The Villages Daily Sun.

For the first time in American history, a woman has achieved the rank of U.S. Army four-star general.

The Pentagon announced Monday that Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody had been nominated for the position.

“This is a historic occasion for the Department of Defense, and I am proud to nominate Lt. Gen. Ann Dunwoody for a fourth star,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in a CNN report. “Her 33 years of service, highlighted by extraordinary leadership and devotion to duty, make her exceptionally qualified for this senior position.”

On Friday, Dunwoody received her fourth star during a promotion ceremony.

While military women nationwide are certain to foresee brighter futures thanks to the standard set by Dunwoody, the nomination comes as welcome news to all women — especially women veterans.

Local women veterans expressed their pleasure at the news of Dunwoody’s nomination.

“I think it’s about time,” Air Force veteran Vivian Chiasson of the Village of Rio Grande II said.

“I think it would be absolutely wonderful,” Beverly Belanger, an Army veteran of Lady Lake, said. “It’s time for some new blood — female blood.”

She added, “As long as the lady is qualified to fill the position, I would love to see a female general in there.”

Although the role has been limited to men in the past, local male veterans fully support and praise the advancement.

“As far as I’m concerned, if she’s qualified, it’s a wonderful thing,” said retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Fran Pagliarulo, a Village of Bridgeport at Lake Sumter resident. “Women have become more and more recognized for their abilities.”

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. John Sievertson heartily concurred.

“I think it’s great,” the Village of Belvedere resident said. “It’s just been a matter of time until (a female) reached the four-star general (position).”

While these men were proud of their female counterpart, many found the news surprising — however welcome. In fact, Dunwoody joked about her husband’s reaction during her promotion ceremony Friday, according to The Associated Press.

“There is no one more surprised than I — except, of course, my husband,” Dunwoody said. “You know what they say, ‘Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man.’”

Prior to her most recent promotion, Dunwoody had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, Master Parachutist Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

During the Persian Gulf War, Dunwoody served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Saudi Arabia. She also has been assigned to the 10th Mountain Division and the Defense Logistics Agency.

Daisy Moon is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9067, or daisy.moon@thevillages media.com.

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