Women have always been part of the fabric of our nation’s defense. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to today’s global missions, women have served with courage, intelligence, and unwavering commitment.

This Women’s History Month, Soldiers’ Angels is honored to amplify the voices of women who have worn the uniform. Below are 12 powerful quotes from women across branches and generations, each a reminder that service takes many forms, but the spirit behind it remains the same.

1. General Ann E. Dunwoody

Branch: U.S. Army
Role: Four-Star General; Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command

“If you compromise your integrity and principles on minor issues, it gets easier to make bad choices on the big issues.” – General Ann E. Dunwoody

Ann E. Dunwoody is the first woman to earn the rank of four-star general not only in the Army, but the entire U.S. armed forces. Her most impactful assignment was as commander of the Army Materiel Command (AMC), one of the largest commands in the Army, employing more than 69,000 employees across all 50 states and 145 countries.  She became the first female battalion commander for the 82nd Airborne Division in 1992, the first female general at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2000 and in 2008, became the first female to be promoted to four-star general. 

2. Admiral Michelle J. Howard

Branch: U.S. Navy
Role: Four-Star Admiral; Vice Chief of Naval Operations

“I often quote Dr. Linus Pauling who talks about how it’s not a matter of having a good idea, it’s a matter of generating a lot of ideas and then picking the best one. If you have homogeneous teams, you end up with very similar solutions.” – Admiral Michelle J. Howard

A barrier-breaking leader in the United States Navy, Michelle J. Howard made history as the first woman to become a four-star admiral and the first woman to serve as Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, she commanded ships, expeditionary strike groups, and U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa, demonstrating exceptional leadership at every level. From operational deployments to strategic command, her service helped redefine what is possible for women in the Navy. Admiral Howard’s legacy is one of courage, excellence, and trailblazing leadership that continues to inspire future generations of service members.

3. Captain Tammy Duckworth

Branch: U.S. Army
Role: Army National Guard Helicopter Pilot

“Even knowing how my tour in Iraq would turn out, even knowing that I’d lose both my legs in a battlefield just north of Baghdad in late 2004, I would do it all over again. Because if there’s anything that my ancestors’ service taught me, it’s the importance of protecting our founding values, including every American’s right to speak out. In a nation born out of an act of protest, there is nothing more patriotic than standing up for what you believe in, even if it goes against those in power.” – Captain Tammy Duckworth

A symbol of resilience and dedicated service, Captain Tammy Duckworth has embodied courage both in uniform and in public office. A United States Army helicopter pilot, she lost both legs when her aircraft was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade while serving in Iraq in 2004. Rather than stepping back from service, she continued to advocate for Veterans and military families, later serving in Congress and the U.S. Senate. Her strength, perseverance, and commitment to those who serve have made her a powerful voice for wounded warriors and a lasting example that sacrifice and leadership go hand in hand.

4. Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester

Branch: U.S. Army
Role: Military Police Soldier

“There’s no difference in gender here in the MP Corps—we’re all doing each other’s jobs—the same jobs—there’s no difference.” – Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester

A fearless leader under fire, Leigh Ann Hester made history as the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action. Serving as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Iraq War, she led her team through an insurgent ambush in 2005, engaging enemy forces at close range and helping secure a decisive victory. Her courage, tactical skill, and unwavering resolve challenged long-standing perceptions about women in combat roles. Sergeant Hester’s actions not only saved lives that day but also helped redefine what valor looks like on the modern battlefield.

5. Colonel Eileen Collins

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Role: Test Pilot; Later NASA Astronaut and First Female Space Shuttle Commander

“Because of [Amelia Earhart], we had more women available to fly in the 1940’s to help us get through World War II. And because of these women, women of my generation are able to look back and say, ‘Hey, they did it. They even flew military airplanes, we can do it, too.'” – Colonel Eileen Collins

A true pioneer in aviation and space exploration, Eileen Collins shattered barriers as the first woman to pilot and later command a Space Shuttle mission. A decorated United States Air Force colonel and test pilot, her career spanned groundbreaking moments in both Military and space history. In 1995, she became the first woman to pilot a Space Shuttle, and in 1999, she made history again as the first woman to serve as a Shuttle commander. Her leadership, courage, and commitment to excellence opened doors for generations of women in aerospace and the armed forces, proving that the sky is never the limit.

