28 - Colorado, Carol Mutter
This week, as I start my new project with the Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington, I am proud to tribute Carol Mutter, the first woman to be a Lieutenant General, the highest rank held by a woman.
Colorado is the 22nd state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on December 15, 1919.
Ms. Mutter is the first woman in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces to be a appointed to a three-star grade as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General. For commissioned officers in the Marines, this is the second highest rank ever given. The only rank higher is the General, and a five star could be given, but no one in the U.S. military holds that rank.
When graduating from University of Northern Colorado in 1967, she was commissioned a second lieutenant (nine steps below her final role) with a major in Mathematics, she also earned a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Her basic training at Quantico led her to multiple programs that trained her to be a platoon commander for women officer candidates and basic course lieutenants. She moved to Camp Pendleton, CA with a slue of achievements and titles that led her to be the Program Manager for the Marines. In 1988, she joined the Space Command as a colonel as the first woman as Space Director.
By the end of her career in 1999, she continued to break history as the first woman to take on a commanding role both in title and in responsibility. Her career took her far to explore the globe and be a leader for women.
Why this woman?
This month I have been working with my team to start the first project our region has done with the Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington. It is my first real engagement with the military. It is the start of a two year project that I know I will remain at the helm as an active team member. With the presence of the military all around. The first meeting was a mix of WOMEN and men (more women than I would have foreseen) in uniform, working to make this project a success.
As a “pacifist”, and I quote that because I can’t say in my life I have been challenged enough to agree that I am this, the military is not my go-to for the correct force. I have had friends that enlisted, and many did not squelch my apprehensions of the branches though they tried. Some of my best conversations are with my enlisted friends that were open to the conversation. But we all resolved we don’t have enough to debunk each other.
Hands down, this is one of the most important assets of our American freedom that are taken for granted. It is a world of protection that we assume we know, but have no comprehension of what they do for us everyday. Also, they have a lifestyle that is different than anything I know. The easiest of which, “I’m an Army brat.” meaning I have moved with my family where I lived in one house for most of my life with no threat of moving. It is a different life that sees the world in all its glory, and all its hardships. It is the world none of the public really want to believe exists, but thankful someone is on the front line for us.
Carol led it. She fought alongside the brave. She is the brave. And worth a salute every day.
Colorado is the 22nd state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on December 15, 1919.
Ms. Mutter is the first woman in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces to be a appointed to a three-star grade as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General. For commissioned officers in the Marines, this is the second highest rank ever given. The only rank higher is the General, and a five star could be given, but no one in the U.S. military holds that rank.
When graduating from University of Northern Colorado in 1967, she was commissioned a second lieutenant (nine steps below her final role) with a major in Mathematics, she also earned a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Her basic training at Quantico led her to multiple programs that trained her to be a platoon commander for women officer candidates and basic course lieutenants. She moved to Camp Pendleton, CA with a slue of achievements and titles that led her to be the Program Manager for the Marines. In 1988, she joined the Space Command as a colonel as the first woman as Space Director.
By the end of her career in 1999, she continued to break history as the first woman to take on a commanding role both in title and in responsibility. Her career took her far to explore the globe and be a leader for women.
Why this woman?
This month I have been working with my team to start the first project our region has done with the Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington. It is my first real engagement with the military. It is the start of a two year project that I know I will remain at the helm as an active team member. With the presence of the military all around. The first meeting was a mix of WOMEN and men (more women than I would have foreseen) in uniform, working to make this project a success.
As a “pacifist”, and I quote that because I can’t say in my life I have been challenged enough to agree that I am this, the military is not my go-to for the correct force. I have had friends that enlisted, and many did not squelch my apprehensions of the branches though they tried. Some of my best conversations are with my enlisted friends that were open to the conversation. But we all resolved we don’t have enough to debunk each other.
Hands down, this is one of the most important assets of our American freedom that are taken for granted. It is a world of protection that we assume we know, but have no comprehension of what they do for us everyday. Also, they have a lifestyle that is different than anything I know. The easiest of which, “I’m an Army brat.” meaning I have moved with my family where I lived in one house for most of my life with no threat of moving. It is a different life that sees the world in all its glory, and all its hardships. It is the world none of the public really want to believe exists, but thankful someone is on the front line for us.
Carol led it. She fought alongside the brave. She is the brave. And worth a salute every day.
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