Photo By Master Sgt. Kelly Simon | Brig. Gen. Diana Holland spoke to 10th Mountain Division (LI) staff, commanders and...... read more read more
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FORT DRUM, N.Y. - A span of eight months may not seem like much when looking over a 25 year career, but during her award ceremony Dec. 18 at Fort Drum, Brig. Gen. Diana Holland said the past eight months with the 10th Mountain Division (LI) have made her a better officer.
Holland and her husband, Jim, stood among a room of well-wishers in Hays Hall as she received the Legion of Merit for her service with 10th Mountain Division. They are heading four and a half hours southeast to the United States Military Academy West Point where Holland will become the first female commandant of cadets.
Holland’s biography is no secret, especially given her recent success with the 10th Mountain Division where she was named the first female Deputy Commanding General of a light infantry division, serving in that position in Afghanistan as well as in garrison. Recent features in People magazine, Army Times, and CBS online gave Acting Senior Commander Brig. Gen. Paul Bontrager an opening for some light ribbing during her award presentation.
“I was talking to General Bannister yesterday and he was giving me some thoughts on the whole ceremony today,” Bontrager said with a mischievous smile.
“I’ve got to tell you it was more on the lines of don’t let TMZ in the building,” he continued over the roar of laughter from those assembled.
Bontrager called Holland a rock star, highlighting not only her recent stint in the national news, but also because of her impressive career and bright future. He said he couldn’t picture a better leader for the cadets at West Point, or a better couple.
“Diana, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of 10th Mountain, thank you for what you’ve done for this community and we’ll relish watching you as you continue to move on through the ranks,” Bontrager concluded before commanding the award order to be published.
After receiving her second Legion of Merit, Holland looked around the room at the faces gathered to see her off to the next "first" of her career. She asked everyone to sit, assuring them it wasn’t because she planned to speak at length but because, “you’re all making me nervous.”
As the laughter died down Holland recounted her eight months with the 10th Mountain Division, the challenges she faced, milestones she achieved, and how this assignment has prepared her for the next. None of this would have been possible without one special person in the room.
“I want to publicly thank my husband, who is nothing less than a saint,” Holland said, her eyes finding her husband standing in a corner.
“I could not enjoy the opportunities that the Army has offered me if it wasn’t for him, so I just want to thank him. I love you hon,” she said with a smile turning back to the crowd.
“I love you too,” Jim softly replied, looking at his wife with shared love and respect.
This powerhouse team has moved three times in the past 18 months, and if her recent string of "firsts" is any indication, there will be plenty more in the future.
Holland couldn’t name a favorite "first" saying all her experiences have been her favorite. As she continues on to West Point as the first female commandant of cadets there could be more firsts in her future. Right now, she’s focused on what is in front of her.
“I’m going to take it one day at a time and whatever the Army decides I’m going to do then I will move out and execute,” Holland said as she and Jim turned and headed out of 10th Mountain Division Headquarters one last time.
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2015 13:48 |
| Story ID: | 185271 |
| Location: | FORT DRUM, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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