In today’s moment in Women’s History, we will highlight Lt. Col. Marilyn Wills, born in November 1960 in Monroe, Louisiana.
Marilyn grew up with a passion for justice, earning degrees in criminal justice and psychology before commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1983. Her 30-year career took her from platoon leadership in Honduras to provost marshal roles in Germany and inspector general duties in Afghanistan. But her defining moment came on September 11, 2001, at the Pentagon.
As deputy chief of staff for personnel, she was in a meeting when American Airlines Flight 77 struck. Amid flames, smoke, and chaos, Marilyn led survivors in a human chain, crawling through debris to safety. Even with burns and injuries, she refused to leave until others were out, earning the Soldier’s Medal and Purple Heart for her heroism.
Retiring as a Colonel in 2013, Marilyn didn’t slow down. She volunteered during hurricanes, directed vaccination clinics that helped over 60,000 people, and taught psychology at universities. Married to LTC (R) Kirk T. Wills, a native of Clarksville, Tennessee, and raising two daughters, she balances family with community service …like coaching pickleball for kids, a lighthearted way she stays active. She continues to inspire through her remarkable life of dedication.
Her story reminds us of quiet strength in crisis, urging deeper dives into her journeys.
Remember…Education is FREEdom of mind and never should be colorblind.
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