First Woman Three-Star General Endorses Gabrielle Giffords

Lt. General Claudia Kennedy Lauds Giffords’ Record of Leadership and Service

TUCSON - Lt. General Claudia Kennedy (Ret.), the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star General in American history, has announced her support for Gabrielle Giffords’ campaign for a new direction in Washington.

“Senator Gabrielle Giffords was a consistent supporter of our armed forces and veterans when she served in the Arizona Legislature,” said General Kennedy. “She has been a long term member of the Board of the Civilian Support Group for the 162nd Air National Guard Fighter Wing. She has shown a deep concern for the welfare of our men and women in uniform and for those who are veterans. As a member of Congress, she will work to ensure that the needs of our armed forces and veterans are a top priority.

“I believe that Gabrielle Giffords will be a strong voice for those who have served and protected our country. She has already exhibited real leadership as a businesswoman, as a member of several community boards and as an elected official. She carried out these responsibilities consistent with the values that guide those who serve in the United States Army: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Courage.

“I fully support her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Arizona Congressional District 8. I encourage the voters of the District to examine Gabrielle Giffords’ exceptional record. When they do, they will understand why she should be elected to Congress. We need her strong values and broad experience in the people’s house.”

Giffords thanked the General for her support. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of General Kennedy,” she said. “We must make our nation more secure. Right now, our military has been overstretched and Washington hasn’t provided the men and women in our armed forces the support that they and their families deserve. I’ll work to implement the bipartisan recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, get tough on protecting our ports and borders, and fight to make us energy independent so we can end our dependency on Middle Eastern oil.”

General Kennedy was the first woman to ever achieve the rank of a three-star general. She was confirmed for promotion to Lieutenant General by the United States Senate in May 1997 and was assigned to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence.

General Kennedy has held a variety of command and staff positions throughout her career. Key assignments include: Commander, 3rd Operations Battalion, U.S. Army Field Station Augsburg, Germany; Director of Intelligence, G2, Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Georgia; and Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca/Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

In 1998 The Women’s International Center presented the Living Legacy Patriot Award to General Kennedy as “an extraordinary leader of the United States Army, as she represents all exceptional women of the U.S. Army.” General Kennedy retired from the United States Army in July, 2000.