Army Women in the News
House committee advances bill helping sexually assaulted veterans
May 8, 2013 by Kevin Miller
A House committee has advanced a bill named for a Maine woman that aims to help veterans qualify for disability benefits for mental health problems resulting from sexual assaults. [ more ]
Col. Leslie R. Montgomery relinquishes command of 198th RSG after nearly 30 years dedicated service
May 6, 2013 by Spc. Danielle Gregory
There was a time when high-ranking women in the military were not as common as they are today. In the past, it was a challenge for women to move up in ranks. Today, women are starting to be allowed in combat roles and play an integral part in the military; sometimes commanding thousands of troops. [ more ]
A Brief History of Female Nurses in the Military, from the American Revolution to World War II
May 7, 2013 by Cate Lineberry
For nearly four decades, the United States has honored its nurses with National Nurses Week, held between May 6 and May 12 -- the birthday of celebrated British nurse Florence Nightingale. [ more ]
Servicewomen and their war
May 1, 2013 by Jeanne Jakle
We’ve all seen the headlines about sexual assaults within the military, including stories close to home about the shocking sex-with-recruits scandal at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. [ more ]
Female soldier who moved to Canada admits desertion
April 30, 2013
A female U.S. Army private who moved to Canada to avoid returning to Iraq pleaded guilty to desertion Monday and was sentenced to 10 months confinement. [ more ]
First female soldier to flee US for Canada to avoid Iraq war to be court-martialed in Colorado
April 29, 2013
A court-martial got underway Monday for the first female U.S. Army soldier to flee to Canada to avoid a second tour of duty in the Iraq war. [ more ]
Army General Receives Second Star
April 24, 2013 by Frank J. Phillips
Nadja Y. West, who serves as deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army Medical Command, has become the Army’s first African American active duty woman officer to be promoted to two-star general. [ more ]
SOCOM Works to Expand Roles for Women
April 18, 2013 by Kris Osborn
U.S. Special Operations Command leaders are refining a plan to expand roles for women among their ranks, allowing them to participate as Navy SEALs, Army Rangers and other Special Forces units, service officials told lawmakers April 17. [ more ]
Women worry about body armor in new combat roles
April 15, 2013 by Juana Summers
For women headed to newly opened combat roles, there’s this very practical consideration: body armor. [ more ]
The right to fight: Studies support women’s ability to handle combat
April 10, 2013 by Lisa Grossman
Can women cope with combat? A storm of opinions was unleashed in January in response to the U.S. military lifting its ban on women in combat roles. [ more ]
IDVA director discusses women’s roles in military
April 1, 2013 by Tabi Jozwick
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Director Erica Borggren gave a presentation called “Changing Roles of Women in the Military and Issues Facing Female Service Members and Veterans” on March 28 for the Western Illinois University Women’s History Month keynote presentation. [ more ]
Fort Campbell opens renovated women’s clinic
March 4, 2013
Fort Campbell is opening a renovated women’s health clinic at the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital. [ more ]
Alaska-based soldier wins Army female athlete of the year
February 22, 2013
An Alaska-based soldier from Kingman, Ariz., is the U.S. Army’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2012. [ more ]
Military draft registration might expand to women
February 25, 2013
Tennnnnn-hut, ladies! The next time Uncle Sam comes calling, he's probably going to want you, too. [ more ]
This War Is No Longer Invisible
February 22, 2013 by Joe Nocera
“The Invisible War,” a feature-length documentary about sexual assault in the military, is up for an Oscar Sunday night. Directed by Kirby Dick and produced by Amy Ziering, it is a searing, infuriating, unforgettable film. [ more ]
Military Women Exposed to Combat After Childbirth Face Depression
February 15, 2013
Women in the military who face combat situations shortly after they give birth are at greater risk for depression, according to a new study. [ more ]
Military Still Lags in Assisting Victims of Sexual Assault
February 13, 2013 by Gillian Mohney
For Jenny McClendon, joining the Navy meant "being there for each other, struggling, pulling together, being a team." [ more ]
Military women: Don't change combat standards
February 11, 2013 by Jim Michaels
Women in the military do not want standards to be lowered to help them get into ground combat jobs, advocacy groups and servicewomen say. [ more ]
