WARSAW, D.C., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody became the first female Friday to become a four-star general in the history of the U.S. military in a ceremony at the Pentagon.
"Ann Dunwoody's 33-year career has been about opening doors and literally jumping through them," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said. "So, Ann, thank you for being a pioneer. Thank you for being a soldier."
Thanking her supervising officers, the commanding general of U.S. Army Materiel Command said, "I would not be standing here today had I not worked for leaders who believed in me, leaders who took a chance on me, and leaders who not only encouraged me but inspired me to be the best I could be."
Her final thanks was to the Army because it "nurtured me and mentored me. And today the Army offers me a chance to return the favor.
Dunwoody comes from a military family. Her father is retired Brig. Gen. Harold H. Dunwoody and her great-grandfather, Henry Harrison Chase Dunwoody, was a one-star general. Harold H. Dunwoody Jr., her older brother, achieved the rank of first lieutenant. Her older sister Susan Schoeck was the third woman in the Army to become a helicopter pilot.
Dunwoody is married to retired Air Force Col. Craig Brotchie.
