Ann E. Dunwoody became the first woman ever to achieve the rank of four-star general in the US Army on Friday, after 33 years of service. At the ceremony Dunwoody, 55, said she is shocked to make history in a male-dominated military. She said:

"Thirty-three years after I took the oath as a second lieutenant, I have to tell you this is not exactly how I envisioned my life unfolding. Even as a young kid, all I ever wanted to do was teach physical education and raise a family. It was clear to me that my Army experience was just going to be a two-year detour en route to my fitness profession. So when asked, 'Ann, did you ever think you were going to be a general officer, to say nothing about a four-star?' I say, 'Not in my wildest dreams.'"

To watch a clip of her touching acceptance speech, read more.

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There are only 21 female general officers in the army, most of whom are at the one-star rank of brigadier. It was not until 1970 that the army had its first female one-star.

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