“Women veterans have served in the United States Armed Forces in every war since the American Revolution.” – American Women
While women have been serving in the military throughout American history, there is still plenty of room to break glass ceilings and celebrate female “firsts”. On Thursday, November 2, 2023 we celebrated our first female head of the Navy. Federally Employed Women cheered with colleagues across the globe when we heard the news of Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s Senate confirmation as Chief of Naval Operations.
In honor of Veterans’ Day, we salute the brave women and men serving at every level of the military. This is our opportunity to pause and appreciate all who sacrifice their own personal comfort for patriotism and the common good. There are many different ways we can celebrate and honor veterans, from the Wounded Warrior Project to Wreaths Across America.
To all our members who are veterans or currently serving in the U.S. armed forces, FEW thanks YOU for your service.
Take a moment to recognize several “firsts” for women in the U.S. military:
o Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
o First woman to lead any U.S. military branch
o First female deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command
o First female deputy commanding general of a maneuver division
o Commander, United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command
o First woman to lead a unified combatant command
General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost
o 14th Commander – U.S. Air Force Transportation Command
o Second woman to lead a unified combatant command
Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations
o First woman to lead the Navy
o Confirmed by the Senate, November 2, 2023
Leveling Up For Success
Pamela H. Richards
National President
Federally Employed Women
Working for the Advancement of Women in the Government