Arkansas Tech University alumna Tamhra Hutchins-Frye became the first woman to attain the rank of General officer in the Arkansas Air National Guard during a promotion ceremony at Robinson Maneuver Training Center in North Little Rock on Saturday, June 4.
Hutchins-Frye, a 1983 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed director of the Arkansas Air National Guard Joint Staff during the ceremony.
A news release from the Arkansas National Guard states that her responsibilities will include “managing the National Guard functions of the joint staff and joint-military program operations throughout the state.”
“First off, I am humbled and honored to be given the position,” said Hutchins-Frye in regard to being the first female in her position. “The most important thing to remember is that I am an airman first. Yes, I am a woman, but it is more important that I am an airman. Every airman and soldier should know that in the Arkansas National Guard there is someone like them at the top. This doesn’t really mean just race or gender, diversity comes in many different forms…economic, social, where you come from in the country. So, diversity is very important and everyone should know that they can make it to the top.”
A member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority during her days as an undergraduate student, Hutchins-Frye entered the Air National Guard shortly after her graduation from Arkansas Tech.
She received her commission in August 1989 through the Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tenn. She previously served in the 188th Fighter Wing and the 189th Airlift Wing. She deployed in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Chief of Staff, NATO Afghanistan Transformation Task Force, Headquarters International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Hutchins-Frye joins Brigadier Gen. Patricia Anslow as the two current female General officers in the State of Arkansas.
“This is a very significant day in the Arkansas National Guard,” said Major Gen. Mark Berry, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard. “I have high expectations and confidence in Brigadier Gen. Hutchins-Frye and (I believe) she will live up to the standards and performance expected of a general officer in the United States military today.”
Photo courtesy Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office.
