Commander Terri Winter is the first female commander of the almost entirely male Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad. She was elected unanimously by her squad. Though she describes the feeling of her election as "absolutely incredible," Winter does not deny that there have been difficulties. She had not realized how groundbreaking her election was for future generations until her phone started ringing off the hook, "After breaking that glass ceiling, I am just starting to see the struggles that our daughters, nieces, and granddaughters will have to struggle with."

Although she has faced adversity in the last year, she remains prideful in her squad and all of the accomplishments they have achieved. 2014 was a big year for the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad as they celebrated their 35th Anniversary. The squad was also honored by the likes of President Barack Obama and Minnesota's Second District Congressman and fellow Veteran, John Kline.

Organized in 1979, the Memorial Rifle Squad has been active for over 35 years. Due to the high volume of active duty Armed Force contingent losses in the 1970s, it was extremely difficult to provide Military honors at every funeral. It became increasingly apparent that an organized Rifle Squad was necessary in order to acknowledge proper Military service burial traditions. The six founding members organized an original squad and later established charter members as more Veterans volunteered until the squad has grown to what we see today.

The mission of the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad is to provide military ceremonial burial service at no charge to the family of an honorably discharged Veteran. The Memorial Rifle Squad is the only all-volunteer military rifle squad to serve continuously for over 35 years, performing funeral honors for up to 17 Veterans daily. The squad has been present at nearly 70,000 funerals and has never been deterred by extreme Minnesota weather.

Winter describes the squad's 35th anniversary as "one heck of a year." The squad made themselves available for an assortment of reunions that were happening due to the concurrent 70th anniversary of Normandy Beach. "We had an Anniversary Commemoration at the Prom Center in Oakdale and there were over 325 people in attendance. We invited anyone and everyone who was or has been on the Rifle Squad and the spouses and/or children of deceased members." In addition, Winter also created a Lifetime Achievement Award for anyone who is over the age of 85 and is still actively involved in the day to day operations of the Rifle Squad.

Members of the Memorial Rifle Squad took part in Memorial Day Ceremonies at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Winter remembers the experience fondly saying she, "would not trade it for the world." She was thoroughly impressed with the hospitality their group experienced throughout their trip as well as the emotional and educational bonding experience they were provided with. Though they were not mentioned specifically in President Obama's address, the group was touched by his compassionate words.

Additionally, Congressman John Kline recognized the squad for their dedication, "As a former Marine colonel and fellow Veteran, I have been proud to support the efforts of the Memorial Rifle Squad. On behalf of the United States Congress, I want to recognize the dedicated service of all those who have served and continue to serve on the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad."

The Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad typically recruits on a word-of-mouth basis. Winter hopes to pick up recruitment. Though the squad has a respectable capacity, the waiting list has gone from 22 to three people in recent years. She plans to makes it a point to mention the Memorial Rifle Squad to every Veteran she encounters in hopes to spread the word more effectively.

For more information, visit the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad website.