"Generally, in the military service and what I've encountered in the Army is soldiers want competent leaders. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, what gender you are." (Video Interview, Part 2, 39:44)

Laura Jane Strickland Richardson

Laura Richardson [2007] War: Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, 2001-present Branch: Army Unit: 101st Airborne Division Service Location: Korea; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia; Iraq Rank: Colonel Place of Birth: MO

With a private pilot's license at 17, followed by ROTC courses in college, Laura Strickland was on an early track to a career in military aviation. She met her future husband, Jim Richardson, in flight school, at a time when women were not yet allowed to fly attack aircraft. The Richardsons have managed largely parallel careers for over 20 years, including serving in the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was battalion commander of an assault helicopter battalion, and he was battalion commander of an attack battalion, both supporting the same infantry brigade. After initial combat operations wrapped up, Laura Richardson found herself involved with local officials and citizens in the northern Iraqi town of Mosul, working on reconstruction projects and maintaining security.