Sali Gear

Sali was born into a Navy family. Her father was one of the first Navy Test Pilots and was a combat fighter pilot who served in the Pacific Theater. When she was a year old he was killed at sea, leaving behind 6 children. From college Sali received her commission and attended flight school and took the jet pipeline. At the time women were not allowed in combat positions being assigned to deployed squadrons but she was not deterred from her dream. Today Sali is a commercial airline pilot and avid dog rescuer. Her mother instilled in her a love for animals and Sali has responded by taking the lead in rescuing abandoned dogs from the USVI and beyond through her non-profit, Island Dog Rescue. Most recently when Hurricane Irma and Maria obliterated the Caribbean Islands, she organized the largest mass rescue of shelter animals ever flying over 350 dogs and cats to safety, saving them from certain death. To this day, when she is not flying the line, she is rallying people to rescue and spreading the word on animal issues and encouraging young women to pursue a career in aviation.