Halstead graduated from West Point in 1981, a member of the second class of women enrolled after President Gerald Ford signed legislation allowing women applicants at service academies. She holds the distinction of being the first female graduate of the academy to be promoted to general officer. Along with a bachelor's degree in engineering from West Point, she also holds master's degrees in national resource strategy (advanced manufacturing) from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, and advanced military studies (visionary leadership) from the Army Command and General Staff College.
Halstead's distinguished 27-year military career includes service as the deputy commanding general for the 21st Theater Support Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany; commander of the 325th Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and executive assistant to the combatant commander, United States Southern Command in Miami. She has received the Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with oak leaf cluster) and Meritorious Service Medal (five oak leaf clusters), among other awards and decorations. And in 2007, she was a National Women's History Project "Generations of Women Moving History Forward" honoree.
What does Halstead have to say about chiropractic care? Here are a few of the quotes the FCP will be using, along with Halstead's image and inspirational story, to promote the benefits of chiropractic to the public:
"I have always been grateful for the care of my chiropractor and feel it is an essential part of not only preventing more serious health concerns, but also assisting in the recovery from strains and other injuries. My chiropractor is genuinely interested in me, my life and my health, and takes a holistic approach to my wellness.""[My chiropractor] allows me to be part of the solution and encourages me to be part of my own wellness plan. One of the greatest emotions in the world is relief, and that is exactly what my chiropractor provides me - a tremendous amount of relief from my pain."
"Listening appears to be a major tool of my chiropractor's [doctor kit] in order to get to the root cause of my pain and discomfort without just masking the problem with drugs with all their side effects."
"The year I was deployed to Iraq I missed my friends and family - and my chiropractor! Personally, I hope someday that chiropractic care becomes part of all our military's health care programs, so that all soldiers can have the opportunity to benefit from the care that only a doctor of chiropractic can provide."
"It is both an honor and pleasure to welcome General Halstead as a supporter," said Kent S. Greenawalt, founder and president of the FCP, in announcing her as the foundation's newest spokesperson. "Halstead exemplifies extraordinary service to this nation, and her participation as a spokesperson is a compelling message to professionals and patients alike."
Halstead is the third public figure tapped by the foundation to share their chiropractic story as an official campaign spokesperson, following Sarah Harding-Traverso (Ms. Fitness USA 2004 and 2006) and Jerry Rice.
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