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First female Brigadier General in the history of the Iowa Air National Guard

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Duff McFadden
  • Iowa National Guard
Des Moines, Iowa --  Indianola, Iowa resident Col. Jennifer L. Walter made history Sunday, Oct. 14, as she became the first Iowa Air National Guard female brigadier general during a promotion ceremony at the 132nd Fighter Wing, Des Moines, Iowa. She will assume duties as the Chief of Staff, Iowa Air National Guard.

Since January 2011, Walter has served as the 132nd Fighter Wing's Vice Wing Commander, providing command and control for more than 970 personnel and 21 F-16 "Fighting Falcon" aircraft. She was promoted to colonel in March 2005.

Walter, a native of Springfield, Mo. and 1974 graduate of Sioux City (Iowa) North High School, began her military career in February 1975 as an Air Operations Specialist in the Kansas Air National Guard, before joining the Iowa Air National Guard in September 1975. After serving the first 11 years of her 37-year career as an enlisted Airman, she received her commission from the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn. in 1986. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Upper Iowa University in 1989.

Walter has served in multiple positions within the 132nd Fighter Wing's staff, including Operations Group, Maintenance Group, Mission Support Group, Wing Staff and also with Iowa Air National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters. She has previously deployed as part of Operation Southern Watch to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait and as the 755th Air Expeditionary Group Commander at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

Among her military awards are: the Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (with two devices); Air Force Commendation Medal (with four devices); Air Force Achievement Medal (with three devices); Meritorious Unit Award; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with six devices); Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (with three devices); National Defense Service Medal (with one device); Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with one device); and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.