Marcia Anderson: Omaha’s Trailblazing Major General
Marcia Anderson
Legacy Maker | First African American Woman Major General, U.S. Army Reserve
Story by Aniya Porter
Marcia Carol Martin Anderson (born 1957) made history in 2011 when she became the first African American woman promoted to the rank of major general in the United States Army Reserve, a milestone that expanded representation at the highest levels of military leadership.
Born in Beloit, Wisconsin, Anderson grew up in a family shaped by service; her father served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, instilling in her an early understanding of duty and discipline. She later continued her education in Missouri before enrolling at Creighton University in Omaha, where she was commissioned into the U.S. Army through the ROTC program.
Anderson built a distinguished career in the U.S. Army Reserve, holding leadership positions across logistics, command, and operational support roles. Her promotion to major general in 2011 marked a historic breakthrough within the Reserve component, reflecting decades of service, strategic leadership, and operational excellence.
Throughout her career, Anderson emphasized readiness, accountability, and mentorship. She retired from the Army Reserve in 2016, concluding a military career that spanned more than three decades.
In addition to her military accomplishments, Anderson maintained a civilian career in law and public service. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Major General James Earl Rudder Medal, and induction into the Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame, recognizing her impact on expanding opportunity for women in the armed forces.
Marcia Anderson’s legacy reflects both historic achievement and steady commitment to service. For Omaha, her connection through Creighton University links the city to a national milestone in military leadership, one that continues to inspire future generations of women and service members seeking to lead at the highest levels.
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