Gen Dunwoody explodes through the brass ceiling

Gen Dunwoody gets new HQ
Gen Dunwoody tosses first pitch at Yankees game (6-14)

November 14, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS to US ARMY General Ann E Dunwoody on becoming the first female 4-star general in United States' history. Gen Dunwoody has served for 33 years and was deployed during the first Gulf War with 82nd as the Division Parachute Officer from September 1990 to March 1991. She received her third star in 2005 when she was named Deputy Chief of Staff for Army logistics and now has command of U.S. Army Material Command.

BNET: General Dunwoody has a bachelor's degree in physical education from the State University of New York at Cortland, a master's degree in logistics management from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a master's degree in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. She is a graduate of the Quartermaster Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and Basic Airborne School. Her family's military history extends back to the Revolutionary War.

Army press release: Defense Secretary Gates: "History will no doubt take note of [Gen. Dunwoody's] achievement in breaking through this final 'brass ceiling' to pin on this fourth star. But she would rather be known and remembered first and foremost as a U.S. Army Soldier."

Gen. George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, praised Gen. Dunwoody as a "premiere logistician."

Video courtesy of AP
Craig Brotchie, her husband and Gen. George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, do the honors.

GEN DUNWOODY: "Well, thank you. I wish I could begin to describe the incredible feelings of gratitude, humility, and love that are absolutely consuming me at this very moment. But it's impossible."

This promotion has taken me back in time like no other event in my entire life. And I didn't appreciate the enormity of the event until the tidal waves of cards, letters and e-mails started coming my way. And I've heard form men and women from every branch of service, from every regions of out country and every corner of the world.

I've heard from moms and dads who see this promotion as a beacon of hope for their own daughters and an affirmation that anything is possible through hard work and commitment.

And I've heard from women veterans of all wars, many who just wanted to say congratulations, some who just wanted to say thanks, and still others just wanted to say they were so happy this day had finally come. And to all of them, I owe a very special thanks - for their dedication, for their commitment and for paving the way.

And I know it might sound trite, but for me, today is all about two simple words: thank you."

Thank YOU, General Dunwoody.