Women in Combat: Policy Catches Up With Reality
February 8, 2013 by Tanya L. Domi
At his confirmation hearing on Jan. 31, Chuck Hagel, President Obama’s nominee for defense secretary, stated unequivocally, “I will work with the service chiefs as we officially open combat positions to women, a decision I strongly support.” [ more ]
Debate over women in combat shifts to physical strength
February 3, 2013 by Jim Michaels
The debate over whether women should serve in infantry and other direct ground combat roles has come to this: Are they physically strong enough? [ more ]
How Men Can Help Women Succeed in the Military
January 31, 2013 by Anne-Marie Slaughter
The Pentagon's decision to open up combat roles to women was such great news in a number of ways. There's the basic justice of allowing women to get credit for something they are already doing. [ more ]
National Security Brief: Polls Show Americans Back Women In Combat
January 30, 2013
Sixty-six percent of respondents in a new poll said that they support allowing women serve in combat, according to a new survey released on Tuesday by the Pew Research Center for the People & Press and the Washington Post. [ more ]
Pew: 66 Percent Support Lifting Ban On Women In Combat
January 29, 2013 by Tom Kludt
The American public widely backs the Pentagon's decision to lift the military's ban on women serving in ground combat units, according to a poll from Pew Research Center released Tuesday. [ more ]
Some Marine combat jobs may remain closed to women
January 29, 2013 by Jim Michaels
In his first interview since the Pentagon opened ground combat jobs to women, the commandant of the Marine Corps said some occupations may ultimately remain closed if only a small number qualify. [ more ]
Pew poll: Americans largely support women in military combat
January 29, 2013 by Michael Muskal
The U.S. public solidly backs the decision to allow women to serve in combat units, but is unsure whether the change is major or minor, according to a poll released on Tuesday. [ more ]
Americans largely back combat role for women: poll
January 29, 2013
Sixty-six percent of those polled said they support letting women serve in ground units that engage in close combat, while 26 percent are opposed, according to the survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and the Washington Post. [ more ]
Poll: Americans Support Allowing Women in Combat
January 29, 2013 by WSJ Staff
Americans support the decision to lift restrictions on women in combat, and most think the policy shift will improve opportunities for women in the military, according to a new poll. [ more ]
Decorated female Army medic shares view of women's combat role change
January 29, 2013 by Gordon Block
As the military starts to allow women to serve in more prominent combat roles, a highly decorated female flight medic at the post recounted her experience working in a dangerous combat situation in Afghanistan and her thoughts about the policy change. [ more ]
American Amazons: Hiding in Plain-Jane Sight
January 28, 2013 by Mark Thompson
Until last Thursday, the Pentagon barred women from roughly a quarter-million jobs involving combat. Coincidentally – but, interestingly — that’s about the same number of women who have gone to war in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past 11 years. [ more ]
Kentucky military women applaud combat opportunity
January 27, 2013 by Chris Kenning
Serving with a sustainment brigade from Fort Campbell, Ky., Army Capt. Heidi Miller did tours in Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011, where women protected convoys, cleared roadside bombs and searched women in remote villages. [ more ]
Pentagon’s Lifting of Combat Ban Comes as Role of Military Women Grows
January 24, 2013
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today announced a lifting of the ban on military women in combat roles. In December 2011, the Pew Research Center examined the roles and attitudes of female military veterans and found that, while many combat roles were withheld from female veterans, women in the military did report experiencing combat and had many of the same issues as men during their transition back into civilian life. [ more ]
Editorial: Open combat jobs to women
December 11, 2012
Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jennifer Hunt went on what she calls "door-kicking missions" with combat soldiers searching Afghan villages. In Iraq, she was wounded by a roadside bomb. Marine Capt. Zoe Bedell trained female Marines to serve alongside infantrymen in Marjah, once one of Afghanistan's most dangerous districts. [ more ]
New Members Appointed to VA Committee on Women Veterans
November 29, 2012
