The University of Texas at Arlington offers the "Maverick Speakers Series", a free to the public opportunity to listen to (and dialog with) some of the most influential voices in politics, science, art, and business today.  I often encourage my cadets to attend these events, especially the speakers that have something to say about the future of today's American military. Last night, I attended the sold out lecture by David Gergen, CNN's Political Analyst.  Gergen has been an observer, analyst,...read more

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Here is an article that the University of Texas at Arlington student newspaper wrote regarding higher than avergae female enrollment in the UT Arlington Corps of Cadets.  Interesting read. Women enrollment in ROTC exceeds brigade average (Written by Lataisha Jackson, The Shorthorn staff) Wednesday, 21 October 2009 07:07 PM The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps and Maverick Battalion has more women enrolled this semester than the brigade average. Women make up 55 of 166 ROTC cadets at...read more

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I had the opportunity to go TDY to Fort Lee, Virginia for the opening of the US Army Women's Museum's "Kevlar and Crowns" exhibit.  What a pleasure it was to meet 4 of the other subjects of this story of "Soldier Beauty Queens".  Robynne Dexter, archivist for the museum, was the master mind behind the exhibit - she did a phenomenal job of capturing us as we really are: American Soldiers who are complicated women.  I could not be more proud than to be a part of this exhibit with these...read more

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About 5 months ago, I was asked to contribute to an exhibit opening at the US Army Women's Museum this August.  It profiles 7 Army Soldiers who have held pageant titles during their service.  I had never given much thought to the uniqueness of a "Soldier/Beauty Queen", but am humbled to be counted in their ranks. (I was Mrs. Texas International 2005 and Mrs. U.S. Beauties 2008)     If you are in the Fort Lee, Virginia area, please feel free to stop on in and see the exhibit. Date:...read more

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Though US Independence Day is a national celebration, nobody does it up quite like Texans do.  As long as I can remember, my family has attended the Arlington, Texas 4th of July Parade.  It is the largest parade of its kind in Texas and is the anchor to our Independence Day weekend celebration. In 2001, my husband and I were married in Arlington on the 4th of July.  His wedding gift to me was a float that morning in the parade.  Since then, my family has sponsored an entry in the parade - we...read more

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Another great benefit of being associated with the Department of Military Science is being able to maintain a connection to the University and experiencing some pretty rare treats.  Last night, my husband and I were on hand for The University of Texas at Arlington's Gala Reception for the 1895 and Carlisle Societies.  UT Arlington started out as a military school for boys in 1895; its "military founding father" was James McCoy Carlisle.  The event honored annual donors to the University and...read more

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Here is my 30 second Army "Elevator Speech" (you know, the hypothetical "Here's what's important about me" pitch you would give to a stranger in the time it took you to get to where you were going on an elevator...):  I'm an Army officer, a new mom, and come from a proud/humble family of patriots.  I earned my commission through Army ROTC at The University of Texas at Arlington in 1998 and was commissioned as an Adjutant General Corps officer.  Since then, I've served in such exotic locations...read more

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