Eagan Soldier Highest-Ranked Openly Gay Woman In Minnesota Guard

EAGAN, MN — Stefanie K. Horvath of Eagan was promoted to brigadier general on Tuesday, making her the highest-ranking openly gay woman in the Minnesota Army National Guard. During the ceremony, Horvath credited acceptance by her peers and hard work for shaping her career.

Horvath, 48, joined the guard in 1989, the Pioneer Press reported. She also works as the chief business technology officer for Minnesota Information Technology Services. She was deployed twice, serving in Kosovo from 2003 to 2004 and Iraq from 2009 to 2010 when she was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

“Thank you for making that decision and allowing us to share in the person that you are,” Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen said at the ceremony. “We, the Minnesota National Guard, are a better organization because of you.”

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