Five new members have been appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, an expert panel that advises VA on issues and programs affecting women Veterans. [ more ]
Heroes on the Homefront: New Report Highlights Our Veterans' Contributions as Job Creators
November 29, 2012 by Marie Johns
I’m excited to announce the release of a report by the Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development called “Heroes on the Homefront: Supporting Veteran Success as Small Business Owners.” This is the second report of its kind where task force members from seven agencies have come together to collaborate on small business issues that are unique to Veteran business owners. [ more ]
VA Releases New PSA Targeting Women Veterans
November 26, 2012
The Department of Veterans Affairs has developed a new public service announcement (PSA) to let women Veterans know they've come to “The Right Place” when seeking VA health care. [ more ]
Military Skills Translators
The VA for Vets military skills translator allows you to translate your military skills, experience, and training to learn about VA career options that best use your capabilities. [ more ]
Battle-tested, Female War Vets Run for Congress
August 23, 2012 by Donna Cassata
One flew an A-10 Warthog over Iraq and Afghanistan. Another was part of the 29th Infantry Brigade's medical operations near Baghdad. A third lost both legs and partial use of an arm in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Iraq. [ more ]
The Home Depot Launches Career Assistance Program for Military and Veterans
The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, announced a new initiative today aimed at arming U.S. service men and women with the knowledge and resources they need to successfully transition into the civilian workforce. [ more ]
Colonel Mary Rasmuson, Retired passed away
August 1, 2012 by Mike Dunham
Colonel Mary Rasmuson, Retired passed away in her home in Anchorage, Alaska on July 30 at the age of 101. Colonel Rasmuson has an amazing personal story throughout her Army career and life. [ more ]
Hall of Fame inducts women Vietnam vets
March 14, 2012 by C. Todd Lopez
Hundreds of women gathered on Capitol Hill, March 13, to induct into the Army Women's Hall of Fame all those who served in Vietnam.[ more ]
Obituary for SGM Betty Adams, former WAC Museum Foundation board member
January 29, 2012
SGM Betty L. Adams, 79, a soldier highly decorated by the United States Army and South Vietnam Army, died at her home on January 20, 2012 in Jacksonville.[ more ]
Odierno backs expanding role of women in combat
October 22, 2011 by Lance M. Bacon
Few details are known about a forthcoming Pentagon report that looks at whether women should be allowed to serve in combat roles, but this much is certain: The Army’s top officer is not happy. [ more ]
HRC deputy becomes Army's first female African-American major general
September 29, 2011 by Andrea Wales, U.S. Army Human Resources Public Affairs Office
U.S. Army Human Resources Command's deputy commanding general became the Army's first-ever female African-American officer to obtain the rank of major general during her promotion and departure ceremony at the Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude Complex here today. [ more ]
Hazel Johnson-Brown, pioneering black Army nurse, dies at 83
August 18, 2011 by Emily Langer
Hazel Johnson-Brown, 83, the first African American woman to become an Army general and a former chief of the Army Nurse Corps, died Aug. 5 en route to a hospital near her home in Wilmington, Del. [ more ]
AG soldiers receive special recognition
July 31, 2011
Since the beginning of combat operations in Iraq in 2003, soldiers from the Army’s Adjutant General’s Corps have made enormous contributions to contingency operations in theater, while embracing the challenges of an increasingly modular Army, oftentimes behind the scenes. [ more ]
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Commits $30 Million to Innovative New Partnership that Improves Access to Jobs and Community Services for America’s Military Families
July 28, 2011 by Paul Griffo
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of $30 million for a new Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative which will soon make it easier for servicemen and women, their families, veterans and people with disabilities to access transportation services in their communities. [ more ]
Female Special Operators Now in Combat
June 29, 2011 by Christian Lowe
Army Special Operations Command has deployed its first teams of female Soldiers assigned to commando units in Afghanistan, and military officials are assessing their initial performance in theater as "off the charts." [ more ]
Chairman’s Corner: Happy Birthday Army!
