The first woman to be promoted to brigadier general in the Illinois National Guard is retiring.

Alicia Tate-Nadeau  made history in 2015 when she became the guard’s first woman promoted to brigadier general.

She is retiring after 32 years in the military after serving in a variety of positions around the world.

She was feted at a Camp Lincoln ceremony last week.

She says her most difficult task came early in the Iraq War when she served as National Guard public affairs officer.

She says it was a “privilege to serve” the families and military members who served.