Photo By Kimberly Hackbarth | A 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division explains the capabilities of...... read more read more
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CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — Standing at parade rest in the doorway of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division headquarters, Spc. Jacqueline Williams, a medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, was excited, waiting to call the headquarters to attention for a distinguished guest.
Though she'd done it many times before for important visitors, this guest meant a little more to her as a female Soldier, as the guest that day was the first female four-star general in U.S. Armed Forces history — Gen. Ann Dunwoody, commanding general of U.S. Army Materiel Command.
The general visited the brigade March 22 and received a brief from leaders of 4th SBCT about the Stryker unit's mission, the Stryker's role in current operations, recommendations about changes to the maintenance program of the Stryker, changes to the vehicles basic equipment load and configuration of the new blast seats.
While the brief was taking place, a group of female officers had gathered outside the brigade headquarters, as excited about the general's visit as the young specialist had been earlier that morning.
"She's had a very interesting career and it kind of just shows you that just because you're a girl and there's things you can't do [such as] Ranger School [and] Special Forces, you can still have a really fulfilling career," said Williams.
Dunwoody's visit just so happened to be during Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history. In addition to being the first female four-star general Dunwoody has claimed many other "firsts" in women's history in the military including becoming the first female to command a battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division and being the first female to command the Combine Arms Support Command at Fort Lee, Va.
During her trip, the general gave command coins to outstanding Soldiers of the brigade, including Spc. Brittany Bell, a medic with HHC, Bde.
"She's very appreciative of what I do, being a female in an all-male platoon," said Bell, a Savannah, Ga. native. "It's nice to be recognized by someone of her stature."
Dunwoody's visit also provided Bell with inspiration for her own future.
"I do have hopes to go to [officer candidate school], so it's nice to know that it is an attainable goal to reach such a high rank as a female in the Army," she said.
Climbing up in the ranks herself, Capt. Aisha Hughes, incoming commander of Company B, 702nd Brigade Support Battalion, said she views Dunwoody's accomplishments as an example of equal opportunity for females in the military. Hughes explained she has been given a lot of opportunities while in the Army not because of her gender, but her performance as a Soldier.
"As far as gender and a difference, I mean, I haven't really seen much of a difference," said Hughes, a New Orleans native. "It's been a very equal playing field."
Before leaving for the next leg of her trip, Dunwoody met with a group of female officers from the brigade, shaking hands with them and expressing her gratitude for their service in Iraq.
"I'm so proud of all you," said Dunwoody. "You're making history yourself."
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2010 05:02 |
| Story ID: | 47330 |
| Location: | CAMP LIBERTY, IQ |
| Web Views: | 574 |
| Downloads: | 487 |
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