June 14, 2011 by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
Days like today remind us of the central and essential role of the United States Army throughout our Nation’s history. I believe that in many ways, the story of the Army is the story of America -- from our founding through the Civil War, a tumultuous 20th century, right up to today. [ more ]
Veteran Says Counseling Group Saved Her Life
June 14, 2011 by Karen Parrish
A combat veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress told an audience here today that without the help offered by one nonprofit organization, she wouldn’t be alive. [ more ]
Face of Defense: Soldier Takes Citizenship Oath in Iraq
June 7, 2011 by Army Spc. Kandi Huggins
Swearing the oath to support, defend and serve the United States while serving in the Army was not quite enough for one soldier deployed to Iraq with 1st Infantry Division’s 1st Advise and Assist Task Force. [ more ]
BG Pat Foote at the D-Day ceremony at Pont du Hoc, France on 6 June serving as a member of the American Battlefield Monument Commission
[ more ]
VA Helping Women Veterans Conquer Post-Traumatic Stress
Maria (not her real name) is a Desert Storm Veteran who served in the Air Force for 19 years. While in the service, something happened to her that would change her life forever. She was raped. It happened following a night of celebration with friends and associates. Her attacker was a member of the military. [ more ]
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced that the President has made the following nominations
May 24, 2011
- Army Col. Margaret W. Burcham has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Burcham is currently serving as division chief, Joint Capabilities Division, J-8, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
- Army Col. Peggy C. Combs has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Combs is currently serving as chief, Full Dimension Protection Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Washington, D.C.
- Army Col. Kimberly Field has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Field is currently serving as executive officer to the commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.
- Army Col. Laura J. Richardson has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Richardson is currently serving as chief, Senate Liaison Division, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D.C.
The War My Parents Never Wanted
May 15, 2011 by Kate Hoit
As my plane touched down in Albany last weekend, I arrived with a message for my dad: Osama Bin Laden was dead. Shot in the face by Navy SEALs. Revenge was ours. I could finally tell him our family’s sacrifice was worth it. Too bad he didn’t want to hear it. [ more ]
VA says it’s working harder to serve women
May 13, 2011 by Phillip Swarts
A new era for women has dawned at the Veterans Affairs Department, officials said Thursday. [ more ]
Bill would require U.S. troops to receive job training before leaving military
May 10, 2011
Legislation to be introduced in Congress on Wednesday would require all U.S. service members to undergo job-skills training before leaving the military, a measure that supporters say is aimed at cutting the high unemployment rate among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. [ more ]
Family Matters Blog: First Lady Announces Fitness Commitments
May 10, 2011 by Elaine Sanchez
Yesterday I visited the White House to attend a “Let’s Move” fitness and nutrition event for children of National Guardsmen and reservists hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama. [ more ]
Face of Defense: Soldier Assists Spiritual Fitness
May 10, 2011 by Army Sgt. 1st Class J.R. Williams
As an usher for Baptist services on Sundays at the Enduring Faith Chapel here, Army Spc. Turquoise Dawson makes it her business to make her fellow worshipers feel welcome. [ more ]
Face of Defense: Supply Specialist Takes Charge
May 4, 2011 by Army Spc. Terence Ewings
Delivering, receiving, storing and maintaining accountability for equipment and documents are primary tasks for all Army unit logisticians. [ more ]
Chairman’s Corner: A Month of Appreciation and Remembrance
May 3, 2011 by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
America’s support means so much to our military. In fact, as I travel the world to visit our men and women in uniform, what they want to know most is, “Are the American people still with us?” [ more ]
First Lady Aims to Improve Military Families’ Lives
April 25, 2011 by American Forces Press Service
First Lady Michelle Obama stood tall behind a podium in the White House’s East Room, her husband close at hand, as she addressed a packed audience of high-ranking military and government officials. [ more ]
