Marcia Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcia Anderson
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Anderson at Fort Bragg in 2014
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| Born | 1957 (age 67–68) Beloit, Wisconsin |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1976–2016 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) |
Marcia Carol Martin Anderson (born 1957) is a retired high-ranking officer from the United States Army Reserve. She made history as the first African-American woman to reach the rank of Major General in the United States Army Reserve. This means she was a very important leader in the military.
Early Life and Education
Marcia Anderson was born in Beloit, Wisconsin. She later finished her schooling in St. Louis, Missouri.
She went to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated in 1979. Later, she studied law at Rutgers School of Law–Newark in New Jersey, finishing in 1986. In 2003, she also completed studies at the United States Army War College.
Interestingly, she first joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Creighton University because she needed a science class. ROTC is a program that trains college students to become officers in the military.
Military and Civilian Career
Marcia Anderson served in the US Army Reserve for many years, from 1976 to 2016. She became a Major General in 2011. This was a very important moment because she was the first African-American woman to achieve this high rank in the US Army, the US Army Reserve, and the US Army National Guard.
Besides her military service, Anderson also had a civilian job. She worked as a Clerk of Court for the United States Bankruptcy Court in Wisconsin. This role involved managing court records and helping with legal procedures.
She retired from the Army Reserve in 2016. She then retired from her civilian job in 2019. Since 2021, she has been a member of the Green Bay Packers Executive Committee. This committee helps make important decisions for the famous American football team.
Personal Life
Marcia Anderson lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Amos Charles Anderson. They do not have children.
Awards and Recognition
Marcia Anderson received many awards for her service in the military. Some of her top awards include:
- The Army Distinguished Service Medal
- The Legion of Merit (three times)
- The Meritorious Service Medal (four times)
- The Army Commendation Medal
- The Army Achievement Medal
She also earned special badges like the Parachutist Badge for jumping out of airplanes and the Physical Fitness Badge for her excellent physical condition.
