Army news service (July 24, 2008): general officer announcement.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate confirmed July 23 the appointment of Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody to the grade of four-star general.

Dunwoody, who will be the first woman to serve as a four-star general in the U.S. military, was also confirmed for assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, headquartered at Fort Belvoir. Va.

"I am truly humbled to be able to continue to serve my country in uniform," Dunwoody said. "I am extremely honored to be selected to lead the men and women of Army Materiel Command--the military, civilian personnel, and contractors of AMC, who are among the nation's finest men and women--who continue to serve with dedication during these difficult and uncertain times."

Dunwoody's confirmation as a four-star general is the latest achievement for women in the military, dating back to Mary Marshall and Mary Allen, who served as ship nurses during the War of 1812, to Brig. Gen. Anna Mae Hays, the first female general officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. About 5 percent of general officers in the U.S. Army are women, officials said, adding that this includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general officers.

"1 have never considered myself anything but a soldier," Dunwoody said. "I recognize that with this selection, some will view me as a trailblazer, but it's important that we remember the generations of women whose dedication, commitment, and quality of service helped open the doors of opportunity for us today There are so many talented women in our Army today ... you would be impressed. So what's even more exciting for me is knowing that while 1 may be the first, 1 know I won't be the last. I'm thrilled with this selection and proud to continue to serve!"

Prior to her recent appointment as deputy commanding general and chief of staff of AMC, Dunwoody served as deputy chief of staff, G-4, United States Army, Washington, D.C.

Dunwoody entered the Army in 1975, and served first as a platoon leader with the 226th Maintenance Company, 100th Supply and Services Battalion, Fort Sill, Okla.

During her 33-year Army career, Dunwoody has served as the commander for the 5th Quartermaster Detachment, 66th Maintenance Battalion, 29th Area Support Group, Germany; commander of the Division Support Command, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; and commanding general, United States Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, Fort Lee, Va. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, with oak leaf cluster; the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Legion of Merit, with two oak leaf clusters; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal, with five oak leaf clusters; and the Army Commendation Medal. The general has also earned the master parachutist badge and the parachutist rigger badge.