Fort Lee trailblazer to be promoted to brigadier general
April 21, 2011 by Jeremy Slayton
Maj. Rhonda Cornum could see her breath when she awoke on the fourth day of ground fighting during Operation Desert Storm. [ more ]
Organization Reaches Out to Wounded Warriors
April 19, 2011 by Donna Miles
In what started out as a small pilot program, members of Disabled American Veterans, working with the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, began visiting wounded warriors at Fort Bragg, N.C., to talk about benefits and services available to them after they leave active duty. [ more ]
Female POWs prove women can endure war's hardships
March 31, 2011 by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
Maj. Rhonda Cornum could see her breath when she awoke on the fourth day of ground fighting during Operation Desert Storm. [ more ]
West Point experience illustrates changing role of women in military
Thursday, March 17, 10:04 PM by Petula Dvorak
In a chandeliered room packed with Army generals sat a 93-year-old woman in a bright red sweater, shaking her head. [ more ]
Women-led U.S. Teams Work With Afghan Women
Dec 9, 2010 by Jian DeLeon
Following the counterinsurgency tenet of supporting civilians, the Army and Marines have deployed women-focused teams to gain insight into Afghanistan’s mostly silent female population. [ more ]
First female selected as Best Warrior's Soldier of Year
Oct 25, 2010 by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
For the first time since its inception nine years ago, a female Soldier has claimed the title of Soldier of the Year for 2010's Best Warrior Competition. [ more ]
Michelle Obama urges world leaders to help veterans land good jobs
Sep 29, 2010 by Joshua Hallsey
First lady Michelle Obama urged world leaders today to hire veterans whose skills can help millions of people across the globe. [ more ]
E-How: Scholarships for Women Veterans
Sep 23, 2010 by David Jackson
A variety of scholarships are available to female veterans who wish to pursue postsecondary studies. [ more ]
Army Combat Uniform may have female-only version in 2014
Aug 26, 2010 by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
Female Soldiers may be wearing a more form-fitting version of the Army Combat Uniform featuring more room in the hips and legs by 2014, according to developers at Program Executive Office Soldier. [ more ]
West Point's first mother-daughter grads reflect on service
Oct 27, 2008 by Jessica Obermeyer
What can women do in the Army? If you ask Meg Kulungowski, the better question is what can't they do? [ more ]
Brigadier General Evelyn "Pat" Foote, USA (Ret) to be appointed to the American Battle Monuments Commission
June 18, 2010
Evelyn Foote, Appointee for Member, American Battle Monuments Commission
Brigadier General Pat Foote, USA (Ret), a native of Durham, North
Carolina, served over 30 years of active duty with the United States
Army. [ more ]
Are Women Pulling Rank?
May 31, 2010 by Cynthia Good
This Memorial Day, we take a look at the progress women have made in the armed forces, and how that experience turned them into leaders. [ more ]
Duckworth, Vaught Inducted into Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame
March 19, 2010 by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown
The Army Women’s Foundation inducted two new members into its hall of fame Wednesday following the Army Women in Transition Symposium on Capitol Hill. [ more ]
More Than 200 Attend the U.S. Army Women Foundation’s 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium
March 17, 2010
The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation today hosted its 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon on Capitol Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with more than 200 people attending the two events. [ more ]
Hon. Duckworth and Brig. Gen. Vaught, USAF (Ret.) to Be Inducted Into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame
February 23, 2010
The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation today announced its Hall of Fame inductees for 2010: The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; and, Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, USAF (Ret.), President of Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. [ more ]
Forgotten Female POW’s Story Told
February 16, 2010 by Ryan Justin Fox
In helping former U.S. Army Spc. Shoshana Johnson write her autobiography, Fort George G. Meade Media Relations Chief Mary L. Doyle not only exposed the world to the plight of the country’s first African-American female prisoner of war, but furthered Doyle’s own budding literary career. [ more ]
