Elk Grove Woman Becomes First Latina General in California National Guard

An Elk Grove woman Wednesday became the first Latina general officer in California National Guard history.

Brig. Gen. Sylvia R. Crockett will head up strategic communications for the state's military department, overseeing media and government relations. Gov. Jerry Brown presided over Crockett's promotion ceremony at the state capitol, as women's history month drew to a close.

"I'm very glad...that you'll be going back to our congressional delegation
and beating the drum to support the National Guard, because it has been
shortchanged with the wars that have been going on," Brown said.

Crockett said she hopes her promotion will inspires other Latinas to break the glass ceiling.

"With the amount of Hispanic people in California, it's a great opportunity
to serve in a position that in many ways will serve as an example for many
young women and men in the Latino or Latina community to realize that they
too can reach the top," Crockett said in a statement.

Brigadier general is the first of four ranks within the general officer category, the highest position a National Guard officer can attain.

Crockett also has a combat role as assistant division commander for the Guard's 40th infantry division.

Do you know Brig. Gen. Crockett? Tell us in the comments.