During World War II, it was all hands on deck to ensure America would overcome the advancing threats around the world. As the men of the U.S. Armed Forces traveled overseas, millions of women across the country stepped into jobs to support the war effort. The most famous face of that time period was that of Geraldine Hoff Doyle – better known as ‘Rosie the Riveter’ – who rolled up her sleeves and flexed her muscles under the now famous phrase, “We Can Do It!” in large letters across of the top of the poster.

The battle cry of Rosie inspired generations of women, including Debra Carver, a DTW-based Endeavor Flight Attendant. A few years ago, Debra and more than 2,000 of her closest female friends dressed up for a photo op that would set a Guinness World Record for the “Most Rosie the Riveters in One Place” – a record that stood until this past August when a group of women and men in California set a new record (2,265). Carver and nine other women still dress up like Rosie and raise money for the Yankee Air Museum in Willow Run, Michigan, which sustained heavy fire damage in 2004.

“Women played a huge part by going to work in the factory to support the war,” noted Debra. “That era of history has always fascinated me. Everyone knows ‘Rosie;’ I never have to explain myself to anyone, they always know who I am when I’m her.”

The message of empowerment that ‘Rosie’ gives to the community is one of never quitting, she added.

“You can do anything you want; you just have to roll up your sleeves and try,” Debra said. “These women started the whole ball rolling for women to work; they were the grassroots that allowed me to do what I do. For that, I’m thankful for ‘Rosie’ and women of that generation.”