A South Dakota woman has made history as the first female to achieve the rank of brigadier general in the state's National Guard.
Brig. Gen. Deborah Bartunek of Rapid City was promoted in a ceremony earlier this month, according to a press release.
Bartunek serves as the principal advisor to South Dakota National Guard Adjutant General Jeff Marlette for all staff issues relating to domestic operations, supporting civil authorities, and homeland defense. She assumed the role following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Scott Petrick.
Bartunek recently returned from a tour with U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as the Chief of Operations.
"I am humbled and grateful for the support from my family and fellow service members," Bartunek said. "None of us achieve a position like this by ourselves, I've had a lot of love, support, and friendship from so many."
Bartunek enlisted in the National Guard in 1983. Officials said she was mobilized after the 9/11 attacks to provide security at Ellsworth Air Force Base and Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls.
"Deb has had a wonderful career; she has given so much to this organization and has met every challenge. This is a great day to honor a great soldier, who has excelled at every turn," Maj. Gen. Marlette said.
