FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 20, 2016) -- Retired Gen. Ann Dunwoody was the guest speaker at a wreath-laying ceremony on Fort Benning April 15 that honored paratroopers of the Vietnam War including Airborne Operation Junction City conducted by 845 sky Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

The wreath-laying ceremony was part of the 39th annual U.S. Army Airborne Awards Festival.

Dunwoody revealed that being Airborne allotted her opportunities beyond her wildest dreams.

"Being Airborne allowed me to go to jump master school. After becoming jumpmaster, I was allowed to command the only parachute rigger detachment in Germany," she said.

Dunwoody explained that she was honored to help commemorate the past paratroopers.

"Today was about recognizing the paratroopers who have gone before us. They sacrificed so much, leading the way for future generations of paratroopers," she said.

Dunwoody stressed the importance of connecting paratroopers of the past with paratroopers of the present.

"It's important to keep the legacy going," she said.

"Airborne has a special connation of camaraderie that's unlike any other that I've ever found in any unit before.

There's just a spirit of excitement and pride that goes along with that camaraderie," Dunwoody added.