Fairfax Woman Makes History In New West Point Role

FAIRFAX, VA—A Fairfax woman is breaking new ground with her appointment in a West Point leadership role. Simone Askew was named the first captain of the Corps of Cadets, becoming the first African-American woman to assume the position.

In her position, she will be responsible for approximately 4,400 cadets, according to an Army statement. In her last position as a regimental commander of cadet training, she has led 1,502 cadets.

"Simone truly exemplifies our values of Duty, Honor, Country. Her selection is a direct result of her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Corps over the last three years," said Brig. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, commandant of cadets, in a statement.

WATCH: West Point Names Simone Askew First Captain

Askew also participates in the Army West Point Crew team, is an international history major and has received a Black Engineer of the Year Award for Military Leadership. She also graduated from Air Assault School.

Her mother Pam Askew told NBC Washington Simone first showed an interest in the military during third grade when she saw a Navy football same. “She saw them all in formation and rose up and asked me, ‘What does it take to lead that?’” Pam Askew told NBC Washington.

Before joining the army, Askew grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from Fairfax High School in 2014. According to the school district, she was class president, captain of the volleyball team and founder of the Black Student Union. She had been admitted to West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy and chose to attend West Point, the oldest military academy in the U.S.

“Simone is a very accomplished young woman who has set high standards and goals for herself. We are proud of her success and celebrate along with her," said Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand in a statement.

Image via U.S. Army