Jeanne Holm Obituary

HOLM JEANNE M. HOLM Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.) On February 15, 2010, Maj Gen Jeanne Holm of Edgewater, MD, died of pneumonia at the Anne Arundel Hospital, Annapolis, MD. Born in 1921 in Portland, OR, General Holm began her career in 1942 in the Women''s Army Auxiliary Corps and was a company commander in the Women''s Army Corps. Her reentry to military service in 1948 led to a distinguished career in the Air Force including appointment as the Director of Women in the Air Force. In 1971, she became the first woman promoted to general officer in the Air Force and, in 1973, the first woman promoted to two-star rank in the armed forces. After retirement in 1975, she served as a Special Assistant on Women for President Ford and was a policy consultant for the Carter administration. She is the author of "Women in the Military, An Unfinished Revolution." Funeral services will be at 8:45 a.m., March 29, 2010, at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA, followed by internment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. A reception will follow at the Women''s Memorial. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Women In Military Service Memorial Foundation, Dept 560, Washington, DC 20042, would be appreciated. General Holm was an active Memorial supporter.

Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 21, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jeanne Holm

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I had talked to Jeanne on the phone many times over the years but finally had the pleasure of meeting my Aunt Norma Loeser's friend this past September. My husband Matthew and I were traveling last September and decided to detour a bit when we learned that the Girls were going to be at their Vail condo. Wow is all I can say! Jeanne was a wonderful lady with such a great sense of humor. We laughed and laughed over lunch as we listened to her many stories. Oh my, what a "corker". She was so full of life, so sharp, so personable; we fell in love with her immediately. Our afternoon ended much too quickly. We spoke of when we would meet up again with us traveling to visit them in Maryland. Sadly that was not to be. We will miss the one and only, the Great Major General. Rest in peace, Jeanne, you will never be forgotten.

Matthew & Jane (Hagar) Babbie

March 9, 2010

I was fortunate enough to meet Gen Holm while I was a Military Training Instructor at Lackland AFB, Texas. Gen Holm was years ahead of her time in realizing what could be accomplished by using the full talents and abilities of women serving in the military. I send heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and admired this special lady.
MSgt Lucille D. Laugesen
USAF Retired (1975)

Lucille Laugesen

March 8, 2010

My sincerest sympathies are extended from Queensland, Australia,to the family of General Holms. As a 20+ year retired USAF Lt Col and one of the first female navigators in the USAF, I am indebted to her for opening the doors for me and countless other women who desired a meaningful career in the military. May she rest in peace, and may her family know what a life-changing impact her life and her actions had on all of us.

Margaret Stanek

March 1, 2010

She influenced so many careers, especially mine. I met Gen Holm in 1965 when I went for an interview at the pentagon. We were in the ladies room and she was in civilian clothes. I had no idea who she was at the time. She asked how the interview went and I told her they don't want a female for that position. Well within minutes I had the job. I was so fortunate to share time with her discussing the women in the service. She was always asking what the Air Force could do to make things better for the WAF. What a sophisticated professional. She was my hero for sure. Then in 1969 I needed a personal endorsement from someone important to come back into the Air Force as prior service, she came through again. And again in my getting an assignment to Thailand. I guess the stories could go on and on with her shattering the glass. I salute you, General Holm and future generations of women in the service will also salute you.

Dee Van Ness

February 28, 2010

We are sad to hear about Jeannie's passing. We were her friends, outside the military, and it was hard to see her other than just Jeannie, an interesting and fun person. We cherish all the many ski vacations with her & Norma. And, so many, many times, when I found myself snared in that "old boys" network, I got inspiration & courage from thinking of Major General Holm and what she had accomplished. For that we respect her & for being our friend, we celebrate her life. We will never forget you.
Carolyn Brown Capps
Randy Capps (his father: Colonel Robert Capps, Retired)

Randy & Carolyn Brown Capps

February 28, 2010

The General made a great impact on all women in the military. Deepest respects to her. Condolences to Dr Loeser, the Holms family, and Gen Holms many friends.

WAC Chapter 97, Hermanado, FL

Grace McMillan

February 27, 2010

I was stunned to learn of Jeanne's passing today. She would always go out of her way to visit with me and my coworkers every time she came out to Colorado. She would always give us big hugs and ask how our families were doing. Jeanne was not only a favorite customer of ours, she was family. What a dear, sweet lady she was. We will miss you very, very much!

Gary Koch

February 26, 2010

General Holm accomplished so much for women in the military. I hope today's Air Force realize whose shoulders they are standing on.

Dottie Holmes

February 26, 2010

I stood up and applauded after reading the obituary of General Holm yesterday. It was the least I could do. I only now realize I owe thanks for my opportunity serve in the USAF to her and other strong like minded women that would not take no for an answer. It was an honor to read of some of her many accomplishments, albeit posthumously. Long live her legacy.

Lisa Spoonts

February 25, 2010

We wish to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Major General Jeanne M. Holm, a truly remarkable and most insightful lady, who justly became one of the real legends of the new United States Air Force of today.

