Ft. CAMPBELL, Ky. — Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a command sergeant in U.S. Army history leading the 101st Airborne Division.

Knapp was appointed to the position by Maj. Gen. Joseph McGee, who says she is more than qualified for the position. 

"Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp was selected because she was the most qualified and the best candidate they had," said McGee. "I had an opportunity to pick from a bunch of senior non-commissioned officers, and it was very clear to me that her unique skill set, her background is exactly what we need at Fort Campbell in the 101st Airborne Division."

Knapp has certainly made her way through the ranks, going from a team leader to a command sergeant major, and she is excited to take on this next challenge.

“Words can't express how honored and how bold I am to serve this elite division and our exceptional community," said Knapp.

Knapp will lead more than 20,000 non-commissioned officers and takes over for Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker. 

Barker says she is stepping in at the perfect time. 

“With the pandemic, I felt like I got a little bit robbed of the entire experience," said Barker. "Major Knapp is coming in at a great time. We are getting ready to have the entire division back here at Fort Campbell, and I am looking forward to her taking it to new heights.”

Knapp is expected to serve in this position for two years and has been enlisted in the U.S. Army for 21 years.