Florence grad in Space Force exhibit at Smithsonian museum
Maj. Emily J. Schultz was selected to be featured in a new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. that officially opened in July. Shown is the photograph that is part of the display with the captain: “Space Weapons Officer Captain Emily Schultz was the lead Space Weapons Officer for Space Delta 9, a part of the U.S. Space Force. Space Delta 9 protects and defends satellites of the United States and its allies against threats. Schultz led defensive missions and helped write the first manual for space combat operations.” (Image courtesy of Staff Sgt. Jared Bunn and Michael Slater/U.S. Space Command)
Space Force Maj. Emily J. Schultz
Maj. Emily J. Schultz was selected to be featured in a new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. that officially opened in July. Shown is the photograph that is part of the display with the captain: “Space Weapons Officer Captain Emily Schultz was the lead Space Weapons Officer for Space Delta 9, a part of the U.S. Space Force. Space Delta 9 protects and defends satellites of the United States and its allies against threats. Schultz led defensive missions and helped write the first manual for space combat operations.” (Image courtesy of Staff Sgt. Jared Bunn and Michael Slater/U.S. Space Command)
Space Force Maj. Emily J. Schultz
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FLORENCE, Wis. -- A 2002 Florence High School graduate has earned a place in one of the nation's most prestigious museums.
Space Force Maj. Emily J. Schultz was selected to be featured in a new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The exhibit officially opened in July.
Raised in the small community of Fence, Wis., the daughter of Randy and Marge Harrison has built a distinguished military career that has taken her from her small-town roots to the Smithsonian.
In 2021, while serving as a captain, Schultz was interviewed as part of a public affairs initiative. She had no idea at the time that her interview and photograph, along with duties and accomplishments, would eventually become part of a museum display.
The recognition came as a surprise to Schultz and her family.
Schultz noted how grateful she is for the incredible opportunity.
"I am absolutely honored to have my picture and information displayed in the Smithsonian," Schultz said.
Her parents share that sense of pride.
"We couldn't be prouder of our daughter and all she has accomplished," her parents said. "It's an incredible honor to see her story preserved as a permanent exhibit in the Smithsonian, where it will inspire visitors from around the world."
Schultz enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2003. She separated from the Air Force in 2010 while stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, after receiving an enlisted commissioning scholarship.
She went on to attend the University of Alaska-Anchorage, where she earned an undergraduate degree in biology. From ROTC Detachment 001 at UAA, Schultz was commissioned as a Space Operations Officer in the Air Force in 2014.
Schultz served 13 years in the Air Force before transferring to the newly established U.S. Space Force in 2020. She was among the first selected to transition to the Space Force.
In 2025, she was promoted to major and was ranked No. 1 in her year group across the entire U.S. Space Force.
Schultz is currently one of two Space Force Majors -- called Guardians -- chosen last year for the 2026 Welsh Leadership Development Program at the United States Air Force Academy.
In addition to serving as a space operations officer, Maj. Schultz holds the special designation of Orbital Warfare Weapons Officer for the Space Force. Her military call sign is "Valkyrie."
Schultz's military career continues to develop as she looks toward what she hopes will be her final assignment.
As part of the program, she is completing a master's degree in leadership and coaching at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs over the next year.
After completing her degree, Schultz will assume command of one of the 40 cadet squadrons at the USAFA.
"The academy is currently the premier commissioning source for both Air Force airmen and Space Force Guardians," she said. "My squadron will be a mix of both."
Schultz said this position is expected to be her culminating assignment, as she plans to retire in 2030.
"Leading, mentoring, and developing the next generation of airmen and Guardians as my final act of service to the nation is my passion," she said.
Although Schultz has technically been connected to the military for 23 years since enlisting, she explained her time in ROTC doesn't count toward her total years of service. "So I currently have a total of 19 years of service," she said.
For Schultz, the Smithsonian recognition represents another milestone in a career that began with her decision to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after graduation.
She has yet to see the display in person; however, several friends stationed in Washington, D.C. have sent her photos and called to tell her they saw the display, which is on the first floor of the museum.
"It's been great hearing from everyone who has made the visit to see it," Schultz said.
She also hopes the exhibit will become a special discovery for her daughter. "I have a 10-year-old daughter, Josephine Gemini Schultz, whom I adore, who is unaware of it (the exhibit) yet," she said. "My goal is to take her on a trip to Washington D.C. within the next two years and surprise her by showing her the display when we visit the museum."
Schultz's journey is more than a story about military advancement. It is an example of how far a person can go when starting from humble beginnings.
She entered the Air Force as airman basic with no stripes on her uniform to become Space Force No. 1-ranked major 20 years later -- and ultimately earning a place in the Smithsonian. It's an inspiring example of how dedication, perseverance and a commitment to service can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
"Never underestimate small-town America," her parents said.
Schultz's photograph and story can also be viewed
on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum website, https://airandspace.si.edu/.
Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.