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November 7, 2012

LA National Guard's first female brigadier general attributes success to ULM

Today, the Louisiana National Guard’s first female brigadier general, Joanne F. Sheridan (B.A. ’83), honored veterans at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in a moving Veterans Day ceremony.

ULM students, faculty, and staff were recognized for their service to both the United States and to ULM.

Before Sheridan gave a history on the meaning of Veterans Day, and reflected on her own experiences in the Louisiana National Guard, she spoke about the impact ULM had on her as a student and now, as a military official.

“As I think back to the days when I was a student here, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would come back to speak in front of such an impressive crowd,” she said.

“Much of my success over the last 30 years can be directly attributed to this fine institution, where I received not only a wonderful education, but also my commission as an officer in the U.S. Army,” said Sheridan.

Sheridan acknowledged the veterans who were present. “Whether you served one day, one year, or 30 years, your service—and the service of your family members—is one of the most noble acts a person can do for their country.”

ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno and Sheridan issued red, white, and blue commemorative ribbons to all ULM veterans in attendance.

Bruno presented General Sheridan with a wooden plaque, engraved with a Warhawk and her name. After Sheridan received her gift, she pleased the crowd with a final, “Go Warhawks!”

Bruno praised Sheridan and her husband Mark for continuing their family legacy at ULM in the form of their 18-year-old son, Daniel, who is a freshman at ULM.

Dr. Wayne Brumfield, vice president for student affairs at ULM, led the crowd in a moment of silence to conclude the ceremony. 

ULM's Office of Career Connections and the ULM Veterans Day Committee sponsored the event.

More about Sheridan:
Sheridan received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and her commission through the Reserve Officer training Corps from Northeast Louisiana University, now ULM.

Sheridan began her military career on active duty in Feb. 1984, and was appointed in the LANG in Oct. 1988.

Sheridan deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008 where she served as the Director of the Project Management Office on the Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations in Iraq. 

The National Guard has 27 female generals serving throughout the country in both the Army and Air Force.

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