First female West Point grad pins on star

***image1***For the first time in history, a female graduate of the U.S. Military Academy has risen to the rank of general.

Brig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead, who had served as the deputy commanding general of the 21st Theater Support Command, was promoted to brigadier general during a recent ceremony at Panzer Kaserne.

General Halstead, a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y, played down the historical significance of beginning another chapter for the military academy, which first opened its doors to women in 1976.

Incidentally, General Hal-stead’s frocking also marks the first time a female graduate from any of the three military academies has earned the rank of brig-adier general.

“I want people to see me as Becky Halstead, of Willseyville, N.Y., not Becky Halstead the general … not Becky Halstead the ordnance officer,” she said.

“It’s not what’s on your collar that’s important.”
General Halstead credited her parents, friends, family, colleagues and Willseyville – a small town in upstate New York with no traffic lights – for her success.

A contingent from Will-seyville traveled to Kaisers-lautern to witness the frocking.

Former West Point classmates and military colleagues from previous assignments also attended General Halstead’s frocking. Among the guests was retired Army Maj. Gen. Dewitt Irby, who traveled here from California to participate in General Halstead’s promotion.

General Halstead joins the ranks of 12 other Army general officers who are female. The list includes six major generals, five brigadier generals and two colonels who are promotable.
Maj. Gen. Bennie E. Williams, 21st TSC commander, lauded General Halstead’s record and her entrance into military history.
“This accomplishment speaks volumes to your myriad personal qualities, as well as the positive evolution of the Army,” General Williams said.

“Rebecca Halstead has proven to be a personal and professional role model – not just for females – but for all Soldiers, all civilians … all Americans.”

General Halstead is now the deputy commanding general, 3rd Corps Support Command, in Wiesbaden.