Home Fires: Women’s Work
February 15, 2010 by Catherine Ross
Maybe I should’ve been a soldier in Israel’s army. As of 10 years ago, that country’s women have been allowed to serve in the Israeli Defense Force (I.D.F.) in any capacity that male soldiers serve, including combat units. [ more ]
Wounded Warriors Hit the Slopes
January 22, 2010 by Benita Zahn
Adjusting to life back home after serving in the military can be overwhelming. Service members may be dealing with extensive injuries, emotional trauma or both. The Wounded Warrior Project has what may seem like a simple treatment — get these soldiers on the slopes. [ more ]
Army Athletes Make USA Winter Olympics Team
January 20, 2010 by Tim Hipps
Seven current and former members of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program have earned spots on Team USA for the XXI Olympic Winter Games, scheduled for Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. [ more ]
First Woman Becomes Army Provost Marshal General
January 15, 2010 by Jeffrey Castro, USACIDC Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Colleen L. McGuire assumed responsibility as the first woman provost marshal general of the Army and also took command of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command in a ceremony Thursday at Fort Belvoir. [ more ]
Women’s Museum Second Director Makes Visit to New Location
December 29, 2009 by F.M. Wiggins
Elizabeth Saus recently visited the Army Women’s Museum to celebrate her 90th birthday. But Saus was no ordinary visitor to the museum. [ more ]
Sen. Mark Warner Seeks More Help for Women Veterans
December 14, 2009 by Hugh Lessig
Genevieve Chase battled depression after coming home from Afghanistan, but reaching out to her fellow soldiers was difficult, even though she considered them brothers. [ more ]
Army’s Longest Serving Female Command Sergeant Major Retires
November 17, 2009 by Michael Norris
Although she won’t formally retire until March 2010, a retirement ceremony was held for Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia A. Pritchett, the senior enlisted leader for the Army element of the U.S. Central Command, Nov. 13, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Conmy Hall. [ more ]
A Woman’s Place Is at the Pentagon
November 1, 2009 by Anna Mulrine
Kathleen Hicks, deputy under secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and forces, has served at the Pentagon off and on since 1993. But it was not until last February that she walked into a Defense Department office and found herself in a meeting in which all of the attendees were women. [ more ]
Women in Defense name winners of Horizon Industry Awards
October 27, 2009 by Gabe Nelson
The Michigan chapter of Women in Defense has named the winners of its annual Horizon Industry Awards, given to local defense professionals for innovative business accomplishments. [ more ]
Female Warriors Engage in Combat in Iraq, Afghanistan
October 25, 2009 by Martha Raddatz and Elizabeth Gorman
The image of young women in a hot, dusty combat zone toting automatic weapons is still startling to some. But right now there are 10,000 women serving in Iraq, more than 4,000 in Aghanistan. [ more ]
Women at War
October 25, 2009 by Colleen Jenkins
This photograph from Afghanistan recently made rounds on the Facebook and e-mail accounts of folks whose work centers on military women’s issues. [ more ]
Enough About Amelia
October 20, 2009 by Lane Wallace
On Friday, the latest biopic about Amelia Earhart — this one a $20 million feature film starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere — opens in theaters nationwide. [ more ]
First Female Commander of Army Drill Sgt. School
October 20, 2009 by By Julie O’Neill
431 hours. 9 weeks. 10 hour days. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for soldiers at the U.S. Army’s Drill Sergeant School in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. For the first time since its inception in 1964, its top dog does not look or act like a typical drill sergeant. [ more ]
USCENTCOM Army Element CSM: Soldier Input Is Important
August 31, 2009 by Spc. Gaelen Lowers, 3rd Sustainment Bde. Public
The Army is going through changes. From the way they deploy to the way the Army treats and handles Soldiers in garrison, the Army has been under a major reconstruction from the ground up. [ more ]
Women’s Equality Day Celebrates Universal Suffrage
August 26, 2009 by Gary Sheftick
Soldiers will celebrate Women’s Equality Day Wednesday with lunches, lectures, fun runs and other observances across the Army. [ more ]
Click the thumbnail image to view the Women’s Equality Day Letter.
