Ann E. Dunwoody: The First Female 4 Star General

This is General Ann E. Dunwoody 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_E._Dunwoody

Dunwoody in the March For Equality http://beyondthebox.org/military-womens-long-ongoing-march-to-equality/

      

Seneca once quoted, “Success happens when preparation meets opportunity.”  As a child, Ann E. Dunwoody prepared to be a physical education teacher.  But, she joined the United States Armed Forces instead, and was eventually promoted to the first ever female 4 Star General.  General Ann E. Dunwoody is a smart, inspirational woman because she prepared for what was to come, followed her passions, and proved to all people that anyone can do anything.

Background

Ann E. Dunwoody prepared for the future.  She was born on January 14, 1953 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  Her family history includes serving in the military.  Even her father was an Army Officer.  Dunwoody, as a child, was a hard core athlete and quite a tomboy.  At a young age, she decided she wanted to be a physical education teacher.  All her free time was spent getting physically fit.  She had absolutely no interest in joining the military.  That is, until she went to a 24-day arm training camp in her Senior year.  Ann got a 2 year contract and joined the army in 1974.  In 1975, she was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Women’s Corps. Army.  Her long career had only just begun.  

Ann E. Dunwoody 2012 ITA Achievement Award Laureate   http://www.itatennis.com/AboutITA/News/Archived_News/2012_News_Archives/General_Ann_E__ Dunwoody_to_Receive_2012_ITA_Achievement_Award.htm

              Event

As I mentioned before, Ann was always physically fit.  Being fit was her passion, the passion she followed to accomplish her dreams.  Just like anyone else, when Ann’s mind was set, she could do anything.  In fact, her mind was set on the Army so much, she served for 33 years! Ann loved the military so much, not only did she become the first female 4 Star General, but she also became the first female battalion commander.  That takes real passion.  So much passion, that President Bush nominated her as 4 Star General.  By law, the Army can have no more than eleven 4 Star Generals at a time.  General George Casey promoted Ann E. Dunwoody to 4 Star General on November 4, 2008.  It takes great passion to succeed at accomplishing both accomplishments I have informed you about.

Dunwoody getting promoted to 4 Star General   

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/veterans-day-grand-marshal-article-1.1507551#

Impact/Changes Since Then

Ann E. Dunwoody is a worldwide inspiration that proves anybody can do anything.  Since Dunwoody’s promotion, women have made up 14% of 1.4 million active personnel.  An order was made offering more positions to women in the military.  The Army is now allowing women in all ground positions.  Over 280,000 women served in combat zones during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  This means women aren't excluded from combat anymore.  The new order could create military jobs for over 230,000 women.  Don’t you think it is amazing what can happen after one person?    

Percentage of military officers who are female, 2000-2011  http://s-walker1215-dc.blogspot.com/2012/11/research-and-delivery-further-research.html

Click the video above to see Ann E. Dunwoody get promoted to 4 Star Genral

About The Author

Jessica is a 6th grader who loves literature.  Though she loves reading and writing, playing softball, music (particularly singing and playing the violin), learning, and being outside are also her hobbies. One day, she hopes to work for NASA (The National Aeronautics and Space Administration) or be in the United States Air Force. She has no pets, but she does have one sister.  One day, she hopes to travel the world.

Works Cited

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<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1 559968/Ann-E-Dunwoody>

“Ann E. Dunwoody.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 May 2014 <http://e n.wikipedia .org/wiki/Ann_E._Dunwoody>

Brown, STEPHEN R. “Veterans Day: Gen. Ann Dunwoody, Grand Marshal of America’s Parade.” NY Daily News. New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 May 2014. <http://www.ny dailynews.com/news/national/veterans-day-grand-marshal-article-1.1507551>

“First Female 4-star U.S. Army General Nominated” CNN. Cable News 

Network, n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/23/woman.general/index.html?iref=storysearch>

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Lopez, C.T. “ARMY.MIL, The Official Homepage of the United States Army.” First

Female Four-star General Retires from Army. N.p., 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 14 May 2014. <http://www.a rmy.mil/article/85606/>

Lowen, Linda. “First Female Four-star General Ann E. Dunwoody.” About.com 

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“Military Factory- US Army Ranks.” Military Factory. N.p., n.d. Web. 

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Stegon, David. “38 Years of Service: First Female General Retires.” FedScoop 38 Years of Service First Female US Military Fourstar General Retires Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2014. <http:/ /fedscoop.com/38-years-of-service-first-female-u-s-military-four-star-general-retires/>

“Sunday Standard- Online Edition. “Sunday Standard- Online Edition. Sunday Standard,  

n.d. Web. 15 May 2014. <http://www.sund aystandard.info/article.php?NewsID=3993&GroupID=4>