The First Mother Pilots of the Colombian National Army: Flying High with their Hearts on Earth

Two brave women, proudly dressed in the uniform of the Colombian Army, soar in the skies of Colombia. National ArmyThey carry not only the responsibility of their country, but also the unconditional love of being mothers. In this Mother's Daywe pay tribute to the Lieutenant Nataly Cedeño and to the Captain Vanessa Rico SantanaThe Army's first mother military pilots, who masterfully combine high-risk missions with the noblest of tasks: being moms.

Lieutenant Nataly Cedeño: Fulfilling Dreams and Saving Lives

Ever since she was a little girl, Nataly dreamed of serving her country through the Colombian Military Forces. Today, he lives that dream intensely as a helicopter pilot. Black Hawkfacing daily challenges with passion and commitment.

Her son is her greatest inspiration, her "everything", as she describes him. She recalls with emotion her first flight, where she felt pride and the certainty that her mission in life was "to be the best in life.saving lives from the air".

For Nataly, being a mom and in the military is a constant challenge, but also an opportunity to show that with organization and determination anything is possible.

"Being a mother has made me more versatile and agile; I can fulfill my professional goals without neglecting my most important role: being a mom."he says proudly.

Although she has faced prejudice for her dual role, she is emphatic in saying:

"Being a mother is not a limitation, it is a force that drives you to be better every day.".

Captain Vanessa Rico Santana: Double Mission, Single Passion

From her first flight in 2018, Captain Vanessa Rico Santana proved that she was made for big challenges. As a fixed-wing aircraft pilot, she has led missions from intelligence, troop transport and commanders. Although risk is part of his daily life, his vocation has not wavered for a single moment.

The hardest thing, he confesses, is the separation from his son Samuel during the long missions. Before each flight, she looks at his picture and makes a call to her family to ask for prayer.

"We decided to be mothers, but we are also pilots. We fulfill two missions that cannot fail."he declares firmly.

Vanessa sends a message to all women who believe that motherhood limits dreams:

"Having a child does not mean giving up on your goals. I am proof that you can fly high with your heart on the ground. We Army women are multi-mission soldiers. Whether our dream is to be mothers, pilots or commanders, we achieve it with hard work and discipline.".

In the Colombian National ArmyBeing a mother and being in the military are not opposite paths; they complement each other with strength, character and immense love. Today, in this Mother's DayWe celebrate all those courageous women who, like Lieutenant Cedeño and Captain Rico Santana, demonstrate that the sky is not the limit when you fly with your heart.

🎖️ Happy Mother's Day to all the heroines in uniform and heart!

Fly with your soul, love with your heart on the ground! There is a woman who not only masters the controls of her aircraft with dexterity, but also carries the tenderness and strength of being a mother. Captain Vanessa Rico Santana, pilot of the @COL_EJERCITOhas shown that it is possible... pic.twitter.com/akbq3MZgFe

- Mindefensa (@mindefensa) May 11, 2025

Source: https://www.ejercito.mil.co/las-dos-primeras-pilotos-madres-del-ejercito-nacional-vuelan-alto-con-el-corazon-en-la-tierra/