Living and Fighting Alongside Men, and Fitting In
August 16, 2009 by Steven Lee Myers
There is no mistaking that this dusty, gravel-strewn camp northeast of Baghdad is anything other than a combat outpost in a still-hostile land. And there is no mistaking that women in uniform have had a transformative effect on it. [ more ]
G.I. Jane Breaks the Combat Barrier
August 15, 2009 by Lizette Alvarez
As the convoy rumbled up the road in Iraq, Specialist Veronica Alfaro was struck by the beauty of fireflies dancing in the night. Then she heard the unmistakable pinging of tracer rounds and, in a Baghdad moment, realized the insects were illuminated bullets. [ more ]
Women at Arms: In Their Own Words
August 16, 2009
Before 2001, ground combat was rare for American female soldiers, but Iraq and Afghanistan have changed that. Three women who were commended for their performance in combat reflect on their experiences. [ more ]
Women at Arms: Beyond the Wire
Produced by Kassie Bracken
For female soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, experience on the ground is outpacing official military policy. [ video ]
Women at Arms: On the Ground
Produced by Kassie Bracken
Female soldiers at Camp Warhorse in Iraq speak candidly about the changing dynamics at base camp. [ video ]
Female Military Police “driven” to Protect
August 1, 2009 by Pfc. Kelly Lecompte
Fort Lee exhibit tells stories of soldier/beauty queens
August 1, 2009 by Luz Lazo
They wear the Army uniform and have been to combat operations. They are also beauty queens.
Maier returns to command 16th MP Brigrade.
July 31, 2009 by Henry Cuningham
Army picks first female commandant to lead Drill Sergeant School.
July 30, 2009 By Crystal Lewis Brown
Year of the NCO: Stars of Progress
March 26, 2009 by T. Anthony Bell
Foundation launches programs for Army women
March 25, 2009 by Gary Sheftick
Women who serve in the Army are better educated and often end up having better jobs than their civilian counterparts.
Veteran’s Day
November 11, 2008
Memories of service — Marion Crawford remembers being in Vietnam.
“Tribute past due” black veterans.
Plans in place to relocate Ordnance Museum to Fort Lee.
Married Fort Drum colonels proud of their decades in Army together.
Female vet seeks others for group.
Female baseball pro marks women’s history.
Women serve today on battlefield.
First female CSM of sub-unified combatant command shares experience
November 03, 2008 by Jessica Obermeyer
Women in the Army: Today’s Soldiers a long way from the WAC
by Melissa Bower
Retired and current women Soldiers at Fort Leavenworth say there’s much to be proud about women who have served the Army.
This year, the Army promoted its first woman to four-star general and celebrated 30 years of women serving in the integrated Army. [more...]
When Janey Comes Marching Home
Laura Browder / Sascha Pflaeging, Photographer
The first time I heard a woman describe her time in Iraq in glowing terms, I was taken aback. Marine Colonel Jenny Holbert told me that being in charge of public affairs for the second battle of Fallujah was “probably one of the biggest events of my life, other than birthing two children.” Colonel Holbert’s enthusiasm for deployment was only one of many surprises I encountered over the course of conducting forty-six interviews with women soldiers, sailors, and marines across the eastern seaboard — a small portion of which are presented here.
Photographer Sascha Pflaeging and I conceived of our collaboration as a way of hearing the stories and showing the faces of some of the first large cohort of women — over 180,000 as of this writing — who had served in the American military in combat zones. [more...]
A Comet, a Chick, a star — Richmond Native Played Girls Baseball in the 1940s
Hand Helen “Gig” Smith a baseball, and her face lights up like a scoreboard.
“Oh, boy!” she beams, taking a firm grip and simulating a throw in her comfortable studio apartment at Westminster Canterbury Richmond.
It may have been awhile, years perhaps, since Smith wrapped her fingers around the laces. But it’s springtime. Time for baseball.
And at 86, Smith — a retired Richmond art teacher, World War II Army veteran and board member of the foundation that supports the Army Women’s Museum in Fort Lee — is still in a league of her own. [more...]
President Bush nominates LTG Ann E. Dunwoody for promotion to general.
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 24, 2008)
The U.S. Senate confirmed Wednesday the appointment of Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody to the grade of four-star general.
Dunwoody, who will be the first woman to serve as a four-star general in the U.S. military, was also confirmed for assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va. [more...]
Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody smiles during her promotion to general, where she was pinned by Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey, left, and her husband, Craig Brotchie, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Nov. 14, 2008. Dunwoody made history as the nation’s first four-star female officer.
Photos courtesy U.S. Army
Retired Brigadier General Elizabeth Paschel Hoisington Passes
Retired Brigadier General Elizabeth Paschel Hoisington, seventh director of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), and one of the first two female Army generals, died Aug. 21, 2007. [more...]
