Women have often been the unsung heroes in many stories and narratives across history. With these stories now being told and the women responsible for getting their deserved notoriety, we have an opportunity to honor them properly. “Hidden Figures”, a movie about the women in the NASA program, and “Suffragette” a movie about the early 20^th century laws involving women’s suffrage, come to mind when thinking about these stories.

Iconic woman celebrated as being the first female 4-star general in history.

Who is this incredible woman? Meet Retired Army Gen. Ann Dunwoody. Gen. Dunwoody was given the Thayer award on October 10^th as a tribute and in celebration of her military achievements. This award was presented by West Point’s Association of Graduates.

This award has had some other incredible recipients, with famous names such as Bob Hope, Tom Brokaw, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Thayer Award is given to those whose service and represents West Points’ motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”

An incredible record.

Serving as an Army office for almost 40 years, Gen Dunwoody has seen her fair share of life and experience. She also commanded the largest global logistics command center for the Army, known as the Army Material Command. Retiring in 2012, Gen. Dunwoody retired as the first woman in history to have achieved such high of a rank.

The life of Gen. Dunwoody.

In an interview, Gen. Dunwoody explained how her family has had four generations of West Point attendees throughout their history. She said in the interview:

“I grew up in the Army and came from a family who, since 1862, has defended our nation,” she said. “My great grandfather, my grandfather, my father, my brother, my sister, my niece, and my husband are all veterans of this country’s wars. My father is a veteran of three wars and is one of the 25 million veterans living today who served the nation with such incredible courage.”

She never had plans to stay in the military for long, but things changed.

More than just a role model for other women, everyone respects her tenure and faith in her role and calling. While now spending almost four decades in the Army, she never intended to make it her long-term course! In her own words:

“While I joined the Army right out of college, I planned to only stay in the Army to complete my two-year commitment, but it wasn’t too long before I realized that there are no other shoes [boots] I would rather fill than the ones I am wearing right now. As a soldier, you can continually serve. It is a calling to be a soldier and there is a great sense of pride and camaraderie in serving the greatest Army in the world.”

Overcoming adversity in a world dominated by men.

With most military roles being dominated by men, Gen. Dunwoody had some words of encouragement and wisdom for people asking how.

“In the military, I had advocates, then there were detractors. They just don’t like you, maybe they think it’s a man’s Army and women don’t belong here. The key is how you deal with people. You don’t stoop to name-calling. You be professional, demonstrate you’re capable and sometimes you convert people. In the military, people want the best leader on the team. They want the best, and we have a profession that’s looking for and rewards that kind of behavior.”

An inspiration and hero for all.

As a strong woman and figure, we can all glean from her wisdom and life. We are honored to consider her an American and one of the best.

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Source: Shareably