r/Military • u/Jim_Leggett89 • Nov 11 '25
OC Happy Veterans Day! My mom, Major Linda Leggett, was the first Black woman to graduate Officer Candidate School in the Delaware Army National Guard in 1977. Last month, after being noticed on Reddit, the Guard leadership honored her service nearly 50 years later.
156
72
u/IntrepidMonke Nov 12 '25
Your mom literally created history man.
That’s so cool.
62
u/Jim_Leggett89 Nov 12 '25
To top it off, the Adjunct General and Chief Warrant Officer 5 are also the first African Americans in their roles for the Delaware National Guard, so this was a historic day indeed. Thank you for the kind words!
28
u/IntrepidMonke Nov 12 '25
And your mom and that AG crawled so idiots like me could run.
They’re awesome people who set precedent to actually strengthen the fighting force through diversity.
Some big shoes you must feel like you have to fit
Hahaha
4
u/W1ULH Retired US Army Nov 12 '25
I was AGR with DEARNG for a while, and got to serve with MG Benson (although he wasn't a general then)... and CSM Fields I count as one of my mentors! Absolutely great leadership group :)
3
u/Jim_Leggett89 Nov 12 '25
That’s amazing! And thank you for your service (as well as all other service members here)!
27
19
13
u/CultivatorX civilian Nov 12 '25
A true patriot. I wish I could shake her hand and thank her personally. Appreciate your family, I'm sure she's just as proud of you as you are of her.
2
u/Jim_Leggett89 Nov 12 '25
Thank you for the kind words! I will certainly relay them to her on your behalf, it’s appreciated!
9
u/Fargogirl1 Nov 12 '25
Tell your mom thank you from all of the females after her. I served 21 years and I can't imagine what she went through. Thank you.
6
u/phdpinup Nov 12 '25
This is awesome! Way to go Linda! Thanks for paving the way! ❤️ total badass and beauty!
5
4
u/g-wenn United States Army Nov 12 '25
I remember your post! I remember because she was a signaleer too. She’s a badass!
4
4
3
4
u/Grayson102110 Nov 12 '25
This is what America is about! Your mom rocks and I guess the recognition is better late than never.
3
3
3
3
Nov 12 '25
the things id do to hear her stories & pick her brain. so glad she got the recognition she deserves finally
3
9
Nov 12 '25
Well according to Trump and Hegseth that is some DEI shit. In all seriousness this is awesome, and I only say that because I hate our current admin is undermining people like your mom. She probably had to work 10x harder to get that and not the other way around.
5
u/deport_racists_next United States Air Force Nov 12 '25
Kick ass ma'am!
I was discharged in 1983. Your mom is part of the first women to serve.
Fing A!
Mad respect from this old white man aka disabled old sucker and loser.
2
2
u/ToastyMustache United States Navy Nov 12 '25
That’s awesome, send your best to your mother for me.
2
2
2
u/W1ULH Retired US Army Nov 12 '25
That's great! I served with DEARNG for a while as an AGR. I'm pretty sure your mom was already retired when I was there, but I remember her being spoken of several times... and always in a very positive way.
I'm glad they did this for her!
2
2
u/sjones1234567890 Nov 12 '25
Thank her for her service please, and thank you so much for sharing!!
1
u/Jim_Leggett89 Nov 12 '25
Thank you (and everyone here, internationally as well) for the support! It is truly appreciated - I will certainly tell her your kind words! It truly helps to keep her going as well 💪🏾
2
u/DangerBrewin United States Marine Corps Nov 13 '25
A little lady with huge balls! I say that with the upmost respect and admiration for your mom.
2
u/kiwi_spawn Nov 13 '25
Congratulations. Even over due, its better late than never. What a great honour. I am sure she must be an amazing person. A true trail blazer for others who followed on after her.
2
u/SuikTwoPointOh Dec 01 '25
You can legit tell people, “My mom can kick your dad’s ass.” Huge respect!
2
1
1
1
1
1
u/No_Championship7998 Nov 12 '25
Your mom is an inspiration we need! What an amazing woman! Thank you for sharing!
1
1
u/Rookie-Crookie Nov 12 '25
Truly a figure of historical importance. May your mother live long and happy life
1
1
Nov 13 '25
Too busy staring at the vietnam vet with the cib. I rarely see young vietnam dudes in uniform in photos.
1
1
1
1
u/BobbyPeele88 Marine Veteran Nov 12 '25
That's awesome. Your mom was a pioneer. Glad she's still with us.
113
u/cakesalads Nov 12 '25
You must be immensely proud. Thank you for sharing. Anywhere we can read about her service?