First female W. Va. Army National Guard member to graduate from U.S. Army's Ranger School

A female West Virginia Army National Guard member is scheduled to graduate from the U.S. Army's Ranger School - marking it the first time a female Army National Guard soldier from our state has accomplished this.

According to a press release from the West Virginia National Guard, 1st Lt. Emily Lilly is scheduled to graduate on April 27, 2018.

She's one of just more than a dozen who have graduated from the U.S. Army’s premier infantry leadership school.

"The accomplishments of 1st Lt. Emily Lilly are a direct reflection of her drive and determination to achieve every goal she has set for herself,” said West Virginia Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer. “The West Virginia National Guard is an organization that prides itself on the opportunities for our Soldiers and Airmen to reach their fullest potential. Governor Jim Justice and all of our state leaders and members of the West Virginia National Guard are extremely proud of her achievement and look forward to her continued leadership and impact in West Virginia and the Nation."

First Lt. Lilly was also the first female in the Army National Guard to earn a combat military occupational specialty as an Armor officer after those jobs were opened up to women.

The Beckely resident holds three Bachelor's degrees from Virginia Tech in International Studies, Political Science and Classical Studies and formerly served as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator for the Joint Forces Headquarters, West Virginia National Guard.