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Pelosi Statement on Lt. Gen. Ann Dunwoody Becoming First Woman Nominated to Be a Four-Star General

June 23, 2008

Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement this evening after the Pentagon announced that for the first time in American history, a woman has been chosen for promotion to four-star general. Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody will head the Army Materiel Command, responsible for equipping, outfitting and arming soldiers throughout the Army.

"Women have served our nation in war throughout our history. In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, women in uniform on the frontlines have been killed or seriously injured. But until today, not a single woman has been chosen for promotion to a four-star general in the military.

"The nomination of Army Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody for promotion to four-star general is a recognition of her lifetime of leadership and a welcome signal from the Department of Defense that promotion to the highest ranks in our military will now be based on the qualities of leadership, character, and devotion to duty, not on gender. General Dunwoody's distinguished career merits this high honor. For young women, she will be a role model for achievement and service."