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A New Class Of Cadets Reports To U.S. Military Academy At West Point

Source: Drew Angerer / Getty

A woman from Fairfax, Virginia has become the first African-American to lead West Point’s Corps of Cadets.

According to news outlets, Cadet Simone Askew has attained the highest position in the cadet commands. She will start her new position on Monday, August 14, 2017.

She is currently in charge of 1, 502 cadets as the Regimental Commander of Cadet Basic Training II. As the First Captain, she will be responsible for 4,400 member Corps of Cadets.

According to Brig. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, commandant of cadets says that, “Simone truly exemplifies our values of duty, honor, country. Her selection is a direct result of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Corps over the last three years.”

The international history major has graduated from the Air Assualt School and is an EXCEL scholar. She was given the Black Engineer of the Year Award for her military leadership. She is also a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honorary National History Society.