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Veterans Day is observed on November 11, and highlights the significance of November 11, 1918, which is generally regarded as the end of World War I. Veteran’s Day is a time of celebration to honor America’s veterans for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. In honor of Veterans Day, we are sharing the story of Brigadier General Margaret W. Burchman, the first female General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Margaret W. Burcham attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in 1982. Burcham held several positions during her service, such as Chief of the Joint Capabilities Division of the Resources, Assessment, and Force Management Directorate at the Pentagon, and Commander of the USACE North Engineer District in Iraq and the Europe Engineer District. On September 19, 2011, Burcham was appointed commander of the USACE Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. She was the first woman to command a USACE division. Burcham commanded a division with 4,800 personnel in seven engineering districts covering 17 states that directed federal water resource development of the Great Lakes and Ohio River basins. 

Then, on January 27, 2012, she was promoted to Brigadier General at the USACE headquarters in Washington and became the first female General of the USACE. She was appointed to the Mississippi River Commission on May 28, 2013, by President Barack Obama. Burcham retired from active duty in August 2016.