Rita Aragon
| Rita Aragon | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 4th Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
|
Assumed office January 10, 2011 |
|
| Governor | Mary Fallin |
| Preceded by | Norman Lamb |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 3, 1947 |
| Alma mater | Central State College |
| Profession | Military Officer, Teacher |
| Awards | Legion of Merit |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | Air National Guard |
| Years of service | 1979–2006 |
| Rank |
 Major General
|
| Commands | Oklahoma Air National Guard |
| Battles/wars | War on Terror |
LaRita A. "Rita" Aragon (born December 3, 1947) is a retired United States Air National Guard two-star general who is currently serving as the 4th Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Her final active military post was as the Air National Guard assistant to the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Manpower and Personnel. She retired in 2006.
Aragon is the first woman to hold the position of VA Secretary. As Secretary, Aragon serves as Governor Mary Fallin's chief advisor on matters related to the policies and operations of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
Rita Aragon earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1970. She would also receive a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from that same institution in 1979.
Aragon enlisted in the Oklahoma Air National Guard on September 9, 1979 as an Airman Basic in the 218th Engineering Installation Squadron stationed out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She received her commission through the Academy of Military Science at Knoxville, Tennessee, in October 1981. She returned to the 218th EIS as an administrative officer. In February 1989, then Captain Aragon became the first female commander in the history of the Oklahoma Air National Guard when she assumed command of the 137th Services Squadron at Will Rogers World Airport Air National Guard Base. She became the first female to hold the rank of Brigadier General in the history of the United States Air National Guard as the commander and Assistant Adjutant General for the Oklahoma Air National Guard in March 2003. As Assistant Adjutant General for Air, General Aragon reported directed to the Adjutant General of Oklahoma.
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