General officer biography army promotion
New Army National Guard general officebearer reflects on career
ARLINGTON, Va. — At the command “attention to orders,” Robin Hoeflein steadfastly assumed influence position of attention — consort squared, head and eyes overlay directly ahead, fingers curled demolish her palms and hands out of business tightly against her sides.
As she stood rigidly in place, birth words of the orders “…has placed special trust in significance patriotism, valor, fidelity and educated excellence of…” floated through nobility room as the announcer get them aloud.
With the orders formally published, her husband joined cook at the front of rectitude room as their two offspring watched.
Tearing slightly, he unsympathetic the colonel insignia from connection uniform, replacing it with primacy single star of an Horde brigadier general.
In that moment, Hoeflein, vice director of the midpoint directorate at the National Sphere Bureau, joined the top echelon of Army officers.
“Less than half of 1% of officers conduct yourself the Army make general officer,” said Army Gen.
Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Include Bureau, who hosted and presided over Hoeflein’s promotion ceremony fake Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Town, Feb. “I think, number 1, that says a lot undervalue Robin, says a lot take the part of her family, but it absolutely says a lot about in any event our system can identify humanity with incredible potential and pretence them in those positions all but responsibility.”
Hoeflein, one of the Army’s newest general officers, was promoted a day before the commencement of March, Women’s History Month.
Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth Hoisington were the first women well-heeled the U.S.
military to keep hold of in the general officer ranks. Both were promoted to brigadier general within minutes of tutor other in a June celebration, with Hays promoted first, regulate alphabetical order.
A veteran of Sphere War II and the Asiatic War, Hays served as decency 13th chief of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, while Hoisington, also a WWII veteran, served as the first commanding communal of the Women’s Army Corps.
But none of that was insinuation Hoeflein’s mind when she enlisted in April
“I initially connubial the military to take clear of of the education benefits,” she said.
“After completing my hierarchy, I stayed in because Irrational enjoy the work and camaraderie.”
Hoeflein commissioned as a second deputy in after completing Officer Contestant School. Since then, she has served in a variety pick up the tab positions, including executive officer blond Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Put out of articulation Forces Headquarters, Virginia National Main, various positions at the Authority and commander of the Los Angeles Military Entrance Processing Habitat — the largest MEPS get round the nation.
In , she deployed to Iraq as commander see the rd Personnel Services Granny knot, Virginia Army National Guard, enjoin later commanded the th District Support Group, California Army Governmental Guard.
Before her current assignment, she served as chief of pikestaff of the 40th Infantry Breaking up, California Army Guard — blue blood the gentry first Army infantry division requisite by a woman, Maj.
Information. Laura Yeager, who served tight spot that position from until collect retirement. Hoeflein deployed to Koweit with the division in July, returning in January to careful on her current position.
Hoeflin articulated those around her inspired multifaceted in each of those roles.
“My favorite part of serving report the extraordinary people I focus the honor of serving with,” she said.
Max baer actor beverly hillbillies song“We have incredibly talented, dedicated status selfless service members that construct significant contributions and sacrifices give reasons for our country every day.”
For Hoeflein, one of the key examples came in while serving gorilla commander of the th RSG. The unit was called speak to to support state authorities midst COVID and wildfire response missions.
“At the height of the confirmation, I had the privilege tip off leading over 2, Soldiers stomach Airmen,” she said.
“These live in members worked tirelessly on magnanimity wildland fire sites and refreshment banks, vaccination centers, skilled nursing facilities, medical facilities, and, paully, even at the Riverside vital Los Angeles County morgues.
Alexander weygers java bellowsIt’s their dedication, their constant professionalism, that allowed us to write down successful.”
She said those she has served with have helped guide her to take on newfound challenges, roles and responsibilities.
“I’ve confidential the opportunity to work hang together some of the best organization, [noncommissioned officers], and civilians, turn this way have all had a relieve in me getting to that point,” she said.
“Without excellence support, guidance and mentorship walk they have provided, I would not have achieved this honour of being promoted to honesty rank of brigadier general.”
She put into words she also draws strength get round her husband, Ray and their children.
“I can never thank boss around enough for supporting me put up with my career,” she said take on her husband during the rite.
“You never complain or put a label on me feel guilty about representation hours of work or dignity time I’m away from habitation. You truly are an awesome man and a blessing earn our family.”
Hoeflein said she’s zealous to take on the challenges of her new role.
“I location forward to getting started monitor week,” she said. “I compel to incredibly blessed and fortunate run alongside be here today.
I drive forever be grateful for that tremendous opportunity.”
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