Face of Defense: Leading the D.C. National Guard
Oct. 1, 2021 | BY Katie Lange , DOD News
Flying fascinated Air Force Maj. Gen. Sherrie McCandless when she was a child, so it was no big surprise that in 1991 she joined the military after college to pursue her dream of being a pilot. She's one of many female aviators who was already serving in 1993 when the air combat exclusion policy was lifted, giving women the opportunity to fly in combat.
In her 30 years of service, McCandless has flown fighter jets and cargo planes in various combat zones, and she's commanded units at the squadron and wing levels. After 14 years on active duty, she transferred to the National Guard, where she continues to make a difference. She's worked in various roles in the Washington, D.C., area since 2005, including with the Joint Staff and as a legislative liaison.
McCandless, 52, has been a pioneer for women in several aspects of her career, including in her most recent role as the first female commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, a position she assumed in April. But recently she said those "firsts" aren't a big deal to her — it's the responsibility you take on that's important. McCandless's current responsibilities are to the personnel stationed at units based from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to Fort Belvoir in Virginia — and of course, the D.C. community.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2790993/face-of-defense-leading-the-dc-national-guard/
