Senate Confirms Dunwoody July 23 for 4th Star

By Mr. Paul Boyce (FORSCOM)July 25, 2008

The U.S. Senate confirmed July 23 the historic nomination of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody for promotion to general and assignment, later this Fall, as Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. Dunwoody is the first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces to attain the rank of four-star general.

The Department of Defense previously announced one month ago, June 23, that President Bush had nominated her for promotion to the four-star general rank.

"I am truly humbled to be able to continue to serve my country in uniform," Dunwoody said. "I am extremely honored to be selected to lead the men and women of Army Materiel Command - the military, civilian personnel and contractors of AMC - who are among the nation's finest, men and women who continue to serve with dedication during these difficult and uncertain times."

Lt. Gen. Dunwoody's confirmation as a four-star general is the latest achievement for women in the military, dating back to Mary Marshall and Mary Allen, who served as ship nurses during the War of 1812, to Brig. Gen. Anna Mae Hays, the first female general officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. Approximately five percent of general officers in the U.S. Army are women, which includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general officers.

Lt. Gen. Dunwoody brings 33 years of military experience and leadership service to her assignment. Prior to taking her current assignment as Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command at Fort Belvoir, Va., she served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 at the Pentagon. She is responsible for ensuring warfighters have the necessary supplies and services, and that logisticians have the tools and equipment necessary to deliver those supplies and services to Soldiers around the globe.

"I have never considered myself anything but a Soldier," Dunwoody said. "I recognize that with this selection, some will view me as a trailblazer, but it's important that we remember the generations of women, whose dedication, commitment and quality of service helped open the doors of opportunity for us today. There are so many talented women in our Army today ... you would be impressed. So what's even more exciting for me is knowing that while I may be the first, I know I won't be the last. I'm thrilled with this selection and proud to continue to serve!"

Dunwoody's awards and qualification badges include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Rigger Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

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Media may contact U.S. Army Public Affairs: Lt. Col. Anne Edgecomb, (703) 697-5662 or Paul Boyce. (703) 697-2564.

More about Lt. Gen. Dunwoody's military service and life can be found at: http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/07/24/11194-dunwoody-confirmed-as-first-female-four-star/