Gwen Bingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gwen Bingham
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| Born | 1959 (age 65–66) Troy, Alabama |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1981–2019 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | TACOM Life Cycle Management Command White Sands Missile Range United States Army Quartermaster School |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) |
Lieutenant General Gwendolyn Bingham, born in 1959, is a retired officer from the United States Army. She reached the very high rank of Lieutenant General. From 2016 to 2019, she served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. This role meant she helped manage all the Army's bases and facilities.
Before that, she held many important leadership roles. She commanded the United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. This command helps manage equipment for soldiers. She also led the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This is a special place where the Army tests new weapons and technology.
Notably, General Bingham was the 51st Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army. She was also the Commandant of the United States Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Virginia. She was the first female officer to hold these important positions. This means she was in charge of supplies, logistics, and training for the entire Army's supply chain.
After retiring from the Army in 2019, she joined the board of directors for a company called Owens & Minor, Inc. in March 2020.
Education and Training
Gwen Bingham grew up in Troy, Alabama. She studied at the University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. She joined the Army as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC program. She was recognized as a distinguished military graduate.
She continued her education while serving in the Army. She earned a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University. She also received another Master of Science degree from the National Defense University. This degree focused on national security strategy.
General Bingham also completed many special military courses. These courses helped her learn about supply management, personnel, and leadership. They prepared her for her many important roles in the Army.
Military Career Highlights
General Bingham had a long and impressive career in the Army, serving in many different places. She started as a Platoon Leader. She then moved into various leadership and staff roles. These included managing supplies and transportation for soldiers. She also worked in different parts of the world.
Some of her early roles included:
- Leading supply and transport units at Fort Lewis, Washington.
- Working as a Field Services Officer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
- Managing a commissary distribution center in Germany.
- Leading supply branches at Fort Hood, Texas.
Later in her career, she took on even bigger responsibilities. She served as an Executive Officer in Korea. She commanded the 266th Quartermaster Battalion at Fort Lee, Virginia. She also worked at The Pentagon, which is the headquarters of the U.S. military.
General Bingham also served in combat zones. She was deployed during the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. She worked as a Special Assistant to the Commanding General in places like Kuwait, Kabul, and Kandahar.
In 2010, she was nominated for promotion to brigadier general. She received this rank in 2011. In 2013, she was nominated for promotion to major general.
A big moment in her career happened on June 25, 2014. She became the first woman to command the United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. This was a very important leadership role. General Bingham retired from the Army in 2019.
Awards and Honors
General Bingham received many awards and decorations during her military career. These awards recognize her bravery, leadership, and dedication to service.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Defense Superior Service Medal |
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Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster |
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Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters |
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Joint Service Commendation Medal |
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Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Army Achievement Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal |
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Afghanistan Campaign Medal |
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Iraqi Campaign Medal |
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
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Korean Defense Service Medal |
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Humanitarian Service Medal |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Army Overseas Service Ribbon |
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NATO Medal |
 Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge |
In 2002, General Bingham received the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. This is a special honor for those who have done great things for the Quartermaster Corps. She was also nominated for the Women in Defense Michigan Excellence in Leadership Award in 2014.
