There are many reasons to celebrate throughout the year, and March is no exception. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as "Women’s History Month." At IHG® Army Hotels, we celebrate the contributions of all women, especially those connected to the military. For generations, women have answered the call to service in many ways, often while overcoming additional obstacles and challenges that redefined what it means to be a true patriot.
From the earliest days of the United States, when Deborah Sampson disguised herself to look like a man and fight in the Continental Army, to Retired General Ann E. Dunwoody, who, before retiring in 2012, was the first female four-star Army general, women have served with honor and represented the highest ideals on which our country was founded. We salute the many women, past and present, serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Women in uniform embody courage under pressure, resilience in the face of adversity, and steadfast commitment to mission and team. This month presents us with an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of women and the sacrifices they have made for our nation. In this article, we'll highlight just a few history-making women worth learning more about.
A Brief History of Women Expanding Their Roles
The history of women serving in the armed forces is the story of the steady expansion of responsibility, authority, and opportunity. As each generation of trailblazing women served their country, they built upon the accomplishments of previous generations. Here is a glance at a few of those historic moments.
During World War II, many critical roles essential to winning the war were filled by women. On July 1, 1943, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) became the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Led by Oveta Culp Hobby, this group of over 150,000 women served in a variety of roles, including administrative, communications, and intelligence positions. At the same time, over 1,000 women in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), led by Jacqueline Cochran, tested, flew, and ferried 12,650 aircraft over 60 million miles. Their efforts freed male pilots for combat missions and provided vital support to the nation.
After World War II, women continued to break barriers and served with distinction in peacetime and war. Over 120,000 women served on active duty during the Korean War, and another 265,000 during the Vietnam War, with 11,000 deploying in-country.
When combat roles officially opened to women between 2013 and 2016, another chapter began. From Kristen Griest, the first woman to graduate from Army Ranger School, to Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first female Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) in U.S. Navy history, each milestone is the story of persistence, professionalism, and courage.
Women Leading Today: Setting the Standard
Today, women are proudly serving at every level of the Armed Forces. From the most junior enlisted rank to generals and admirals, their roles reflect decades of progress and dedication to our nation.
Among those who have recently had an exceptional hand at shaping the forces is Retired General Laura Jane Richardson. Before her retirement, General Richardson served as the commander of the United States Southern Command from 2021 to 2024. In this role, she oversaw military operations across Latin America and the Caribbean. Her leadership represents the growing presence of women in senior command levels.
Other trailblazers have helped redefine what leadership looks like across the other armed forces. One excellent example is Janet C. Wolfenbarger, who became the first woman in U.S. Air Force history to achieve the rank of four-star general. During her career, she led Air Force Materiel Command, overseeing tens of thousands of personnel responsible for research, acquisition, logistics, and sustainment for the service's aircraft and technology.
Even beyond looking at historic firsts for women in uniform, women currently serving our country and those who are now veterans have served with honor, commanded troops, directed the complex logistical machine that keeps the military running, and much more. While their presence in decades past was groundbreaking, it is now routine and helping to make our forces better than they ever have been.
Stories of Service: Courage Beyond the Headlines
As anyone who has served or been around those who have knows, it is a tragic truth that freedom isn't free and often comes at great sacrifice. Since the days of the Continental Army, women have sacrificed and endured alongside their fellow service members. As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is fitting to reflect on the sacrifices made by women in the Armed Forces.
One such story of sacrifice is that of Lori Piestewa. Piestewa was a member of the Hopi Tribe and joined the Army. She volunteered to deploy in support of the Iraq War, and in 2003, she became the first Native American woman killed in combat on foreign soil. Her service and sacrifice remain a powerful symbol of dedication and bravery, honored by her fellow soldiers and communities across the country.
Acts of heroism have also defined the careers of women who faced combat directly against dozens of insurgents. Leigh Ann Hester made history in 2005 when she became the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for valor in direct combat. During an insurgent ambush in Iraq, Hester led her team in a counterattack, engaging enemy fighters at close range, killing several, and helping to secure the battlefield.
Resilience also defines the story of Senator Tammy Duckworth. While serving as an Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot, Duckworth lost both legs when a rocket-propelled grenade hit her aircraft. After extensive recovery, she continues serving the nation through public leadership and advocacy for Veterans.
Beyond these well-known stories are countless more that occur every day. The sacrifices of women in the Armed Forces are unquestionable and deserve reflection with thankfulness and respect.
Women's History Month offers us a chance to take time out of our day and reflect on the many accomplishments, historic firsts, sacrifices, and undeniable courage women have embodied since the start of our nation. At IHG Army Hotels, we celebrate all women, but especially those who have served our great nation, past, present, and future.
It's the perfect month to remember the pioneering women who broke barriers and opened doors, allowing other women to join the military. From the newest recruits looking to lead troops, fly missions, and manage complex operations, to veterans nearing the end of the tour, the contributions of women in uniform are something we should all be grateful for. Their stories run from those who have served with honor during a single enlistment to those who have paid the ultimate price, but all serve to remind us that excellence in uniform has always been defined by commitment to mission, loyalty to fellow service members, and the willingness to serve something greater than oneself.
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