North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts Induction Ceremony 2025

North Carolina DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS in conjunction with the NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY presented the North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, December 9 , 2025. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette and Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela Cashwell were event speakers to celebrate and honor the courageous men and women whose service and leadership have shaped our state and nation. The Hall of Firsts is a collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the North Carolina Museum of History with a purpose of highlighting the accomplishments of North Carolinians who have served our country. Honorees to the Military Hall of Firsts are to be persons who, by the excellence of their military career or in connection to civic service have brought substantial honor, recognition, and esteem to themselves, their families, and the state. 2025 Inductees: SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris is a combat veteran with over 22 years of honorable service. An accomplished nonprofit executive, national military advocate, and public speaker with a strong record of leadership in veteran support services, policy development, and community engagement. Founder and Executive Director of Women Veterans Support Services, Incorporated. In 2013, she made history as the 98th Department Commander of North Carolina, becoming the first woman veteran, and the first African American and dual member of The American Legion and the Auxiliary to hold the post. Throughout her career, SGT (R) Patricia A. Harris has remained a bold and tireless advocate for active-duty military and veterans, particularly women and families, who to often suffer in silence. Through her ongoing leadership, she continues to open doors, elevate voices, and ensure no veteran is left behind. Major General Retired Elizabeth D. Austin is well known in the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) as well on the national level for her leadership and service as a military commander, logistician, and trail blazer as the first female to hold several positions during her career, including being the first female General Officer in the NCNG. She set the example and served as a role model for many throughout her career. MG(R) Austin has served in many capacities as a military officer, civilian, and retiree serving and supporting North Carolina Military Veterans and their families. Through her demonstrated persistence and achievements, she continues t o be a champion promoting equal and inclusive opportunities for veterans and their families in all aspects of society. Major General retired Austin is an Order of the Long Leaf Pine recipient. Major General Retired Harvey Dean Williams Sr. was born a son of North Carolina; born in Whiteville, raised in Durham and proud alumnus of Durhams's Hillside High School class of 1946 (graduated at age 15). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at West Virginia State College at age 19, and his Master of Science degree in International Affairs at George Washington University. He was a man o f many first, the first African American selected to attend the senior course program a t the Naval War College, one of the first selected to participate in the pioneer program that hired black Army Officers as professors at Ivy League Universities and the first black Post Commander of Fort Myer. He holds his place in history as the 16th black general in United States Army history, and the first black Army general from North Carolina.

SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris a combat veteran with over 22 years of honorable service. Inductee of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Firsts and Devell “Bo” Durham Jr. The American Legion Department N.C. Commander 2025-2026.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein spoke at the event to celebrate and honor the courageous men and women whose service and leadership have shaped our state and nation.

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette spoke at the event to celebrate and honor the courageous men and women whose service and leadership have shaped our state and nation.

2025 Inductee Major General Retired Elizabeth D. Austin is well known in the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) receives her certificate..

Major General Retired Elizabeth D. Austin is well known in the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) as well on the national level for her leadership and service as a military commander, logistician, and trail blazer as the first female to hold several positions during her career, including being the first female General Officer in the NCNG. She set the example and served as a role model for many throughout her career. MG(R) Austin has served in many capacities as a military officer, civilian, and retiree serving and supporting North Carolina Military Veterans and their families. Through her demonstrated persistence and achievements, she continues t o be a champion promoting equal and inclusive opportunities for veterans and their families in all aspects of society. Major General retired Austin is an Order of the Long Leaf Pine recipient.

2025 Inductee SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris a combat veteran with over 22 years of honorable service. Served as Post Commander at Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 in Raleigh, NC, National Vice Commander (2022-2023) for The American Legion, Founder and Executive Director of Women Veterans Support Services, Incorporated.

2025 Inductee SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris receives the medallion from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette.

2025 Inductee SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris receives a certificate from Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela Cashwell.

Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela Cashwell, 2025 Inductee SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette.

2025 Inductee SGT Retired Patricia A. Harris is a combat veteran with over 22 years of honorable service. An accomplished nonprofit executive, national military advocate, and public speaker with a strong record of leadership in veteran support services, policy development, and community engagement. Founder and Executive Director of Women Veterans Support Services, Incorporated. In 2013, she made history as the 98th Department Commander of North Carolina, becoming the first woman veteran, and the first African American and dual member of The American Legion and the Auxiliary to hold the post. Throughout her career, SGT (R) Patricia A. Harris has remained a bold and tireless advocate for active-duty military and veterans, particularly women and families, who to often suffer in silence. Through her ongoing leadership, she continues to open doors, elevate voices, and ensure no veteran is left behind.

Mrs.Williams the wife of 2025 Inductee Major General Retired Harvey Dean Williams Sr. receives a certificate from Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela Cashwell on his behalf.

Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela Cashwell, Mrs.Williams and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette

2025 Inductee Major General Retired Harvey Dean Williams Sr. was born a son of North Carolina; born in Whiteville, raised in Durham and proud alumnus of Durhams's Hillside High School class of 1946 (graduated at age 15). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at West Virginia State College at age 19, and his Master of Science degree in International Affairs at George Washington University. He was a man o f many first, the first African American selected to attend the senior course program a t the Naval War College, one of the first selected to participate in the pioneer program that hired black Army Officers as professors at Ivy League Universities and the first black Post Commander of Fort Myer. He holds his place in history as the 16th black general in United States Army history, and the first black Army general from North Carolina.