From the Prairie to the Pentagon: The Inspiring Story of the Airman Who Achieved the Highest Position Ever Held by an Enlisted Woman in U.S. Military

A poignant story of faith, family, and country that reveals the courage it takes to try, succeed, and live to tell about life's often-improbable journey.

-Linda Lingle

Governor of Hawaii (2002-2010)

The inspirational story of a young girl's journey from the family farm to a seat at the table with the most powerful civilian and military men in the world.

Raised on the family farm in Central Minnesota, Denise Jelinski-Hall attended a one-room country school through the fifth grade and never dreamed of opportunities beyond her rural community. After graduating from high school, she took an assembly-line job as a seamstress, then became a teller at the local bank. One day, a chance observation by a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard changed her life forever: "I see so much more potential in you, Denise. Why don't you join the Air Force and get out of this town?"

Over the next three decades, Denise rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as the first woman to be the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the chief of the National Bureau, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). In this position, she became the first woman to serve as a Senior Enlisted Advisor to a member of the JCS-the highest position ever achieved by an enlisted woman in the history of the US military. Denise's memoir demonstrates what one person can achieve with a strong work ethic and a desire to serve. It is a timeless American story of success, determination, perseverance, and faith.

This story is an inspiration to those in the military. Denise is a role model for leadership

in the corporate world and an example of achievement to those looking for self-improvement.

-Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston

United States Army (ret.)