Kenyan Veronica Moraa Pickering is the first black woman to be appointed Royal Air Force (RAF) Honorary Air Commodore in the UK army.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to the U.K, Manoah Esipisu, posted a congratulatory tweet urging Veronica to take soar the heights.
“You definitely are making history. You will notch another first when you take up the royal appointment as High Sheriff in 2023. Pongezi sana,” Esipisu wrote.
The Air commodore is a one-star rank and is an air officer rank being immediately senior to group captain and immediately subordinate to air vice-marshal.
Veronica termed it incredible wearing the RAF uniform. She added that it is a big privilege to be able to represent her people.
“A real honour to be wearing the RAF uniform and to be able to represent the most amazing people,” she said.
She described Group Captain and the Deputy Support Force Commander Jo Lincoln as an inspiring leader who has been with her throughout her military career.
“In and beyond the uniform I met the most inspiring leader and true campaigner for ‘doing the right thing’ Thank you Jo for all of your support.”
Lincoln on his part said that: “One of the benefits of being in the RAF is the incredible people you have the privilege to work with and the life-long friendships that you make. Honorary Air Commodore Veronica Pickering has provided me with tremendous support during my time in command.”
Nottinghamshire County Council website indicates Veronica was born in Kenya and moved to England in the late 1960s.
It reads: “Veronica has for than 25 years worked as a Social Worker, Children’s Guardian and, as an International Child Protection Consultant for the UN and many NGO’s across Africa.”
It added that she is supporting charities across Nottinghamshire. She is a lover of art and wildlife conservation.
“Veronica is supporting a number of Nottinghamshire charities and organizations and has for many years been a strong supporter of the arts and also wildlife conservation charities. Veronica is married to Nottinghamshire-born Artist Roy Pickering.”
