By Sun Staff

Published Tuesday, July 8, 2008 | 6:35 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, June 2, 2009 | 4:11 p.m.

A Las Vegas native who is the first female fighter pilot ever to fly with the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team has been selected as a White House fellow.

Maj. Nicole Malachowski is one of 14 appointees selected by the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Malachowski, 33, is a graduate of Western High School and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996.

She will join the 2008-09 class of White House fellows in Washington, D.C. The announcement was made today by officials at Nellis Air Force Base, where Malachowski is stationed.

In a news release, Nellis said the program offers "first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellows participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with leaders from the private and public sectors and study trips to examine U.S. policy in action."

Selection to the competitive program is based on professional achievement, evidence of leadership skills and a desire to participate in public service.

Malachowski is a fighter pilot with more than 2,100 flying hours. She flew an F-15E in three operational fighter squadrons and provided air cover over Baghdad on Iraq's election day.