NATO Headquarters Sarajevo welcomes first ever female commander

Photo By Master Sgt. James May | U.S. Navy Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, passes the flag to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Giselle Wilz, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo commander, during the transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina June 9, 2015. Wilz is the first female commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo. (Courtesy Photo)  

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

06.10.2015

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

Editor's Note: Brig. Gen. Giselle Wilz is a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Almost 11 years after its creation, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo has a woman at its head. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Giselle Wilz has taken office as the 21st commander and senior military representative of NHQSa.

Speaking at the transfer of authority ceremony June 9 in Sarajevo, Wilz said, "I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to command NATO Headquarters Sarajevo. I pledge to continue NATO's ongoing commitment to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the NATO commander and senior military representative."

Wilz will command NATO forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina and assist the government authorities with meeting requirements for membership in the NATO alliance. The mandate of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo is specifically focused on defense reform.

Being at the forefront is not unusual for Wilz, who was the first female colonel, chief of staff and general in the North Dakota Army National Guard before becoming commander of NHQSa. Originally from Richardton, North Dakota, she comes from a family with a strong military background that includes her father and three of her five siblings. Between them, they have more than 165 years of military service.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2015
• Date Posted: 06.10.2015 18:18
• Story ID: 166182
• Location: SARAJEVO, BA
• Hometown: RICHARDTON, ND, US