Barb Kucharczyk, a retired Lt. Colonel from the USAF, was raised in a military household, influenced by her father's service in the US Air Force. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, followed by a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality from New York University. Barb began her professional journey as a teacher in Newport News, VA, and New Jersey. However, she soon recognized that a long-term career in education was not her true passion. After thoughtful reflection, she decided to pursue a military path, inspired by her father's legacy. In 1977, Barb enlisted in Officer Candidate School, specializing in Aviation Maintenance, and was commissioned into the US Air Force.

Barb dedicated 21.5 years to her role as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Air Force. Her service took her across the globe, including assignments in the Far East (Okinawa and South Korea), Europe (England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Turkey), and various locations within the Continental US (Ohio, Alabama, Texas, Maryland, Florida, and South Carolina). Throughout her career, she held a variety of responsibilities, from overseeing 250 aircraft mechanics on the flight line to leading squadrons with over 1,000 personnel. She conducted inspections at all US Air Force bases in Europe and educated both US and international military officer students at the Air Force Air Command and Staff College. A significant moment in her career was her testimony before Congress in March 1990, prior to the Persian Gulf War, advocating for women's roles in combat-coded positions. Barb concluded her service with retirement in 1998.

Barb resides in Sumter, South Carolina, and proudly serves as one of the four Ambassadors for the Military Women's Memorial. This memorial is situated at the ceremonial entrance of Arlington National Cemetery and stands as the only historical repository in the nation that chronicles the service of military women since the Revolutionary War. It preserves the narratives of women who have served our country, both in the past and present. The Memorial pays tribute to the dedication, contributions, and experiences of every woman who has worn a military uniform. As a charter member of the Military Women's Memorial, Barb actively engages with military personnel and the public, educating them about the memorial's significance and encouraging women to register, share their stories, and claim their rightful place in history.

Barb reaches out to women veterans to emphasize the importance of registering with the memorial, which serves to honor their contributions. Too often, women who have bravely served in the military return from conflicts without receiving a simple acknowledgment of their service, courage, or sacrifices. During World War II, many women were discouraged from sharing their experiences, told their service was no longer needed, and received neither compensation nor recognition for their efforts. Tragically, some even made the ultimate sacrifice without being honored. As an Ambassador, Barb is dedicated to inspiring and supporting all women, regardless of their rank, branch of service, or years of military experience, to register their service. She firmly believes that any contribution they made was crucial to the security of our nation and deserve recognition.

Last year, the President of the Military Women's Memorial issued a challenge to each state to register 500 women, and the South Carolina Ambassadors rose to the occasion. Barb played a crucial role in leading the South Carolina Ambassador team to achieve the highest registration of military women in the nation. They successfully registered over 1,300 women who have served our country. This remarkable achievement led to the creation of a new recognition category: Platinum. Barb actively participated in numerous military events and set up display tables throughout the state. Notably, she personally registered the third highest number of women veterans among Ambassadors from other states. Barb consistently engages with both women and men, inquiring if they have military women in their families who have served. She discovered that for many women, the existence of a memorial honoring their service holds significant value. Barb emphasizes the importance of their military contributions, even when they may not recognize their own actions as worthy of acknowledgment.
 
In May 2024, Barb hosted a Living Legend Proclamation Ceremony to honor Nurse Cadet Janet Collier Durgan, a remarkable 102-year-old who served during World War II. The Military Women's Memorial pays tribute to women in the military who have reached the age of 100. Barb, along with several local dignitaries, gathered to celebrate Janet's extraordinary contributions. This recognition held profound significance for both Janet and her family, evoking deep emotions as they reflected on her service. Thanks was given to Nurse Cadet Janet Collier Durgan from the South Carolina Ambassadors and the Women's Military Memorial for blazing the trail for future generations of women in the military.

