated field.

One of her most notable achievements includes being part of the Mercury 13, a group of 13 women who underwent astronaut training in the early 1960s, although they were ultimately not selected for space missions. Despite this setback, Funk's passion for aviation and space never waned. In July 2021, she finally realized her dream of traveling to space as a passenger aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, becoming one of the oldest people to fly to space at the age of 82. Wally Funk continues to inspire future generations with her adventurous spirit and unwavering dedication to aviation.