CSM Jeanette M. Clement, U.S. Army 

Jenny Clement is a Lowell, Massachusetts native and enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1981 as a 93F Ballistic Meteorology Crewmember in the Field Artillery. Throughout her career, she completed six tours, including deployments to Iraq and Bosnia. As a young mother deployed overseas, she encountered challenging moments, such as witnessing a little boy holding a grenade that he wanted to trade for food. She was made keenly aware of the many privileges of being an American citizen and vowed never to take them for granted. Despite these deployment hardships, she persevered and continued to excel in her military career. Her commitment to teamwork and support from her colleagues helped her succeed in every demanding position she held. In time, she was assigned to the Fire Support Cell of the 101st Airborne. She considered it a great honor, but with a significant associated learning curve, given that she had no formal training for that position. She also served three very demanding years as an Army recruiter. Her determination led her to become a Black Hat Instructor at Air Assault School, although she was ultimately denied due to the Army’s need for her expertise at Fort Sill. She served as a first sergeant, working closely with drill sergeants despite never having been a drill sergeant herself. Another tough competition gate was being selected to attend the Sergeant’s Majors Academy Class 57. Her challenges weren’t limited to the fact that women weren't allowed to serve in combat arms positions within the artillery; she also had to overcome the prejudice that she wasn’t a “real” field artilleryman due to her MOS. Nevertheless, in the variations of weather conditions in the field and while deployed, had the same effects on her and her metro section members as it did on the gun line. She was the first and only woman to date to be promoted to and selected as a CSM of an active-duty field artillery battalion, 1-19th FA, 434th FA BDE.  Her leadership and dedication have broken, and continue to break, gender barriers that have paved the way for women in the military and the Field Artillery in particular. CSM Jenny Clement served with distinction for over 30 years, retiring in 2011. Retirement from the active Army has not slowed her down; her volunteer activities have included serving as President of the Great Plains AMBUCS, being named AMBUC of the Year three times, and President of the Great Plains Region Big Hat. Additionally, she has served as Fort Sill Retiree Council Treasurer, SWOK Sergeants Major Association officer, Leadership Lawton – Fort Sill Class 22 (Reuben Brown Awardee), National Course Director for Boy Scout Leader Course, Member of Lawton Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Pershing Missile Reunion Committee, and Leader in Boy Scout Troop 4173. These are just a few of the volunteer roles Clement has held in our community. CSM Clement’s dedication and selfless service have set the bar for all who follow.