6. Lieutenant General Lori Robinson

Branch: U.S. Air Force
Role: Commander, U.S. Northern Command

“Every single person around you brings something to the fight that you don’t. Each of them is critically important to mission success.” – Lieutenant General Lori Robinson

A true trailblazer, General Lori Robinson made history as the first woman to lead a major U.S. combatant command, serving as Commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM). Her distinguished United States Air Force career spanned decades, with leadership roles in air combat, operations, and strategic defense. Her service paved the way for future women in the Air Force and beyond, proving that leadership knows no gender.

7. Captain Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Role: Combat Pilot

“If I don’t do it, who will? At some point, somebody has to step up to pave the way for everyone to move forward.” – Captain Vernice Armour

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour’s life has been a series of rigorous challenges. Her journey is marked by a series of pioneering achievements, notably as the first African-American woman to become a combat pilot in the United States. Her military career is distinguished, including two deployments to Iraq with the Marines. Additionally, she played a crucial role as a diversity liaison officer at the Pentagon for the Headquarters Marine Corps. Transitioning from Military to civilian life, Vernice embarked on a successful path as an entrepreneur and business consultant. She is also the author of the empowering book, Zero to Breakthrough, The 7-Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals that Matter, where she shares her insights and experiences.

9. Major Lisa Jaster

Branch: U.S. Army Reserve
Role: Engineer Officer; Ranger School Graduate

“There’s no quitting. I can’t have quit in me. There was never an option to stop and quit.” – Major Lisa Jaster

A determined trailblazer in the United States Army, Lisa Jaster made history as one of the first three women—and the first female Army Reserve officer—to graduate from the Army’s elite Ranger School in 2015. Balancing her role as a mother, engineer, and Soldier, she completed one of the military’s most physically and mentally demanding courses, proving that grit and leadership know no limits. Major Jaster’s achievement marked a pivotal moment in the integration of women into combat roles, inspiring countless service members to pursue excellence and redefine what is possible through perseverance and strength.

10. Commander Billie J. Farrell

Branch: U.S. Navy
Role: Commanding Officer, USS Constitution

“I can only hope that a new generation of people are inspired by seeing a woman as the captain of our ship of state, recognizing that for them too, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.” – Commander Billie J. Farrell

A history-making naval officer, Billie J. Farrell became the first woman to command the historic USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat, in 2022. A surface warfare officer with multiple sea deployments, she has led Sailors around the globe, demonstrating operational excellence and steadfast leadership. Taking the helm of “Old Ironsides” marked a powerful milestone in the Navy’s storied history, symbolizing progress while honoring tradition. Commander Farrell’s service reflects both the strength of today’s Navy and the expanding opportunities for women to lead at every level.

Continuing the Mission

Women have served in every branch, every conflict, and every capacity—from logistics and aviation to combat arms and cyber operations. They have led troops, commanded fleets, repaired aircraft, piloted helicopters, engineered infrastructure, and defended our nation at home and abroad.

At Soldiers’ Angels, we honor women who serve by ensuring they—and all Service Members and Veterans—know they are appreciated and supported.

This Women’s History Month, we invite you to send a letter to a deployed Service Member, support a female Veteran at one of our food distributions or pantries, volunteer in honor of a woman who served, or share the story of a woman Veteran in your life.

Because when we lift up the voices of women who serve, we strengthen the entire mission. Learn more about volunteering here.

About the Author

Ashley Ray has been a member of the Soldiers’ Angels communications team since 2013. She supports blog writing and social media and loves telling stories of Angel volunteers, Service Members, and Veterans.

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