Iowa Army National Guard promotes two women to positions not reached by females since 2006 Both women have served in the Iowa National Guard for over a decade and said they want this promotion to show other women serving that anything is possible. Author: Khalil Maycock Updated: 11:43 AM CST February 23, 2021 JOHNSTON, Iowa — Two women in the Iowa National Guard were recently promoted to the rank of Colonel. It's the first time since 2006 a female officer in the Army, has reached this rank. The women promoted were Col. Linda Craven, J3, Domestic Operations Officer, and Col. Wendy Johnson, Deputy Commander Clinical Services.