Profiles of Bravery
Command Sgt. Maj. Evelyn Hollis
First black female command sergeant major of a combat arms unit
Command Sgt. Maj. Evelyn Hollis entered the Army in 1979 during a time of great debate over whether women should serve in combat units. She started her military career as an administrative specialist. In the 1990s, numerous opportunities began opening for women to serve in combat arms units. During this time, she was offered the opportunity to advance her career by switching her career field to air defense artillery. Since then, Hollis has moved through the ranks and received the Bronze Star for her service during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In April 2004, she made history when she became the first female command sergeant major of a combat arms unit by assuming command of the 1st Battalion, 31st Air Defense Artillery Command.
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