JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Brig. Gen. Allyson R. Solomon is a woman of many firsts. June 1, 2008, she was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the Maryland Air National Guard. She became the first female and African-American brigadier general, as well as the first female and African-American assistant adjutant general, in its 374-year history.
"I certainly never saw this in my future. Leading an organization like this one is indeed an honor and privilege. I feel a great sense of responsibility," General Solomon said.
As the assistant adjutant general for the Maryland Air National Guard, headquartered in Baltimore, General Solomon serves as assistant to the director of the Air National Guard as the principal advisor to Maryland's governor and adjutant general on matters pertaining to the Maryland Air National Guard. Her other responsibilities as the commander of the Maryland Air National Guard include: leading more than 1,500 officers and Airmen with 22 A-10 and four C-130J aircraft. She is responsible for the overall management of the flying program and for ensuring the units of the Maryland Air National Guard are organized, equipped, and trained to support federal and state missions.
Enlisting in the Maryland Air National Guard in 1979, she served seven years as an enlisted Airman prior to her commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1986.
She has served in positions of increasing responsibility with every promotion in rank to include administrative officer, social actions officer, executive support officer and commander.
Promoted to colonel in 2003, General Solomon became the first female and African-American female to achieve the rank of colonel in the Maryland Air National Guard and commander of the Mission Support Group, Warfield Air National Guard Bureau, Baltimore. This position subsequently led to her promotion as chief of general officer management for the entire National Guard at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Va. In this capacity, she oversaw management of every general officer in all states and territories of the United States.
But being first did not come without its challenges.
With the help of mentors, she learned to overcome barriers by staying focused on the job at hand and that ultimately, the person you work for determines whether you meet their expectations and no one else's opinion matters.
General Solomon currently resides in Bowie, Md., and attributes much of her success to her family.
"My most influential role model and mentor is my mother," said General Solomon. "The things that I've learned from her both personally and professionally have made me who I am today."
During her career, General Solomon has had many other role models who reinforced the values instilled in her by her mother. According to the general, being able to accept constructive feedback from peers and understanding your own weaknesses presents an opportunity to improve yourself while waiting for doors to open to other opportunities.
"As I reflect back on my career, where I've served, every position and rank from Airman to General, I recognize the role mentorship and guidance played in my achievements, especially the support from family and friends," said General Solomon. "None of us achieves in isolation. Support, perseverance, and attitude are critical to achieving ones goals."
General Solomon's accomplishments have earned her accolades from both the military and civilian sectors.
She has been recognized as a professional and role model by the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame for civic programs in the community. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Guard Association of Maryland, and the Enlisted Association of Maryland.
General Solomon's advice to others is to learn your job, know what others expect of you and be prepared to execute the mission at all times.
"When I face moments where I need encouragement, I reflect on the sacrifices of those like me who have served," said General Solomon." If they could endure such indignity, then I cannot give up. We must always remember the barriers within us hinder us more than the barriers outside of us."
Related links and stories:
Brigadier General Allyson R. Solomon Biography - http://www.md.ngb.army.mil/XHTML/Organization/Bios/ATAGAirBio.html
175th Wing Air National Guard - http://www.175wg.ang.af.mil/
Maryland Air Nation Guard - http://www.md.ngb.army.mil/XHTML/Organization/History/History.html
Generals re-enforce "Citizens Day" with core values - http://www.175wg.ang.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123135806