Barb remains dedicated to her country, state, and community. She actively contributes as a Docent at the Sumter Museum and the Temple Sinai/Jewish History Center in Sumter, South Carolina. Each year, she imparts her extensive knowledge of Sumter to hundreds of visitors, guiding them through the exhibits, addressing their inquiries, and offering valuable historical insights.

Barb Kucharczyk has an extensive list of achievements spanning the length of her military career including the following:

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

    1970 - UNC-Greensboro, BS Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
    1976 - New York University, Human Sexuality
    1977 - Commissioned via Officer Training School, Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, TX
    1977 - 1978 Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, Chanute AFB, IL
    1980 - Air University: Student, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
    1990 - 1991 Air University: Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL
    1993 - 1994 Air University: Student, Air War College, Maxell AFB, AL
    1996 - 1998 Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX, Student ASSIGNMENTS:
    1978 - 1981 Flightline Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Job Control OIC (managed all maintenance on 72 aircraft, and flight schedule); Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
    1981 - 1984 Flightline Aircraft Maintenance Officer (25 F-4E, 260 mechanics); USAFE IG Aircraft Maintenance Inspector (Operational and Managerial; Evaluations of Aircraft Maintenance capability at all Air Forces bases in Europe; 240 days per year traveling to bases and their forward operating locations); Ramstein Air Base, Germany
    1984 - 1985 Education with Industry, General Dynamics Air Force Plant 4, Fort Worth, TX
    1985 - 1986 Aircraft Generation Squadron Maintenance Supervisor, Kunsan AB, South Korea
    1986 - 1990 Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Supervisor; Aircraft Generation Squadron Maintenance Supervisor; Equipment Maintenance Squadron Commander, Shaw, AFB, South Carolina
    1990 - One of two Air Force women officers selected to testify before the US House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee
    1990 - 1996 Command and Leadership Instructor, ACSC; Air Force Quality Institute, Director of Education and Training, Maxwell AFB, AL
    1996 - 1998 Technical Training Squadron Commander; Technical Training Group, Deputy Commander, Sheppard AFB, TX
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

    Meritorious Service Medal w/4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
    Air Force Commendation Medal w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
 
    Air Force Achievement Medal w/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
    Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/5 Oak Leaf Clusters
    Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
    American Defense Service Medal
    Humanitarian Service Medal
    Overseas Short Tour Ribbon
    Overseas Long Tour Ribbon w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
    Air Force Longevity Service Award w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters
    Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
    Air Force Training Ribbon COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS:
    Military Women's Memorial, Washington, DC:
    Educational Impact Award x 2 : Highest number of events representing the MWM in the Ambassador Corps (130 individuals)
    Second highest total of people reached at events, (11,751), February 2025
    Ambassador Honor Roll x 3: Team South Carolina with highest total of new registrations (1,309)
    Team South Carolina with the highest percentage of registrations out of total eligible (2.9%)
    Fourth highest registrations submitted by an ambassador (144), February 2025
    Docent Volunteer at the Sumter Museum and the Temple Sinai/Jewish History Center
    McKenzie Award as Volunteer of the Year 2023
    Silver Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award February 2025
    One of 35 veterans honored by Sumter, South Carolina, Mayor, Sumter County Council and Sumter County Director of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day, November 2024
    Certificate of Appreciation from US Army Central Command Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, November 2024
    Certificate of Appreciation from Rolling Thunder, Inc., SC Chapter 3, October 2024
    South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution, Patriot of the Quarter, March - June 2024
    Featured in Veterans of Foreign War #StillServing Campaign, VFW Magazine, March 2024
    American Legion Post #15, Sumter, SC, member
    American Legion Post #175, Sumter, SC, member
    VFW Post #3034, Sumter, SC, member
    Quilt of Valor Recipient
    High School Special Education Aide
    Lifetime Member of Military Officers Association of America
    South Carolina Military Women's Memorial Ambassador submission to the South Carolina Legislative Body for a CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing and honoring the 6888TH CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION, approved February 27, 2025