Bien Hecho: First Latina General In Calif. National Guard

The California National Guard made history this week, when it promoted Col. Sylvia Crockett to the rank of brigadier general. Gen. Crockett is the first Latina to obtain this rank in the state’s National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Crockett began her service with the Guard in 1982, and was commissioned as an officer in 1985. She has had a long and distinguished career with the Guard, including serving as the first female chief of staff for the California Military Department. In 2006, she was named commander of the 223rd Infantry Regiment, a combat group, and was the first woman to ever hold that position. In her decades of service to the Guard, she has been awarded numerous medals and ribbons in recognition of her service.

The significance of Crockett’s promotion to brigadier general is not lost on the California National Guard. In its press release, the Guard cites its long history of promoting women and minorities to leadership positions, and its commitment to a culture of inclusion within the armed services.

The promotion ceremony for Brig. Gen. Crockett was attended by California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., who commended the general for her service and expressed hope that she would inspire others to join the California National Guard.

Read more at KSEE24.com.