- PER ARDUA AD ASTRA -

ALLEN ANTHONY

February 25, 2010

I never had the pleasure of meeting Jeanne Holm, but over the years I heard about many of her accomplishments including support for the women in the Air Force. I heard from several of my family members that Jeanne had a wonderful sense of humor. I know many many relatives, friends, and especially my Aunt Norma will miss her dearly. I hope her many memories will bring comfort to you Aunt Norma. My prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Susan Hagar/Miller

February 24, 2010

What can I say except tha General Holm was a very special woman. She was not only my role model but my hero as well. The military is a much better place today because Jeanne Holm served in it. Now she belongs to the ages. Mary N. Abbott, LtCol, USAF Ret

Mary Abbott

February 24, 2010

Wow, what do you say about someone like Jeanne,I guess, just She was the Greatest.My wife and I visited my Aunt Norma and Jeanne and stayed with them this last June, We just had the best time with them, Jeanne told me stories of Her past and We talked for hours. Her achievements are far to many to mention,Her office was like a museum and She was so causal about it all. I will always remember my wife Fatima's comment while driving with Jeanne to dinner,she said,"I'm not the General's driver, The General is my driver".
We are so glad that We got to spent time with the Two Ladies last year, I know how much We all will miss Her and We know where You are Jeanne. God Bless You.

Jonathan Hagar

February 24, 2010

The first I heard of General Holm was "jeanne at the Helm"; "mother Jean". All nice words but I didn't know if she owned a boat or she had been a 'Nun". Found out she owned a boat:) I got to meet her and a year later I was working for her. I was there in her office when her and the staff worked so hard to open as many career fields as possible for women. I was there when the Supreme Court said that military women could claim their civilian husbands as dependents(1972). I was there when she wrote the "white paper" on integrating the WAF into the Air Force and I was there to witness when the WAF Squadrons were done away with. I got to see her testify on the Hill that the Air Force was ready to accept women into the Air Force Academy. It was the first time women had testified on the Hill. She was "poetry in motion" to watch her work thes changes with her charm. She always said "timeing is everything". I got to serve as the Air Force enlisted rep on DACOWITS my last 2 years in the Air Force and got to sit with and talk with her when she came to the meetings.
She still had good advice for all of us. She was and still is my "Shero"!!
She could walk into a briefing with all men and within minutes they would turn over the entire meeting to her:) When she smiled her eyes always sparkled. Wonderful leader and she truly cared about the Air Force and the women of the Air Force. We will miss her, but never, never forget her large contributions to the United States Air Force!!!!!

Susan Turner(Ret CMSgt)

February 23, 2010

We first met Jeanne in 2002. What a character! She loved life and was such an amazing person to know. We loved listening to the wonderful stories she told us. She will be forever missed and remembered. We are definitely blessed to have known a person like Jeanne and have many fond memories. Our hearts and prayers go out to Norma and her family.

David & Dawn Moe

February 23, 2010

Jeanne Holm was the best thing that ever happened to the women in the Air Force. She moved mountains for us and she will be missed by the military community (MSgt Barb Estes, retired, San Antonio, TX)

February 23, 2010

Gen. Holm was an inspiration to all the women who entered the Airf Force. I am just one who entered the Air Force in the late 50's. I was fortunate to meet her on one occasion and she became our hero.
God blessed us with a true leader. Donna Henrickson

Donna (Pease) Henrickson

February 22, 2010

A note from the ARMY. MG Holm was a role model for all of us who served. I loved being around her at our DACWITS meetings. She inspired all of us. I am sure her passing leaves a void in many lives but her life filled a lot of voids
I will always treasure the picture I have taken with her as I will treasure the time spent with her. What a women! Beverly Trevor LTC USA Retired.

bev trevor

February 22, 2010

General Holm, with her courage, wisdon and grace shattered the glass ceiling for military women again and again.She sat the bar and many followed her lead. Her influence will live on. Letha Owens

Letha Owens

February 22, 2010

Gen. Holm was my commander when I was a young WAF in the late 60's. I remember her regal bearing and complete and utter confidence in her "ladies". Maryagnes Kuehmichel (Abramovich) Wauwatosa, WI

February 22, 2010

Jeanne Holm meant a lot to many, many Women in the Air Force. She was the driving force in our full integration as military members. Comments in performance reports changed from "This is the best WAF..." to "This is the best NCO..." She was a lady and led us to more ladylike behavior. She took care of us. I appreciate all her efforts on our behalf.
Carol R. Poynor, CMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Served 1958-1984

Carol Poynor

February 21, 2010

General Jeanne Holm was an inspiration to all of us. I have always admired General Holm for her contributions for the Women in the Air Force.
My sincere condolences to her family, and many friends.
MSGT Audrey Stewart.
USAF Retired (l974)

Audrey Stewart

February 21, 2010

General Holm opened so many doors for women in the military services. Her personal magnetism, exceptional professionalism and genuine concern for the welfare of others served was a strong catalyst in gaining acceptance of military women as equals, in the predomaninangly male work force. General Holm was loved and respected by so many and her contributions will live on in the minds and hearts of all the men and women she touched, inspired and helped throughout her life. Nancy Sanford, Lt. Col., USAF (Retired)

Nancy Sanford

February 21, 2010

my deepest sympathies go to jeannes' family and her long time friend, dr. norma loeser. dr. loeser is my aunt . jeanne was a very fun loving person also. she will be sadly missed. linda hagar

linda hagar

February 21, 2010

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