For the first time in its history, two women have joined the Military Advisory Committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Army Lt. Col. Sonie Munson, media operations chief for U.S. Northern Command, and Sister Andrea Wagenbach, who works for the U.S. Department of Defense, joined the 11-member committee that advises Church leaders on military matters.
The two distinguished women add greater perspective to the Church’s Military Advisory Committee, said Todd Linton, director of the Military Relations Chaplain Services Division.
“For me, to have a more diverse and varied background makes the Military Advisory Committee stronger and better able to serve,” Linton said. “When you look at the population of the world and the Church, half of them are women. It’s great that we have their recommendations and perspective when we try to serve and minister to others in the military.”
The spirit these two women bring to the committee is also inspiring, Linton said.
“These women are both pioneers in their respective fields, as well as in service to their country, their communities, and to their God,” he said.
News of the two women joining the committee comes months after Jenna Carson, a returned missionary and Harvard Divinity School alum, became the first Church-sponsored female military chaplain.
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Learn more about Army Lt. Col. Munson and Sister Wagenbach on Church News.