Gwen Bingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gwen Bingham
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| Born | 1959 (age 65–66) Troy, Alabama, U.S. |
| 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 1959) is a retired officer from the United States Army. She served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management from 2016 to 2019. Before that, Bingham was the Commander of the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. This command is based at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan. She also led the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
A truly historic leader, she was the 51st Quartermaster General of the United States 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. After retiring from the Army in 2019, Bingham joined the board of directors for Owens & Minor, Inc. in March 2020.
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Her Early Life and Education
Gwen Bingham grew up in Troy, Alabama. She went to the University of Alabama and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Her studies focused on general business management. She became a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. This happened because she was an outstanding graduate of the Army ROTC program.
She continued her education while serving in the Army. She earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Later, she received a Master of Science in national security strategy and resources. This degree came from the National Defense University. Her military training included many specialized courses. These courses helped her learn about logistics, personnel management, and leadership.
A Career in the Army
Gwen Bingham had a long and successful career in the U.S. Army, serving for 38 years. She held many different leadership roles. Early in her career, she worked in supply and transport units. She also managed commissaries in Germany. She gained experience in various parts of the Army. This included working at Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Hood, Texas.
She also served overseas in important roles. She was in Korea and later supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. During these times, she was a special assistant to the commanding general. Her work helped ensure that soldiers had the supplies they needed.
Rising Through the Ranks
Bingham's dedication and leadership led to her promotions. She was promoted to brigadier general in April 2011. Then, in March 2013, she was nominated for promotion to major general.
On June 25, 2014, she made history again. She became the first female commander of the United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. This command is very important. It manages the equipment and vehicles that soldiers use. Lieutenant General Bingham retired from the Army in 2019.
Awards and Recognitions
Lieutenant General Bingham received many awards for her outstanding service. These awards recognize her bravery, leadership, and dedication. Some of her top awards include:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal (with an oak leaf cluster, meaning she received it twice)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit (with an oak leaf cluster, meaning she received it twice)
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Iraqi Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Korean Defense Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Overseas Service Ribbon
- NATO Medal
In 2002, Bingham was awarded the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. This is a special honor for those who have made great contributions to the Quartermaster Corps. She was also recognized as an Excellence in Leadership Award Nominee by Women in Defense Michigan in 2014.
