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Over the last several decades, women have made considerable strides in the Armed Forces, and earlier this week one officer helped break new ground. In a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Karen E. Dyson became the first female financial officer to reach the rank of major general.

Dyson has strong ties to the military. Along with her own service, her husband is retired Air Force Col. Jim Chamberlain, who was on hand to pin on her second star. Also in attendance at her promotion ceremony was Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal, who spoke about the historic implications of Dyson's promotion.

"Women in the Armed Forces are true pioneers," said Westphal. "They travel through uncharted territory and confront change. This is why this ceremony is so important. It is changing the [Army] culture and structure of our Force and making us better for it."

Dyson is just the latest woman who has paved new ground for women in the military. Earlier this summer, Brig. Gen. Tammy S. Smith became the first openly gay officer of flag rank in the Armed Forces, according to The New York Times.