Have you heard of Lt. Gen Nadja West? One year ago a ceremony was held to promote West to three-star general, this was significant as she became the US Military’s first ever black female three-star general!

In December (2016) she started her role as the 44th Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM). In this role she assists and advises the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff in relation to all health care matters in the Army. She also deals with overhauling and developing all army health-care related matters! A very important and demanding role.

During her promotion ceremony she told attendees:

“I was once an orphan with an uncertain future,”

“And I am incredibly honored and humbled to lead such a distinguished team of dedicated professionals who are entrusted with the care of our nation’s sons and daughters, veterans and family members. While our Army and our nation face tough challenges in the future, I am confident that collectively we have the right skills, commitment, and talent to meet those challenges with mission success,”

West holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and also a Doctorate of Medicine from George Washington University School of Medicine.

She was born in the D.C. area and is one of the highest achieving females in the military.