Gaining a Place in History: Pauletta Blueitt

While we often look back in time during Women’s History Month for inspiring role models to celebrate, some women who have made history are walking quietly and confidently in our midst. 

Case in point: Pauletta Blueitt

Pauletta surrounded in love

Pauletta has been a standard bearer many times during her lifetime. She was among the initial waves of women in Texas A&M University’s Corps of Cadets, which first opened to female cadets in 1974. In a feature story for the Texas A&M Foundation, Blueitt said, “At the time, there was one female outfit, W-1, and it was only me and two other Black females who came in as freshmen together. Texas A&M wasn’t very diverse at the time, so that coupled with the fact that most of the male cadets didn’t want women there was a little intimidating. It was challenging, but looking back, my Corps experience gave me a foundation for decision-making, leadership, strength and endurance—especially as a first sergeant and squadron commander during my junior and senior years.”

After graduating from Texas A&M in 1981, Pauletta enjoyed a 28-year career in the U.S. Air Force’s Medical Service Corps where she focused on financial and human resource issues. 

In 2001, she was stationed in Washington, D.C. when 9/11 happened. Pauletta was in charge of an emergency operation center that was tasked with reporting Pentagon victims’ status to the White House. As a result of that work, she was invited to attend the National Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral. Seated a few rows back from all the living U.S. presidents, she was often featured on the live broadcast when television networks turned their cameras to view the congregation.

Now retired, Pauletta is enjoying an active life full of family, friends, community service, new experiences, and travel. Here are her responses to ISW’s Womankind questions:

 How would you describe yourself? 

I would describe myself as being a person who loves God, my family, and my church. I am self-motivated, enjoy life, and love helping people and traveling to new and exciting places. I enjoy meeting people and greatly cherish the friendships of people I am blessed to have in my life.

What is your proudest achievement thus far in life? 

My proudest achievement is the success of my three daughters. My oldest is a highly successful attorney; my middle one is a high-achieving Air Force officer, and my youngest is a highly energetic and creative graphic designer and journalist. I am extremely proud of all they have and continue to achieve, both in their personal lives and respective careers, but most importantly, I am proud of the loving and caring young women of integrity that they are.

What is the best thing about being an older woman?

As I grow older, I am more and more excited about the things I can do now that my children are fully grown and independent and I am retired from full-time employment as a military officer. I love the flexibility and freedom this provides me to travel wherever and whenever I want, spend time doing leisurely things I enjoy, while still being financially secure. 

How is the current chapter in life going for you? 

I am probably in the best place in my life than I have ever been. Since retiring from the military over 15 years ago, I have had many opportunities to travel, both internationally and throughout the U.S., and exploring exciting new places. There is a big, beautiful world out there to see and I want to try to see as much of it as I possibly can while I can. 

I also work part-time on the administrative staff assisting my pastor and his wife with ministry, which I enjoy very much. The work that I do is fulfilling and truly makes a difference in the lives of others. I also enjoy love spending time with my family, and especially my beautiful grandchildren (four and one on the way), who come to Texas to visit my husband and me for several weeks during the summer. Life is absolutely wonderful! 

What has been the most challenging thing about growing older? 

Probably the aches and pains that come with the territory! It seems as if I’m discovering a new pain somewhere in my body every day. But I refuse to use this as an excuse to stop doing the things I enjoy. 

I think as we grow older, it is important to take care of ourselves so we can be in the best possible health and are able to do things we enjoy but can be physically demanding on an aging body. I love working out, hiking, doing yoga, etc., and I must ensure I am taking care of my body through regular checkups with my doctor, healthy eating, exercising regularly, etc., so I am able to continue to do those things for as long as I can.

Have you found a new passion or area to learn about in retirement? If so, what is it? 

I recently started taking virtual piano lessons with a young, very gifted piano instructor from Brazil. I took piano lessons when I was younger and learned to play classical music on the piano but did not keep up with it because of the busyness of my career and raising my children. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by how much I still remember, and am now learning to play improvisational jazz, which I am very excited about. 

I also joined an IronFit gym and have taken up weight training classes for the purpose of growing stronger and increasing my endurance as I grow older. It has been a lot of fun and I am getting stronger and stronger by the day!

What has been the biggest surprise about retirement? 

Probably how much I enjoy it. I thought I would become bored and just wither away with nothing to do. However, I am busier now than I ever was when I worked full-time!

How are you filling your time now that you're not working? 

Traveling, taking piano lessons, working out at the gym, doing ministry at my church, and spending time with my family and friends.  I also reconnected with some ladies in my graduating high school class, and we find ways to spend time together, including a recent girls’ trip concert cruise out of Long Beach, CA and a weekend trip to an Airbnb on Lake Conroe. 

I am actively involved in my sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.), in which I participate in several community service and social events throughout the year. I also serve on multiple boards and committees as an alumna of Texas A&M University. 

Do you have new goals guiding your days now that you're retired? 

I am pretty Type A and have always been a planner, but I have found that sometimes I just let the day plan itself for me! I have so many things going on that I try to fit in what I can whenever I can. 

How are you involved in your community?  

In addition to working and volunteer with several ministries in my church, participating in community service activities and events with my sorority chapter, and serving on multiple boards and committees as an alumna of Texas A&M University, my husband and I also established an endowed scholarship for students in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M, and I provide a scholarship for the Washington University Institute of Public Health’s summer research program. 

How do you think older women can make a difference in the current culture that we live in? 

By confidently using our time, talents, and skills when called upon. Sometimes we do not recognize and appreciate the value we bring to the table in terms of the knowledge and experiences we have gained over the years, especially after many years of being retired and being out of touch with the working world. However, others often see value in us even when we don’t see it ourselves. So, when we are called upon to participate in a way they believe will have a positive impact on others (e.g., speaking to a group of young people on leadership, core values, etc.), we should be confident in our ability to contribute in a meaningful way and be ready and willing to step up and do our part when called upon. 

What is your best health tip as you grow older? 

Go to the doctor and get regular checkups, eat healthy, and exercise!  It is also very important to do things that keep my mind active. I love doing logic puzzles because it forces me to use my brain to think and reason. My mother had dementia, and I am determined to do things that challenge my brain and keep it active and viable for as long as I can. 

What do you want people to say about you at your funeral? 

That I loved and faithfully served my Lord, I was devoted to being fiercely protective of my family, I was loyal to and cherished my friends, and I gave back to my community in a way that made a difference. 

What five words describe how you want the remainder of your life to unfold? 

Peace, joy, love, patience, kindness.