By David N. Young
The California National Guard announced this week that Fountain Valley native Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager will be installed June 29 as the first-ever woman to lead a major infantry division of the United States Army.
Not only will Yeager be the first female to lead a U.S. Army Infantry Division, the former UH-60 Blackhawk pilot will lead the much storied 40th Infantry Division, based on Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
According to newly installed base commander Col. Nick Ducich, the installation ceremony for the Yeager’s will have the best of the U.S. Military on display, including full dress regalia and the pomp and circumstance appropriate for this historic occasion.
In addition, Ducich said Friday that base officials have also been told to prepare for a visit from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
He said Yeager’s promotion was great news for the California National Guard and a major step forward for the U.S. Army. The installation ceremony will be among the largest and most regal the base has ever hosted. The public is invited to attend.
According to the release,Yeager will take command from Maj. Gen. Mark Malanka, who is retiring.
Yeager currently commands the Joint Task Force North, U.S. Northern Command at Ft. Bliss, in Texas. She began her active-duty military service in May 1986, receiving her commission as a second
lieutenant from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at California State University, Long Beach. She completed military helicopter training in 1989, and upon completion served as a pilot.
Yeager left active duty after eight years when her son was born, but later continued her military career in the California Army National Guard.
In 2011, Yeager deployed to Iraq as the deputy commander of the Cal Guard’s 40th Combat Aviation Brigade. There, she served as battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, and brigade commander of the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade.
The 40th Infantry Division was formed in 1917, its soldiers having fought in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It soldiers also have deployed to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and many other locations around the world.
In March, the division headquarters returned to the U.S. after completing a train, advise and assist mission in Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy of California National Guard