User:Lt Col Wendy Rogers (ret)

Lt Col Wendy Rogers has led a life of service to her country and community. Daughter of a long line of Army officers, Wendy was commissioned into the Air Force from Michigan State University with her bachelor's degree and then master's degree from the University of Alabama in Social Work as a clinical social worker. She treated patients in the Air Force mental health clinic. Wendy Rogers then became one of the first 100 women pilots in today's Air Force by undergoing Air Force Pilot Training at Williams AFB in Arizona. Following her training Lt Col Wendy Rogers proceeded on to pilot worldwide airlift and humanitarian missions in the C-141 transport jet for several years. After flying C-141s full-time, Lt Col Wendy Rogers was assigned as an Air Office Commanding of cadets at the US Air Force Academy  while also performing as a flight instructor in the T-41. The latter half of her 20-year Air Force career placed her overseas. While in Europe, Lt Col Rogers spent time flying Air Force C-21 Learjets and leading three different operational divisions at Headquarters US Air Forces Europe. During the fall of the Berlin Wall and efforts to improve relations with former East Bloc countries, Lt Col Wendy Rogers was deployed for 6 months downrange running the Bosnian Airlift. She finished her career with 3,000 hours jet time and numerous commendations to include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

In addition to her degrees in Social Work, Wendy holds a second master's degree in National Security Studies (Political Science) from Cal State San Bernardino. She has been married to Hal Kunnen since 1978, who is also a retired Air Force officer. They have lived in the East Valley since retiring from the military in 1996. Both their children, George and Emily graduated from public charter school Tempe Prep Academy and are merit-scholarship ASU Barrett Honors College Sun Devils. George was commissioned as an officer in the US Marine Corps in May 2009 later returning to Arizona to pursue his PhD in Electrical Engineering now at ASU with sponsored research at the Flexible Display Center in radiation detection. Emily graduates in 2012 with two distinct honors bachelors degrees in German and International Business - Marketing. George and his Registered Nurse spouse are the proud parents of a new baby, adding "proud grandparent" to his mother's life of accomplishment!

Wendy and Hal home schooled George and Emily during their elementary years. As start-up entrepreneurs, for the past 15 years they have owned their own home inspection business with 10 full time employees, as well as a now-solar-powered office building on Rural Rd with 8 tenants. Wendy has been active in the local community as Development Director at Tempe Prep Academy, foster parent, and is currently a substitute teacher in the Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD). If she doesn’t answer her cell phone, she is running her business, tending her grandchild, or bicycling door-to-door to meet more voters of her district. As of this writing, she has knocked on the doors of over 10,000 homes.

Wendy Rogers believes in the goodness of America and in Tempe and south Scottsdale. That’s why she specifically chose to live in Tempe – - for its eclectic diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. She will serve this district with her characteristic high energy, depth of experience, and devoted loyalty to her neighbors and her professional community.