Biden Elevates Two Female Generals on International Women’s Day

On Friday, I submitted to the Senate for confirmation my first slate of nominations for four-star command positions in our armed forces. Among them, two outstanding and eminently qualified warriors and patriots, General Jacqueline Van Ovost, and when confirmed, the Lieutenant General Laura Richardson of the United States Army will be promoted to the rank and join General Van Ovost as the only four-star — as another four-star general. They will become the second and third women in the history of the United States Armed Forces to lead combatant commands. We need the young women just beginning their careers in the military service to see it and know that no door will be closed to them. We need little girls and boys, both, who have grown up dreaming of serving for their country to know this is what generals in the United States Armed Forces look like. As General Van Ovost so eloquently put it not long ago, it’s important to have firsts. And only’s. Today, Mr. President, your nominations ensure that all Americans, women and men alike, will see these two special people continue to lead at the highest levels. And they will see them continue to defend this nation. And they will see, as you like to say, sir, the power of their example.