(WASHINGTON, DC) OutServe-SLDN extends congratulations to Major General Patricia “Trish” Rose, who became the U.S. military’s highest ranking out gay officer, and her wife, retired Naval officer Julie Roth.
“Our congratulations go out to Major General Rose and Lieutenant Roth, both for General Rose’s promotion and for their integrity in being honest and open about who they are,” said Allyson Robinson, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director. “These are our core values, and they set an example for our troops that it is our courage and our diversity that make us strong.”
Rose’s promotion ceremony was held on May 31, led by her direct supervisor, General Janet Wolfenbarger, the first female four-star general in the United States Air Force. With a small crowd in attendance, Rose’s wife pinned her second star.
Rose is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. A logistician, she’s served assignments in both aircraft maintenance and transportation in seven different commands. Her reserve assignments include command of the 36th Aerial Port Squadron at McChord AFB, Washington, where her squadron won the dual distinction of being selected for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Mobility Command’s Total Force Air Reserve Component Aerial Port Unit of the Year.
Rose and Roth were legally married in their home state of Washington after marriage equality became legal in the state last year. When Rose earned her first star, she asked her friend and neighbor, Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer, to pin it in a private promotion ceremony. Cammermeyer, a fellow Washingtonian, was ejected from the Washington National Guard for admitting she was gay and became a prominent advocate for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Her story was told in the film “Serving in Silence.”
In her civilian capacity, Rose is the public relations and marketing director for a local hospital.
“I’m particularly proud of the Air Force, and of our Reserve components, for continuing to demonstrate that our diversity is our strength,” said Josh Seefried, Co-Chair of the OutServe-SLDN board of director. “Our best wishes go to Major General Rose and her wife — as well as our gratitude for their integrity in demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to family as well as to service.”